Struggling Through by Sami Mills

It's finally happened!  One of my biggest dreams has been achieved.  I'm a PUBLISHED AUTHOR!  My book, Struggling Through, has been long in the making and I'm thrilled to release "my baby" out into the world.

I hope you love Jeremy and Trace as much as I do.  You can find Struggling Through on Amazon.

Blurb:

Jeremy is a high school student whose life is full of secrets. He believes that keeping those to himself is the only way his family will love and accept him. There is one problem. The bully at school. Junior is relentless and his actions jeopardize Jeremy's secrets and happy life. 

Trace is one of Jeremy's secrets. He's also out and proud. He wants a relationship with Jeremy, but he's not willing to go back into the closet for anyone.  

How will Jeremy survive high school with a bully lurking around the hallways? Can Jeremy and Trace find a way to be together despite the limitations of Jeremy's secrets?  

Adult Bullying

I'd like to take a moment to talk about adult bullying. I know this is long, but please stick with me.

Bullying. It’s a subject that’s in the news a lot lately. I think, as adults, when we hear about bullying we perceive it as something that happens mainly to kids. I used to think like that, too. Only now, not so much. I’ll preface this by stating this is not about the current political atmosphere (because once I start on that, I might not stop). This is personal.

First, I wanted to know if what I perceived as a bullying incident really was a bullying incident, so I did a little research.

This is what I found. There are three core elements of bullying. The first being intentional hurtful action. Second - the action or actions are repeated over time. Last, but certainly not least, involves an imbalance of power.

You still with me?

You might ask what prompted me to check this out (or maybe you didn’t, but I’ll tell you anyway). 

Anyone who knows me well, knows I’m a strong ally for the LGBTQIA community. Several years ago, I found an amazing, close-knit community of authors and readers. There, I made some of the best friends I’ve ever had. It’s a welcoming community, everyone seems so sincere and nice, and mostly it’s true. However, I’ve run across the actions of a few that don’t appear so sincere. Or so nice.

I've seen instances where authors are given a hard time because of the way they choose to wear their hair, or who they have as friends are. I’m not sure why anybody would think they have the right to question those personal decisions. These examples of bullying were posted for the whole world to see. Shameful.

There is another type of bullying going on, too. This bullying is sly, deceitful, and mostly transparent. 

It’s bullying at its finest, which also happens to be at its worst. It’s talking behind people’s backs. It’s the ganging-up on someone by a group of people. In this case, it happens to be authors ganging up against other authors. Why? Who knows. And you know what? Who cares? It’s wrong. Period.

What pisses me off the most is the intentional pain this causes those who are being bullied. What’s happening is a willful attempt to imbalance power. You don’t like someone? Fine. You want to tell your friends your feelings? Double fine. Everyone needs to vent. What is NOT fine is to pressure others into following along with you. Hence, your attempt to imbalance power. Ganging up on or against someone in any way, shape, or form is wrong.

It’s hurtful. To think that your actions don’t damage the human sprit is naive. No one likes to be talked about. No one likes to be excluded from their friends and peers. To knowingly and willingly cause that, in my opinion, is horrific and despicable. What kind of person does that on purpose? The mind set is just beyond me. 

And what’s really despicable is the impact this type of bullying has on a writer’s livelihood. When the bullying among peers is so widespread it affects book sales, it’s clear that this isn’t just a group of people gossiping about their own. They are intentionally trying to thwart a career and destroy a reputation. How would you like that to happen to you as an author? If a group banded together to ruin you?

I’ve seen it in action, and it’s heart-rending, and frankly it pisses me off.

During my research, I found that there are also three types of bullying. Verbal bullying. Physical bullying. Social bullying.

Social bullying, sometimes referred to as relational bullying, involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. This includes leaving someone out on purpose, telling other people not to be friends with someone, spreading false rumors about someone, or embarrassing someone in public.

Social bullying is what I’m seeing the most of among authors here, and it’s hurtful and destructive. It’s hurtful to those it’s aimed at. It’s hurtful to those who care about those being targeted. It’s also hugely destructive to the community in which I’m so in love with.

Let’s face it, those who participate in bullying look bad. You think readers and other authors don’t notice? Think again. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I can, and do, speak for myself. I’ve taken a strong stand against bullying of any kind. I will not knowingly support those who participate in this type of behavior.

You may think that bullying adults doesn’t have the same affect as bullying children, but you are wrong. We all have feelings. We all want to fit in. None of us want to be talked about, excluded, or ganged-up against. For the last year, I’ve watched a malicious campaign against an author or two. The authors don’t deserve what’s happened to them.

I have grandchildren who are school age. They see bullying of all types, day-in and day-out. It is not acceptable to them as children Why should it be acceptable to you as an adult? 

If I don’t take a stand here and now, and show them that bullying is not acceptable in the adult world, what am I teaching them?

Please, if you’re a bully, I beseech you to think about the harm you are causing.

If you’re being bullied, please know that you are not alone. Many of us, myself included, stand with you.

Elpída by C. Kennedy

When I sit down to read a book by C. Kennedy I know one thing for sure. The story will not disappoint. But there was something else I knew when I sat down to read Elpída, the third and final book in the Elpída series by C. Kennedy, as with all the books in this series I knew I was going to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster.

As in books one and two of the series (Omorphi and Tharros), this third book follows Christy, a young man who has been horrifically abused, and his boyfriend Michael. Don’t get me wrong, there are a host of other characters who are integral to the story, but for now, I’m going to focus on Christy and Michael.

I can’t imagine what it would be like to go through what Christy has gone through. Yet I know in my head, and statistics support it, that thousands of children are physically and sexually abused daily. In this series Mr. Kennedy brings us Christy, who is living in the aftermath of such abuse. It’s important to note that while the abuse is discussed in part, there is no actual abuse written on the page. That is huge. Thank you, Mr. Kennedy, for not sensationalizing the horrors these kids go through. 

We read on as Christy works hard to work through what’s been done to him while he fights to build a new life for himself. It is a struggle of epic proportions that will leave you in awe of Christy’s spirit and fortitude. I won’t lie, it hurts. It hurts to know that people can be so horrific to one another. Mr. Kennedy does not sugar-coat the strength of will it takes Christy to work at being happy. And there is happy. This book is full of happy spots that will make you smile and laugh. 

Then we have Michael, who loves Christy with his whole heart. Michael is so kind and so patient. Before reading this series I never gave much thought to those that love, care for, advocate for, and help counsel abused kids. But I have to say, as I read this book I gained insight and respect for those who work to help these kids rebuild themselves. Michael is not perfect, which is part of what makes him so endearing. He’s your everyday high school graduate, with a heart of gold and who is a fierce protector of those he loves.

There are a host of other fantastic characters that are just as important to the story as Christy and Michael and if you’ve read books one and two, you are familiar with many. If you’ve only read this book in the series you are also familiar with most of them. (If I wrote about each of them this review would go on forever! The characters are all that amazing!)

I will briefly touch upon two other characters. In Elpída we finally get to meet Thimi, whom Christy has known forever and who was abused along with Christy. We also meet Zero. Both of these new boys reside at the Wellington Ranch. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I will tell you that more than once, Thimi broke my heart and I literally cried over what had happened to him, but that little guy is a fighter and I have great hope for his future.

That one word. 

Hope. ElpÍda.

Is what leads me to the conclusion of this review. 

Hope. Elpída.

This series was written by the author for the boys he advocates for. This book shows that hope is alive. Sometimes all we have is hope. Isn’t that what we all want? Hope? Hope for a life filled with happiness. Hope for a life far away from pain and fear? This book, no THIS SERIES, supplies that hope in spades. A profound thank you to C. Kennedy for this series of books--We can all use that hope in our lives. 

“Always remember that abuse does not define you. Never judge yourself by what others have done to you.” ~Cody Kennedy, Elpída Series

“While there is life, there is hope, little brother.” 

~Cody Kennedy, Elpída Series

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Splinters by Thorny Sterling

After reading Splinters I must say I’m speechless.  In a totally, overwhelmingly great way.  There are very few (if any) debut books that are as well written and articulate as Thorny Sterling’s Splinters.

The story starts with Allan waking up tied to a wooden plank.  What’s even more disturbing is the fact he has no recollection of how he got there. 

Looking down from astride his mount Duke sees what appears to be a man, bound to a wooden plank in the middle of his range.  Duke has no idea what’s happened to the man or how he got there, but one thing is for sure.  The guy didn’t do that to himself.

From the very first sentence to the very last period Mr. Sterling wove a tale of mystery and intrigue that quite honestly had me engrossed in the story. Not only that, but it was fun.

As I immersed myself in the story of the big city fashion model and Texas cowboy I was struck by how well written this was.  The flow of the story seemed effortless and the pacing was perfect. The author definitely has a special voice when weaving a story.  His words are beautifully sculpted and they created a world that made me feel like I was a part of it, sitting front and center, watching events unfold.

One of the things I loved the most (and trust me, there were many) was how the author was able to show his character’s vulnerabilities without making them look weak.  

I feel this is a talented, up and coming author and I’m really looking forward to reading more of his stories in the future.  

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Edward Unconditionally by Lynn Lorenz

This was a wonderful book.  Jack is the Chief of Police in a small town and he is straight.  Or is he?  Edward is an out and proud gay man traveling through Jack’s small town.  When Jack pulls Edward over in his little sport car sparks fly. 

What I really liked was watching the entire story unfold.  The loving grandmother that Edward was kept away from as a child--they reunited and formed a strong and loving bond which I adored.  The supportive friends that Edward made enhanced the story. The relationship between Edward and his dog cracked me up.

Last but by far not least, Jack.  I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the relationship between Jack and Edward evolve.  I loved watching Jack come to terms with who he was and what he wanted.  I cheered when he found the strength to go for what his heart desired to make his life happy.   

Thanks for just a great book, Lynn! 

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

M/M Book Reviews

While still reading as much as ever, lately I've become extremely lax in writing reviews.  The reason is this.  My blog is as yet mostly unviewed (yes, I think I made that word up) and unread.  Now there is a huge reason for that....I haven't done much in the way of letting anyone know it exists.  Sure, I mention it in passing from time to time, but I haven't really made an attempt to be marketed.  

I'm not sure that is ever going to change...Honestly, why would someone want to read a review that I've written?  Now, let's not misunderstand, I'm not feeling sorry for myself.  Not in the very least.  But, I'm not a stellar review writer.  My pen does flow, but it's mostly when I write stories for myself.    

Today I was reading a blog by Jeff Erno who blogged a post titled, "What's Happening To All the M/M Review Sites?"  In it Jeff made a very valid point.  One I'd never thought of before.  

Jeff states, "We're a small genre, and most of the authors who write m/m are not wealthy.  Many of us cannot afford to hire publicists and pay for expensive advertisements.  The free promotion on the internet that the book review websites provide is invaluable..."

I do honestly believe that the best thanks you can give an author is to write a review and post it.  So, I'm going to try to be better at writing reviews and posting them here.  Will they ever get read?  Maybe, more probably not.  But, I'll attempt to keep writing reviews on the off chance someone takes a peek in here and I can help a writer find an audience and become more widely read.

Sandy

Us Three by Mia Kerick

I’m going to start off with a totally unfounded confession.  I was a little apprehensive at the thought of starting this book.  I want to make it clear, it was never an issue as to whether or not I’d read it, as I dearly love Mia Kerick’s writing, but none the less I was a little nervous.  

Why, you ask?  In the past I’ve read a couple of menage books and they just weren’t for me.  However, and this is a HUGE HOWEVER, this book is unlike any I’ve read before and from the very beginning I fell in love with Casey, Nate, Zander and their story.

Ms. Kerick leads us on the journey of these three young men who attend school together, but who really have nothing to do with each other.  Their lives cannot be any more different than night is to day.  However, they do find that they have one thing in common, the love of each other.

This is a sweet story that made me feel like I was with these guys every step of the way, watching their friendship begin, grow, evolve and flourish into love. I can honestly say I was sad when I reached the end of the book, I would have liked for it to go on, and on, and on.

Thank you, Mia.  I love the sensitivity in which you wrote your young men and their story.  Several tough issues, that I believe kids face today, were highlighted in your story and you handled each one with love and grace.

My rating  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Out of the Blackness by Carter Quinn

Avery is a young man who has been through unimaginable horrors.   Understandably he is terrified of life.  He's afraid to trust and to love.  He's afraid to touch and to be touched.  Reading about the abuse he suffered broke my heart. 

Sam is biologically Avery's best friend, but in their hearts they are brothers. Sam was with Avery at a very critical time in his life and was and is his protector.  Loving and kind, Sam is Avery's reason for living.

In enters Noah.  Noah is beautiful and full of life. He takes one look and Avery and is smitten.  Only there is a problem, Avery wants absolutely nothing to do with him or anyone else for that matter.

Beaten down from years of abuse Avery is afraid of everything, but he's met his complete opposite in Noah.  From the very beginning Noah sets his sights on Avery and from then on out this is a book about overcoming fear, patience and finding love.  It’s about treating someone with kindness and respect.  It’s about doing what’s best for the other person, rather than what you want.  

This story broke my heart time and time again, but I have to tell you, it was so worth it.  To watch Avery learn trust and then finally love, I’d gladly do it all over again....and I will.  This book is now one of my all time favorite reads and I’ll visit it again and again. 

Thank you, Mr. Quinn, for such a heartaching and beautiful book.  I treasure this story.


Carter Quinn is a 2014 GRL supporting author.   

My rating:  ⭐️⭐⭐️⭐⭐️

The Red Sheet by Mia Kerick

I don’t know how Mia Kerick continually does it, but she’s written another fabulous book.

Bryan, the popular high school jock, wakes up one morning and he’s changed.  His feelings, his outlook on life and the way he treats people.  There’s only one problem with the shiny new him....he has a lapse in his memory and he can’t help but feel something very wrong happened.

Scott, the beautiful sweet hearted boy, attends a party one night and is devastated by several acts of cruelty directed toward him.  He can’t forget what happened and he doesn’t feel he can forgive those who perpetrated the acts.

Oh...and have I mentioned the red sheet?  It was a great addition to the story which made it fun and heartwarming all at the same time.  The significance of it will not be lost on the reader. 

Among many things, this is a story about courage, love and forgiveness.

One of the things I love the best about Ms. Kerick’s writing is her ability to build a world where the characters feel real to me.  I laugh with them and I cry with them. I rejoice and I mourn.  It’s a very special and gifted writer who can take their readers on a journey and make them feel like they’re a part of it. 

I fell so in love with these boys and their story. 

My rating: ⭐️⭐⭐⭐⭐

GRL Baby!

Woo hoo! I'm in!  I'm going to GRL or GayRomLit.  I'm so excited I could burst!

That is all....

Holding on to Hope by Sid Love

This is the debut book from this up and coming author and he should seriously be proud of himself.

The world he’s created is different from any other, which was a very sweet treat. From the very beginning of this book he caught my attention and drew me right in and held me there.

Brad met the man of his dreams, but unfortunately for him, he really couldn’t remember anything about him or the time they spent together.  This starts Brad’s quest to find his perfect guy and along the way it takes twists and turns I didn’t see coming.  I don’t want to go into detail, because I don’t want to ruin this for anyone by supplying spoilers.

Suffice it to say, I really liked everything about this book from the characters the writer created to the world they live in.  I’d love to see more of Brad and his mystery man in the future.

Congratulations on your first book, Sid.  You did a fabulous job!!!

My rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Cupid's Wager by Deanna Wadsworth

What I love about this book is what I have loved about each and every book I’ve read that has been written by Deanna Wadsworth.  It’s fun. And it’s hot.  What is not to like about that combination?  Ms. Wadsworth seem to excel when it comes to merging the two together. Her characters are always lovable and Lio and Ethan are no exception.

I love how this author’s brain works and the ideas she comes up with.  This was a really cute read and I’d love to see more of Lio and Ethan in the future.

Deanna Wadsworth is a 2014 GRL featured author.

My rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Back To You by Leighton Rose

Whenever I buy a book from a new and upcoming author I get a little giddy.  I love to experience new voices in the writing world and in this instance I can honestly say that making this purchase was a great decision.  

Within the first several pages the author had me crying.  I love when the writers words can effect me so emotionally.  At the beginning we saw the destruction of Tyler and Alex’s relationship.  We watched as Tyler struggled to move on with his life.  We saw the attempt that Alex was making to rebuild his.

When it looked liked it just might be working, a tragedy struck that threw these two guys back together.   Although they each had other men in their lives, the couldn’t help but be drawn to one other.  The pull to be together was so strong, it was a tangible thing. I did feel sorry for the other guys, but after a rocky time of it, they seemed to come to terms with the situation, albeit grudgingly.   

The main characters, as well as the supporting characters are strong and the family dynamics heartwarming.

I don’t know if this is the case, but I would absolutely love to see a sequel to this as I really want to know more about what happens to the guys who were involved with Alex and Tyler when they got back together. 

Thanks for such a great read, Ms. Rose!

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Out of Hiding by Mia Kerick

This is the first book I've read by Mia Kerick and my question is this.  What took me so long?  I wish I had an answer.  All I can say is that in the future I'll be adding any new releases from her to the top of my TBR pile.  I've already gone to her list of literary works and started adding them to my Kindle for near future reads.

There are many things I adored about this book.  Ms Kenrick does a fantastic job with her character development.  We fully understand where Philippe's pain comes from and can sympathize with him.  So much so that I may have shed a tear…or two.  Okay, more than two, but this poor broken man, who felt all alone, who thrived on being invisible needed someone strong to love him and care for him.  That was found in the character of Dario.  He is a dancer, and so much more, not that that isn't enough.  But Dario is a mentor to Philippe's niece, Sophie, as well.  He has spent the summer teaching Sophie dance techniques, relentlessly pushing her to strive to do better.  He is a very strong influence in both the lives of Sophie and Philippe.  I giggled to myself when I was reading a portion of the book and I thought, "Boy, Mia sure did create a bossy toppy."  His strength and no nonsense, forward approach with Philippe is exactly what Philippe needed.  It's evident that the author knew her characters very well, and gave them what they needed to grow and evolve.

There are other characters in the book as well, who shine in their own right.  Henri, Lauren and Tommy.  I picture them eventually making their relationship permanent and what a wonderful big family they all make.

Excellent job, Mia.  I loved the book.

My rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Inside Out by Andrew Grey

Andrew Grey can add another winner to his list of list of literary greats.

From the very beginning I was drawn into the story by the outstanding characters.

I loved that for as big and intimidating as Bull is that he has a soft side and he's not afraid to show it.  He also lives up to his tough guy persona when his guy is threatened.

Zach is a total sweetheart.  He's lived through so much pain and heartache, yet he's open to love.  He has a core strength that is amazing and endearing.  You wouldn't think that these two would mesh together so well, but they did.   They were a perfect compliment for each other's strengths and weaknesses.

Mr. Grey did an excellent job of weaving a story of love and intrigue.  I loved it!

Thank you for writing such a fabulous book.


Andrew Grey is a 2014 GRL featured author.

My rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

BRIDEGROOM

I just watched the Bridegroom Movie and am bawling 
my eyes out. A year or more ago I shared a video called "It Could Happen To You". It's a heartbreaking video made by a young man, Shane, who lost the love of his life Tom. They built a life together, were the center of each other's universe. Then a tragic accident took Tom's life, leaving Shane to grieve and go on. Since gay marriage was not legal at the time, Shane couldn't be with his love when he died. Shane had no rights. Tom's family wouldn't even allow Shane the respect of being at their son's funeral. I know Tom's family was hurting unbelievably, but they pushed away the person who knew their son the best, and who besides themselves, loved him the most. Life is unfair. This was unfair. You ask why I believe in equal marriage rights, in same sex marriages? Watch the Movie Bridegroom. I you don't want to spend your money on that. Watch this video that was made by Shane, the love of Tom's life.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR9gyloyOjM

My top 12 books of 2013

I know at the end of the year many people post top 10 lists.  Well, I guess I'm not like most people.  Why you ask?  Because I couldn't get myself to settle on 10.  I have read so many wonderful books this past year and narrowing it down to 10 was just sacrilegious.  So….I have a top 12+ list.

The books on this list weren't necessarily published this year, but are books I read in 2013.    I'll start off with 12 and work my way to my most favorite…#1.

So, off we go…….

12)  Frog by Mary Calmes

11)  Let's Heart if for the Boy by T.A. Webb

10)  Texas Pride by Kindle Alexander

9)  Family Man by Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton

8)  A Heart Without Borders by Andrew Grey

7)  At Piper's Point by Ethan Day

6)  The Sacrifices We Make by Sophie Bonaste

5)  Tell Me It's Real by TJ Klune

4)  The Broken Road Cafe by T.A. Webb

3)  Let It Snow by Heidi Cullinan

2) Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

1) Omorphi by C. Kennedy

And because it's my blog and I can do what I want….I'd like to give 3 honorable super mentions (I had to quit the list somewhere and I loved these books as well.)  Painting Fire On The Air by J.P. Barnaby, Easy Rider by Deanna Wadsworth and Bad Idea by Damon Suede.

There you have it.  My most favorite reads of 2013.  I can't wait to see what 2014 brings!

I'd like to take a minute to say thank you to every single writer out there, whether you are on this list or not.  It takes balls to put your baby out there for people to read (trust me, I know.)  You all make my life better with your words.  

Happy New Year.

Love, 
Sandy

Life Lessons (#1) by Kaje Harper

I really enjoyed this book and the characters.  
Maybe it's the "opposites attract" that made me like this book so. 
Tony is a high school teacher who is out and proud.  Mac is a police detective deep in the closet.  I wasn't sure when I started reading this that Mac would ever let himself go enough to get involved with Tony.  I can happily say I was very pleased! 
Not only did I like the characters, I liked the books plot. A who dunnit when I really don't know who done it!  Sorry, I just had to say that.
Anyway, I'm happy I purchased this book and read it.  It'll be one I read again. 

And To All A Good Night by Kaje Harper

What can I say? This was the first book I purchased in the Life Lessons series written by Kaje Harper and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so that I just purchased Life Lessons, book 1 in the series. 

In this book Mac and Tony are already in a relationship, although Mac is still firmly in the closet. My interest was more than piqued and I really want to see how Mac and Tony met and what happened previously to Tony. This book eludes to some pretty bad stuff.

I want to be able to watch their relationship evolve and grow.  I'm excited tone starting the first book in the series tonight.  

Breathing A Sigh of Relief

A lot of praying has been done.  Well wishes and good vibes continually sent.  Healing thoughts thunk.  (Yeah, I know….probably not a real word.)  

Today was a huge day in the life of authors and fiancés Eric Arvin and TJ Klune.  If you've read my previous blog post you know that Eric has had some health issues.  I'm not speaking out of turn as the guys have been open in keeping us updated with what's been going on.  Today Eric had surgery to remove a hemangioma from his brain stem.  

I cannot image how scared the two of them must have been. But, even though Eric was initially on a ventilator and then later switched to a traecheotomy he was able to get his feelings known about the possibility of a life saving surgery.  When Eric was able, he told TJ, "Let's go. Let's go. Let's go."  Thus started the mantra though out the viral world for the people who love and care for these two men. 

I know this is strange.  I've never met these two guys.  I've only read their books and followed their lives through their Facebook posts and homemade videos.  But, I feel as though they're friends.  No they don't know me from Adam, and that's okay.  I feel they have made an impact on my life.  The love they share is a tangible thing, we should all be so lucky.  I read about it and then watched it blossom.  I saw the video where TJ proposed marriage to Eric in October and cried right along with them.  

Anyway….back to the surgery. Those of us who know of these men, who are friends or just feel they are friends have been praying. A lot.  If not to God, then to whatever deity they believe in.  Asking, begging, cajoling for what might turn out to be a miracle.   The surgery started two hours late, poor guys.  Like they needed the extra time to think.  Although, I image those extra minutes together felt like a blessing.  TJ had informed us that the surgery may take 5 hours.  I had been saying prayers all along for his surgeon and medical professionals, too.  For the God I believe in guide their hands and actions.  

Word came from TJ tonight, via Facebook, that the surgery was over and the surgeon said he believed was able to remove the WHOLE hemangioma from Eric's brain stem.  Oh, thank you Jesus.  I don't know what kind of recovery and or therapy Eric has to face in the future, but I do know that the love of his life, TJ, will be there with him all the way.  I know that all of us will continue to pray, this time for continued healing.  

Eric and TJ, you are loved and supported by many.