Saturday, I found out that one of my dear friends of almost two decades, took their own life... When I saw the news on social media that Joe was gone with no explanation, I honestly couldn't understand. What the heck happened?!?!?

Finally, my friend Rick from Oklahoma City called me and filled me in. Our friend Joe, who traveled the country, working for a major record label, had killed himself Friday. Joe, who was bigger than life, who had people from every single aspect of the industry posting memories and remembrances in his honor, felt so alone, so trapped, that he felt that there was no other way out, no other option than to take his own life.

Joe, who I had solved the problems of the world with many times over the years, who never stayed in a hotel, but rather stayed in our home when he came to town, was now gone and I never got the chance to tell him just one more time how much I loved him and appreciated his friendship, or what a good dad I thought he was or how good he was at  his job, or how caring and generous he was with his time and energy. Poof! Gone, just like that, no warning, just gone. With dear, dear friends across the country, in cities and towns near and far and also right there in his own work place and neighborhood, and not one person he felt he could turn to. I am so heartbroken.

Please don't ever think you're alone. Please don't ever leave your friends and family feeling like we all are about Joe. The loss is real and his life is irreplaceable... especially to his two small children.

If you don't feel like you can turn to a friend or a family member, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline. I promise you, there is NO SHAME, in asking for help. They're open 24/7 and they WANT to talk to you. You and your life are precious. Please treat it that way. That number is 1-800-273-8255.

Joe will be laid to rest tomorrow in New York. Memorials are being in honor of his kids and their education. I'm guessing they'd rather have their dad.

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