The following is a speech given by Christian Killoranonat the funeral for Jesse Killoran On behalf of my family and Kerry, let me begin by saying “thank you” for coming. You know, ironically wakes and funerals and so forth are really not for those of us who have passed. They are for all of us who continue to live, as they enable us to grieve our loved ones' passing amidst the necessary love and support of one another. And so, as this gathering is really for all of us who continue to live, I think it best honors Jesse's memory to reflect upon his life and hopefully learn a few lessons that will help enrich our lives as we move forward. And I think indeed there are a few lessons to be learned from Jesse's passing. The first is obviously that his passing illustrates just how short life really is. Jesse passed at the young age of 28, and in many ways left a life unfulfilled. And so I'd like to direct my first comment to anyone who is here tonight struggling with addiction. Take a good look at my brother because this is where you are headed unless you find the personal will and the grace of God to choose a different path. All of us need to realize just how short life can be and so we need to strive to embrace and appreciate lives every moment. As they say, “don't sweat the small stuff”; let's all try to love each other a little deeper; let's all strive to enjoy life to the fullest, but at the same time respect it for what it is – a gift. Fortunately, although Jesse's life was cut tragically short, I'm happy that he did get to enjoy many of life's greatest pleasures. He enjoyed friendship; he lived to find love; he enjoyed seeing a good part of the world; he lived to see the birth of his nieces and nephews, and perhaps most importantly, he lived long enough to attempt to re-join the “family” that he had been absent from for so long. A second lesson is the opportunity for which his life afforded all of us to witness the true meaning of unconditional love. This lesson was afforded to us all, perhaps unwilling, by my parents. Jesse struggled with addiction virtually his entire life. During this time, he displayed incredible acts of selfishness and depravity that tested everyone around him. And yet, throughout it all, throughout all of the tumultuous times, my parents' love for him never wavered. I was often too weak to forgive him, but my parents always did. And they were right. Mom and Dad, your love for Jesse is the greatest testament to the highest ideal of all – love. Don't be disappointed in him, it's not that he wanted to leave us, he just couldn't stay. So, thank you Mom and Dad. Thank you for showing us all how to live. Without a doubt, Jesse passed knowing that you loved him, and that was the greatest gift you could ever have given him. Lastly, I would like to comment upon the lesson of faith. What comforts me the most is my firm belief that Jesse has gone to a better place. A place where he is no longer tormented by the demons that tortured him throughout his entire life. He is now with God and with all of his loved ones that passed before him. He is now with his grandparents, and Aunt Lorraine, and Aunt Marcia, and everyone who went before him. And so everyone, please take comfort in this belief and allow yourselves to embrace your own personal relationship with God. We're all going to the same place; and Jesse, I pray that you rest in peace until the day that I see you again. I love you. We all love you.