Jake was a heroin addict. He started smoking pot when he was 12 when led to other drugs and eventually heroin. Jake stole from me. Jake lied to me. Jake could not keep a job. Jake was my son. I miss him.

Jake was an artist. Beautiful sketches fill book after book. Framed pieces of his fill my house and give me a sense of peace. Jake was an athlete. When Jake was three we laced up his skates and he glided across the ice as if he were finally home.

He was a firecracker catcher in baseball. All opponents knew not to attempt a steal when he was behind the plate.

​Jake was a humanitarian. Every winter I bought coats, hats, gloves and scarves for him multiple times. Jake always found someone who needed them more than he and would give them away. Jake was a musician. Jake played the piano by ear. He would listen to rap songs and then go play them on his cello. He loved singing and sharing his music with others.

Jake was an animal lover. He would save rodents or elephants from disastrous fates. He spent many days picketing against animal cruelty. He loved his cat Tinker and always fed the neighborhood strays.

Jake was a writer. Many aspects are recorded in his journals whether it be a song he was writing or his hopes and dreams.

Jake was my son. I miss him.

by Amy Hunter, his mother