I am devastated by the loss of AJ. His death comes on the heels of the death of my beloved Uncle Ralph and with both of them gone, my heart is heavy with grief.

I had spoken to AJ two hours before I got the call that he was in the hospital. Never in a thousand years did I think it was going to be the last time I heard his voice. He was taken way too soon. There are so many things that I should have said to him, wanted to say to him… But now it’s too late.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of my family and friends — and that means my twitter and facebook friends as well — for the beautiful words of encouragement, prayers, and the sweet condolences.

I make it through these difficult days because of you. I know this is clich?’ but I urge everyone to treat each day as if it’s your last and tell that special someone you love them today. Don’t wait. It may be too late. Please pray for his children, his family and Riley – they too are grieving the loss of an incredible man, son, brother and father.

I wish you all had gotten to know the AJ we all knew and loved.