I got a phone call from my mom earlier today telling me that my younger step-brother had passed away in his bed. He was 24. We don't really know what happened yet. I was basically shocked to get the news and for the longest time today it didn't really wash over me until I started to think about all the phone conversations I've had with Jon over the last few years.
He was 12 years old when my mom married his dad and from the instant we met he immediately considered my brother Jerry and I his older brothers and he was our little brother... no 'step' about it. I always really liked that.... the fact that he called me his Big Brother and meant it. Blood relation didn't figure into the matter one bit.
He visited me here in L.A. a few years back and after that we talked on the phone at least once every couple of months. He'd tell me about where he was living, what he was up to, and he would share with me what his latest (and ever changing) dreams and aspirations were.
Every time we'd go to end the conversation and hang up, he'd say, "I love you". Every single time.
There aren't nearly enough people in our lives that tell us "I love you" and sincerely mean it. To lose one really, really sucks.
I knew him, he was a really good guy!!! and I'll never forget him..
he used to cheer me up by singing to me when I was sad..
I miss him!
Posted by: Felicia | May 16, 2007 at 11:51 PM
I have known Jon since middle school; after high school I would see him every so often. It was always good to see his face. I had come home from school back around December and ended up hanging with him and some friends at his apartment. He said he had something for me...it was an early Christmas card. It was the last time I saw him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: suzi | May 18, 2007 at 08:50 PM
i knew him really well, he used to come over so often. him, my husband, and me were together a lot in the past few months. he was even talking about moving in some time within the next couple months. i will truly miss him. i really find it shocking and sad. now i feel bad that i never went to a show with him, i just thought there would always be time for it in the future... :(
Posted by: Sydney | May 20, 2007 at 02:42 PM
Jon is my cousin by relation but brother by spirit. Every time Jon would end our phone conversation he would say "tell Sabrina and my god-son that I love them, I love you bro, talk to ya' later". It hurts to think that I wont get to talk to him anymore.
Posted by: Ryan Hilger | May 22, 2007 at 03:57 PM
What was the final prognosis?
Posted by: flyte44 | June 03, 2007 at 01:15 PM
I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I had only talked to him a couple of weeks prior, and he seemed so happy the last time we talked. I stumbled onto this heartbreaking news last night as I went to send him greetings. I hope that your family is okay and that you all know how much he was loved by all sorts of people from every walk of life.
Posted by: Laura | June 12, 2007 at 05:43 AM