Dear Family and Friends, My son, Aleksandre J. Zarzosa, passed away at 6:36pm this past Tuesday, January 24th at the young age of 15. I was at work when I received a call from the social worker from the hospital who advised me that Alek's condition had suddenly turned significantly more critical. Paula and I rushed to the hospital where several family members and friends were already gathered there with him. I am eternally grateful to God for allowing us to have been there by Alek's side during his last hours. It was by far the most excruciatingly painful experience of my life sitting at my son's bedside, knowing what was to come, and watching his heart rate slowly drop until it beat no more. I do not wish that feeling of utter helplessness and emptiness on any parent. While the void I feel in my heart will never be filled, I am faithful that God will mend the pain into a scar of strength and courage. The same strength and courage that Alek so quietly demonstrated to all of us whose lives he touched. It has also taught me a most important lesson that we all know about yet do not put into practice nearly as much as we should; to cherish each moment we spend with loved ones as if it could be the last. To not take for granted the time we have with those we love, and not let the little day-to-day troubles in life get in the way of our happiness. Before all of this I thought I had been through pain in life. Nothing can even compare, and all else seems trivial now. It has forever changed my perspective on life and how to live it, and for that I am truly grateful. This past week has felt somewhat surreal, with sudden jolts of reality and sorrow that are difficult to endure. Each time I feel weak however, I put God in the forefront of my thoughts along with an image of my two younger sons, Nicolai and Mason. This gives me the strength and purpose I need to move forward and live life the way that would make Alek proud. My family and I are truly and deeply touched by all of the love and support received this past month. Monday evening I will be providing the memorial service information here on Facebook for anyone who would like to attend. We also have more of the 'We Love You Alek' hats on order as part of the fund raiser being held to help cover the funeral costs. If you are interested, we are asking a minimum donation of $20 per hat. Please feel free to post here on FB or email me directly at jzarzosa@gmail.com Thank you all once again, and God bless.