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In memory of Jason Basting

Created by Family Of Jason Basting
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Jason Basting

My son died March 5th 2008 of a heroin overdose. I still can't believe he's gone. Each morning when I wake I pray it was just a nightmare, soon to realize that my beloved son really is gone. Jason was well loved by many. His smile was infectious. He lit up a room when he walked in. He loved life and always had a positive attitude. If you needed someone to talk to, Jason was always there to listen with compassion and love. Jason started using drugs at a very early age; I would say 11 or 12 years old. It started with cigarettes, then alcohol, then pot, then powders, and finally designer drugs. It was prescription pain killers that eventually led him to heroin and ultimately to his death. I am not sure when he started using the pain pills, my best guess is 2004. About the time he moved out into his own place. He wasn't able to hide his addiction any longer. I had confronted him on many occasions. After a confrontation with his girlfriend, he decided to get clean. He had painfully detoxed himself at home in the summer of 2006. It was after that when he confessed to me he had been on up to 3 -80 oxycotons a day, a very serious addiction. He stayed clean for about 1 year. When he started using again he turned to heroin. The drug dealers are good at pushing this stuff on pill heads. It's cheaper to the user and the profit is greater for the pusher. I found out on February 5th of 2008, when Jason got busted, that he was using heroin. March 5th of 2008 he died. I miss more him than words can tell. He left a brother, a sister, and a 1 year old nephew [who adored him] devastated and lost. All we have left are many wonderful memories of my son. He was such a good boy. I pray that he did not die in vain and that his death can open someone's eyes. Terri Basting



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Guest Book

Comments

1. Julie
So sorry for your loss.
2. Caitlin Keese
Jason, Dustin, Shayna, Teri, Jack- I am thinking of you all today; and Jason, I am thinking of you every day. I think it is like Jack said- if we keep talking about you, or to you as I do sometimes, you will never really be gone. Not a day goes by that you are not missed. It's been a lot more frequent lately, because I am getting ready for my favorite season-snowboarding, and you were my boarding buddy! I hope the SAUSAGES are good there. I miss you and love you always. My thoughts and prayers.
3. Virginia East
To Jason's Mom, I am so sorry to know that this tragedy keeps happening everywhere. My son, Bryan passed away 3/4/08 from a heroin OD also. Our whole family is heartbroken as well. He was the first and only grandson. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know your pain and it sucks. Feel free to e-mail me if you wish. To Jason, You are no longer fighting a battle now that you are at peace. God bless you and your family.
4. Jennifer Smith
Just wanted to say how very sorry I am for your loss.I added Jason to my sons myspace page and thank you for that.Our boys are watching over us now and at peace with our Lord.God bless you and your family....Jennifer[Billy Wilsons mom]
5. Joe Kallio
Terri I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and feelings with us and most importantly the truth. I know first hand how damaging drugs can be and learned alot about addiction. I still feel JB covered his pain not only with drugs but with his laughter and jokes. He was funny but under it he was hurting in a way most could not begin to understand let alone help even though he wanted to. What I should have done was what they do in Mexico and tie him to a bed and nurse him back to being clean.
6. Kellie Kellie's Corner
Dear Terri, I wish there was a way to save people from the life of drugs. I think of Jason quite often, he truly touched my heart. I wish I could have helped him. I miss that smile of his! Funny I can see him clearly when I close my eyes. As I told you he will be a great angel and God must have needed him. I miss you much Jason, visit me anytime. Kellie/Kellie's Corner
7. Virginia East
I am so sorry to hear of your precious son Jason's death due to this horrible drug, Heroin. The reason I am writing you is that my 28 year old son, Bryan died 3/4/08 from the same thing. My other daughter Katie 18 at the time was admitted to ICU on 3/4/07 with rhabdomylosis due to Heroin, cocaine and the rest of the drug cocktail that almost killed her. She spent 2 weeks in ICU almost becoming a dialysis patient with damage to all major organs. She is clean today.
8. Angie DeCarlo
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Basting family. I don't even know where to begin with all the great memories that I have of Jason, our days and nights hanging out at the house and in the shed. Jason always had a great smile. That will make his spirit live on forever. He will be missed by many but never forgotten.
9. Terry Beernaert Mother Of Tawny Johnson
Terri I know all to well your pain. Tawny's journeys with drugs was much the same. As with your Jason, she brought smiles to everyone she met. Thanks for sharing your memories of Jason with us here. I too wish I would wake and this nightmare would be gone.
10. Miss C.L.C Guerin
God, Grant Me The Serentiy To Except The Things I Cannot Change, Courage To Change The Things I can, and Wisdom To Know The Difference.. REMEMBER ME: Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow.. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles. I've only gone to rest a little while. RIP Mr Basting.. You will be forever in many hearts.. Your death is not in vain for it educated at least myself. Ive heard only the good die young
11. Mary Albers
Jason Basting and his family I love like my own sisters, mother, and father. He was a joy and happy entity in every one's lives that he touched! Everyday that passes something reminds me of him and what a wonderful of a young man he was.He was the kind of friend that could make a horrible day seem worth making it through. I will never forget the special friendship he gave me he will forever inspire me to be kind and love everyone. I learned so much from him!! He was so talented. Miss you JB.
12. Jack Basting
You dont know what you got till he`s gone.Now not a day that I dont cry. My life will never be the same with gone. Your heart broken father. Love Dad, Jack Allen Basting
13. Justin Lederer
Over the past few months my thoughts have been centered around death and how weird it is. How you can be around people you think will live forever; beyond your years and comprehension, only to hear one day devastating news of their passing. I didn't want to believe it in when Jason died, in fact it didn't hit me until the funeral. That empty feeling of,"Why are we here if we're just going to die" will still echo around my thoughts, but I believe with every life and death there is pur
14. Jack Basting
If you die and people still speak of you. You still live! Positive energy continues forever. You can't stop it or kill it. Jason, you are eternal! You will be with us forever. My heart has been broke in pieces. I miss you more than words can tell. Until next time! Your heart broken father; Jack Allen Basting
15. Angela Gwynn Mother Of Dallas Nguyen
Dear Jack, I hope you realize how very right you are. You are so exactly right. Listen for Jason, he is there. He will always be there waiting for you to hear. And when he comes, never second guess yourself. Never doubt. Theresa and Jack, you are both in my hearts. And Shayna, that sibling connection is eternal. Talk to him, he hears you. Love to your family. from mine...
16. Shayna Basting
I'm Jason's sister Shayna. Words can't explain what I would do to to get my brother back. Jason was the most amazing person I've ever met and I'm sure many others would agree. He was funny, caring, and charming. He was absoluteley gorgous. I've always looked up to him for being such a beautiful person! It really helps to have faith that he is in heaven and happier than ever. That doesn't mean that it's going to be easy to except that he's gone. He will be deeply missed! Jason's little sis Shayna
17. Elaine Davidsmama
Terri, The crushing hurt you are feeling is all too familiar to us here in this place. We search everyday for our kids and hope we will wake up from this terrible dream. Even today as I was driving home from visiting out of town, I cried because as I was looking forward to seeing my family when I arrived home, but I would not see David. He left before me, like your Jason left you. They did not leave our love though, and our love lives forever. Keep in touch www.myspace.com/atbettyshouse
18. DAVID WINN
Sorry for the lose of your son Jason. I lost my son Robert Winn last year to meth, he was 38. He started taking meth at 13. I understand the hurt you are going through. Please feel free to post your son's story on my website. Maybe we can save another family from this pain. God Bless you. searchingforrobert.com
19. Debra Reagan
Theresa, I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Jason. He was very courageous and fought a hard battle. His light will shine on forever in the hearts of all that knew him. Thank you so much for sharing Jason with us. Gentle Hugs, Debra Reagan www.clint-reagan.memory-of.com
20. Deborah Guina
Dear Theresa, I am so sorry about your son Jason. I too lost my son Matthew on Feb. 1st of this year to heroin and I know just how you feel. Mornings are the hardest, because you can't believe it is still true when you awake. I find comfort in picturing him in heaven enjoying a happy, peaceful life. I will pray for you and your family. Matthew Benjamin's mom.
21. Karen Manke
Jason was such an amazing person. I will never forget the first time I met him. There was a million people around, but he stuck out above all of them. He had such an awesome persona that made others adore him. I still can't believe that he was using. He had a way of making himself look perfect. I had absolutely no idea, which was the most heart breaking thing about this. I will never forget him, or his smile, forever.
22. Sara Yanta
Jason was the most amazing person I've ever met. Always so nice and sincere-not to mention real nice to look at! Always greeted you in the best way, with a huge hug and big smile. Jason was one of the few I didn't get irritated at when he ripped on me about how short I was. Only 4'11" but he always said I had a big heart. He will always be my pretend boyfriend from x-fest. I loved up until the day he left us we still called each other bf/gf. One thing I know; we wish like hell he was still
23. Mary Jo Cook
I send you my sincerest sympathy. My 26-year old son has been using drugs since he was about 13. He was addicted to oxy and went on to heroin as well. He has been clean for about 2 years but it has been very hard to rebuild his life. He is still working on it. I have to say though that I never rest easy. I pray every day that he doesn't go back to it. I have no doubt that your son was a good kid because mine is too - there by the grace of God any of us could have an addiction problem.
24. Deborah Bauernfeind
Sending you angels to carry you. My son's story is the same as Jason's, but by the Grace of God, after 8 years of drugs he is now proudly serving in the US Army. I realize people who have not parented a child with an addiction will not understand how you can say he was a beautiful, loving, wonderful human being...but I do understand. Your son is still beautiful. Sending you all my love, Deborah
25. Beckie Jaros
Jason was a blast to work with, always made the shift fun. It's a shame he passsed away. I hadn't talked to him in a few years but in highschool while working at perkins he always had something funny to say. He is no doubt missed!
26. Courtney Mattson
Jason was a wonderful person in and out. There are many things that I would like to say, but I don't have enough space. So I will say this. Addiction is a deadly disease and it can take many lives. One thing that I hope for is that Jason changed the lives of others and hopefully can open the eyes of many. He was a wonderful person with a habit that eventually took his life. Jason will live on for many years and we will never forget the lessons and the love that he has left.
27. Littlewing Miller
Terry and family, Jason was an amazing person. He never stopped being a wonderful friend. I pray that on a hot summer day, that he will be there as you swim in a cool lake. That in the autumn, he will take your hand as you watch the leaves turn. That in the chill of winter, he dances with you in the swirling snow. And, in the spring, may he smile with you as the first flower blossoms. ...with lots of love, this I pray. You are all in my heart. -Littlewing
28. Katie Miller
Jason was so funny & unique. I remember when he ordered a DVD from a TV commercial that could teach him how to dance...and he always had the best moves! Jason taught me how to light a lighter with my pinky, a trick I will never forget. He was always full of surprises & tricks. Jason was my good friend even though I was not there for the last years of his life. The last time I saw him he was sober and I was so proud of him. I will miss his humor & hugs. I will never forget our friends
29. Christy Clark
Jason and my brother, Dave, were best friends. Jason was always the peacemaker between Dave and me. I ran into him often and never imagined he was using. He hid it well. He was always smiling, and gave the best hugs. Dave is a meth user and was arrested shortly after Jason died, on drug charges. He hasn't spoken to me since I broke the news to him of Jason's passing. I hope Jason is looking out for him. Jason was much loved and will be missed immensely.
30. Jessilyn Boerum
... memories forever. In my eyes, you were a blessing in disguise. You show every life you have ever touched (close or not) just how serious drugs are. I pray that everyone learns from you. You will never die because everyone will always be remembering you, your stories, laughter and goofy memories. Jason, I love you so dearly as a friend, watch over all of us, and pray with me to watch over everyone. Pray that everyone can fight drugs and stay sober. Until we meet again, love and peace.
31. Jessilyn Boerum
Jason, there are not words to describe what an amazing man you were. You made every person in your life feel like they were the world. You could always turn anyones frown upside down. You were such a gift to my life, as well as everyone's life you have ever touched. I have known many friends who have used/abused and I am sorry drugs took you away from so many people who found you so important in their lives. Although you are not here for us to see, touch, or hear; you are still in our cont'd..
32. Lisa Tusia
Terry, Thank you for the kind words of support. It is needed and welcomed when you lose someone you love in a unexpected, tragic mannor. I know how you feel as well. You're in my prayers.
33. Angela Gwynn Mother Of Dallas Nguyen
Theresa, he did not die in vain. He did NOT! His life meant more than that. So much more. The pain of our lost children, it will never go away. But you are not alone. Not alone. We loved ones here, we know your pain, your every desperation and torture. There are many hands here. Reach out and take them. I don't need to see Jason to know he was a beautiful human being. I too am in the early hours of grief and I pray we may all find some peace, to keep loving. My thoughts are with you.
34. John Kelly
Terri, My heart goes out to you and your family. As you know we lost our Sean last November to basically the same thing. Yes this is the worst feeling a parent can experience, but maybe with people like us letting others know our love and pain some person somewhere may get the help they need. God bless Jason, Sean and our families.
35. Sharon Huber
Theresa, I too lost my son to heroin last fall. My heart goes out to you. If you ever want to talk. Sharon
36. Student Learning
WOW I am really sorry for your loss, he seemed like a really nice guy.