Help Cover Funeral Costs for CJ Cotter

CJ came into my life on 9/11/2001 when he was 7 years old. I was dating his dad, Matthew. He told me early on that I'd "be a good mom because I had a job and didn't smoke." (LOL) I joined the family in February 2003 and became a stepmom to CJ and Brittney. I never gave birth to children and yet I wanted to have a positive impact on children's lives. I was so blessed that Britt and CJ accepted me into the family and never treated me like the "mean stepmom", which we joked about often. Britt and CJ were the closest of siblings; quoting movies, singing songs, laughing, and playing video games.

Both kids gave me opportunities to exercise my parenting muscle, which doesn't come with a manual. I did the best I knew with the full support of Matthew. In elementary school, CJ loved to read to me before he went to bed. He would change voices for the different characters, and read with enthusiasm making the stories come to life. Both kids were always polite and thanked me for cooking and doing their laundry. CJ had challenges during middle and high school, like many kids do, as he was his own person, not one to be contained by traditional social norms. Sadly, he found drugs as a way to escape those challenges. He had rough times and experiences that I was not prepared for. I prayed for him and supported him as best I could. He finished high school and moved on to work in different jobs. The past few years, he was making great progress in getting clean and turning his life in a positive direction. He was also developing his artistic talents through designing and inking tattoos.

He was developing a close relationship with his dad, aka, "Pops". They spent time together working on CJ's several vehicles, playing pool, and comparing grilling secrets.

CJ's unexpected death definitely took his friends and family into an experience we didn't think we'd ever have to face. CJ was always giving and caring about other people. CJ offered what he had to make his friends' and even complete strangers' lives a little better. He had a wonderful laugh and a beautiful smile. He gave the best hugs, which were almost like a little back massage within a hug. I am truly thankful that I told him that I loved him every time I saw him or spoke on the phone. I hope he knows how much he was loved.

May you rest peacefully, my son, your challenges are over. I Love You, CJ, and deeply miss you.

-- Connie