For those of you who do not know, my son Eric passed away on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the age of 27.

Eric, like me, loved the outdoors and was basically raised on Democrat Point, Fire Island and on Shagwong Point, Montauk. He loved to fish and later on in his short life he became an avid surfer. He was like me with fishing poles; he had a surfboard for every day of the week.

Then something happened, slowly, unknowingly before my eyes Eric became an alcoholic and progressed to be a drug abuser. He was suffering with psychological problems and tried to medicate himself to mask his feelings. He had been in and out of rehab for the past three years. After a long struggle with mental illness and drug problems, Eric succumbed to a heart attack on Saturday. The only consolation that I have is that he died peacefully in his sleep.

It has been said that the worst thing to happen to a parent is to bury one of his children. To see the devastating effect on my wife and two beautiful, supportive daughters cannot be put into words. The only words I can give to you is what actor Caroll O'Connor says, "Do anything you have to do to get between your kids and drugs!" We fought the hell of drug abuse on a daily basis. You just don't want to go through what my family is going through now.

The support that the Long Island Beach Buggy Assoc. (LIBBA), sister organizations, business associates and devoted family and friends have given us has been overwhelming. If you were at the wake you understand the love that was in that room. It will never be forgotten.

Eric is now free to ride God's waves with a clear head and his smile that is unforgettable. Surf's up Eric! Rest in peace.