Gemma Hosford

When you love someone who struggles with mental health and addiction, you start to build walls and maybe even tell yourself things that may help prepare you if they don't make it out safely. But, I can promise that no amount of time spent worrying will help if you fully lose them.

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Today would have been Rhys' 30th birthday, but he left this world just over two weeks ago. I don't think there are many words I can say... my heart is shattered. I won't forget that it was his mind that had been suffering and ended up taking his body down with it. But, I will always remember and be missing Rhys for the essence of who he was inside of his heart. He was passionate, honest, kind, and hilarious. He always wanted to have fun .. he had the confidence to speak to anyone, to play music in front of a large crowd, and to have empathy and compassion for those often forgotten. He was amazing at basically anything he tried and the music he created touched your soul. Rhys had an incredible capacity to love and he wasn't afraid to show it. He loved our family and his friends with his whole heart.

This love goes beyond everything. It will be what he takes with him and what he leaves behind.

I wish with my entire being that he could be here to try just one more time to be okay, or that I could have done something, anything that would have helped him to get better.. but I am also grateful that he is no longer suffering and he can be safe with us all now.