In Memory of Jay

Jay Allen Distefano Sept. 15, 1973~July 21, 1996 "To be a child is to know the joy of living, to have a child is to know the beauty of life" My first child, Jay Allen Distefano, was born after a difficult nine hour labor at 5:00 p.m., September 15, 1973. He was such a gift, with dark brown hair and eyes and hairy ears!! He weighed in at 9 pounds and 4 ounces. Jay showed signs of talent in the arts at a very young age. He noticed detail and drew pictures at the age of five that were amazing. I had no idea that he was paying so much attention!! As a pre-teen, he became interested in rock music and like other boys his age, loved the group Kiss. He played a lot of air guitar and drew lots of animated muscle men during his elementary school years. He and his younger brother, Scott, played ice hockey and little league baseball. He was all boy. When Jay was 13, we transferred to Houston. Jay and his brothers adjusted well. He entered into 8th grade at his new middle school and went on to graduate from high school, all the way making a name for himself as an artist. He took guitar lessons during this time and became an accomplished guitarist. Jay was very determined and goal oriented and his grades reflected it. He was also very stubborn at times, but he also had a vulnerable and sensitive heart. Jay was in the local high school favorite rock group in high school and was somewhat of a high school celebrity. He graduated in 1992 and went on to college. He excelled in college and was very serious about pursuing his degree in Graphic Communications. He also played in two more bands, becoming pretty well known in the Houston area. He had a variety of music interests, but his favorite was Stevie Ray Vaughn. He loved the blues/rock kind of sound. He also adored 60’s and 70’s music such as Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin. On a hot night in July of 1996, Jay and his friends were out boating. Jay, for whatever reason, decided to dive into the water. It was too shallow. Jay broke his neck and drown. He was only 22. His death has forever changed those who love him. I will never stop missing him. He will always be my hero, my buddy and my sweet, loving son. I miss you Jay. Love, Mom Please take a moment and sign Jay's guestbook Thank you