The story was a familiar one; however, this time, it was a young man who I knew since his early childhood. Having grown up with a few learning and behavioral challenges, Reece grew up believing he was not good enough. I remember coaching him in roller hockey in a high-stressed championship game that we lost in overtime. Reece was the goalie and he had a meltdown when he let in the losing goal. It was his stellar play that got us to the championship game in the first place and I tried to console him. I wished it would have been any other kid, because I knew Reece would take it so hard.

Fast forward to the college years – Reece went away to school and without much needed boundaries and discipline, Reece did poorly, got involved in drugs and had to come home. However, he had his music. A talented saxophone [Read more…]