Last week alcohol abuse tragically took the life of Matt James.  Matt James was a star high school football player from Ohio.  He was a senior and just recently signed a letter of intent to play football at the prestigious Notre Dame.  His friends and family labeled him the “gentle giant” as he was known for his kindness and soft ways when he was not on the football field.

Matt James was on spring break vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida.  He was drinking and ultimately fell from the fifth story of his hotel balcony.  By no means am I going to say that James suffered from the disease of alcohol addiction.  I believe that he was a teenager on spring break, trying to have fun and the fun took a terrible turn for the worst.

Unfortunately Matt James’ incident is a reminder about the dangers of alcohol abuse and what one wrong move can result in when under the influence.  My heart goes out to Matt James and his parents.  If anything can come of this I hope that people of all ages can learn from this terrible incident.  Nothing good will come from alcohol abuse.

I urge parents to get involved and talk to their children about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.  One does not have to be addicted to drugs or alcohol to feel the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse.  I hope some way Matt James’ parents, family and friends are some how able to find peace.