RIP dear one

Sep 5, 2018 | Life in Progress

My nephew, Jonathan, died earlier this week. He was 31 years old and left behind a gorgeous 4 yr old son named Liam. The last social media post that Jonathan posted before his untimely death was this photo of the two of them. He captioned it with, “This is my best friend. My whole world. My night & day.  My everything, my always…..We trust & love each other, beyond words.”

Jonathan was struggling on/off with addiction and he died in his sleep. It was accidental, unexpected, and tragic. Our family is struggling and our hearts are heavy. Please send up your prayers, love, and vibrancy toward all those who fiercely loved him, especially his son, his parents, his many siblings, his grandparents.

I was 11 years old when Jonathan was born and I’ve been rooting for him ever since. My mom, so excited that he was conveniently born on her lunch break, ran out the door, fell and skinned her knees. She could hardly wait to meet him. She dusted herself off, plucked me out of school and up to the hospital we went. He was her first grandson at age 39 and was my first nephew.

Jonathan was a smart, chatty, sweet, kind, gentle, loving kid who was protective of his younger siblings, loved animals, loved books, and loved rap music. Sadly, he struggled to make healthy choices as he grew older. Most recently, however, he was doing a lot of personal growth and making great progress – something he was proud of. He knew he was imperfect, flawed, and yet he was choosing to learn, to do better.

Despite everything, he was always a devoted father who was engaged and completely in love with his son, Liam.  He was also trying, really trying to create a better life for himself and his son. Things were looking up.

My heart can hardly believe he is gone. He was too young and just beginning to get to the really good stuff.

Friends, hold your people close today and always. And may you be really really good to yourself and your people, too, because we are all human and imperfect and flawed and learning.

xoxox, Kelly Rae

PS: I started a gofundme page for Jonathan’s son, Liam. I want Liam to have some resources that Jonathan didn’t have available to him when he was a child. Things like grief counseling and therapy, educational resources and programs, nurturing time with family, and more. I know Jonathan would want Liam to have as many opportunities for a happy, healthy life and I’m hoping this fund can help. Please, if you’re feeling called to donate to Liam’s fund, head on over here: https://www.gofundme.com/liam-stephens-fund

Eons of gratitude….

Sending much love,

Show/Hide Comments (10 comments)
10 Comments
  1. CraftyHope

    I’m so, so sorry. You and your whole family (especially your great-nephew) have my deepest sympathies and heartfelt sorrow. My heart breaks for y’all.

    Reply
  2. Shelly

    Dear Kelly Rae,

    I am so so sorry for the loss of Jonathan. I will be praying for all of you during this time and sending love.

    I will also contribute to Liam’s fund.

    xx shelly lang

    Reply
  3. Debbie Rogers

    Sorry for your loss. Prayers for all you and your family.

    Reply
  4. Gloria

    Very sorry for your loss. I hope your brother or sister and family are doing well. These days addiction/depression and anxiety seems to touch all families.

    Reply
  5. Carolyn edwards

    Kelly rae…sorry for your loss but I do believe the spirit or soul does live on in some universe we don’t understand yet. Man is too special a creation to just be gone like a puff of smoke. What is the essence of your nephew still exists somewhere and it will guide liam. I have great faith in the Universe.

    Reply
  6. Valérie Roussel

    I am so sorry for your loss Kelly, there are no words when we hear a so sad news. I send you, his poor little son and your familly lots of love and prayers.

    Reply
  7. Valerie-Jael

    So sorry to hear your sad news. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. Hugs, Valerie

    Reply
  8. Naomi S Wittlin

    This is so hard on our hearts! I’m so sorry for such a loss.

    Reply
  9. Annie Thompson

    Kelly, I am sooo sorry for your loss of your nephew..very handsome, with his beautiful son. Yes, Kelly, we are ALL fighting a struggle with-in us, I know I am. Everyday, I wake up, look at this precious day, being grateful for the people I have in my life..just enjoying simplicity, enjoying what today brings, yesterday is the past, today is a precious gift, untie the ribbons, and see what each day gives me..Praying for you and your family..🙏🙏

    Reply
  10. Robin Black

    So very sorry for your loss, Kelly Rae.

    Reply

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I’m Kelly Rae Roberts

Before I picked up my first paintbrush at the age of 30, I was a medical social worker. I followed my creative whispers, and today I’m an artist & Possibilitarian. I’m passionate about creating meaningful art and experiences that awaken and inspire our spirits.

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