When I was 21 one of my best friends was murderd. His brother was caught up with a gang and he stood up to a few of them. About a week later they caught him outside of a pool hall alone while having a smoke and shot him a few times. Even then he tried fighting back but it was too much. I like to think he passed quickly but I think he suffered by the way the people explained how they found him.

3 years later my mom passed away from liver failure and cancer. My house was the hangout spot, she was everyone's mom. Sweet, patient, loving and fun. I became successful in the music industry after she passed, it's always bugged me that she never got to see me where I am now but I know she would be proud.

When I was 32 my guitar player took his own life. We never saw it coming. We toured together for 8 years prior to his death, I traveled the world with him. I try not to think about him on stage but it's hard still.

I'm now 33, engaged, still touring happier than I have ever been, and I own a successful business with my fiancé. All in all I understand that this is life. I miss my friends and family but this type of stuff will happen to everyone eventually to a certain extent. I didn't let myself become a victim, I carried on. Don't give up, keep going and know this. There's a lot to give and the future can be whatever you want, don't let your past haunt you and try to look forward.

As far as Suicide please don't be afraid to talk to someone, I wish our guitar player did. Don't forget about about the little things whether it be a cool breeze, great food, late night conversations with some friends where you have no idea while you're laughing. The happiness is there, things can get better I promise.