My son Joseph Perez was born October 9, 1990. That was the happiest day of my life. Although I was young, I was very proud to be a mother. Born 7lbs 6 ounces and 21 inches long, I had never seen such a beautiful baby. To see him grow year after year into the young man he was at age 17 was such a great experience.
On November 1, 2007 all of the happiness came crashing down when I had to identify my son at the hospital. My son was killed, shot 7 times by a multi felon that should not have been on the streets in the first place. My husband and I could not bring ourselves to id the body. Still in denial we kept calling Joseph’s phone. I finally built the courage to identify the body. I walked into the room and when I saw Joseph I lost my breath and instantly felt my heart just rip apart. Two days later we had to identify my son’s body again because there was a mix up between the hospital and the Medical Examiner’s office, they had my son listed as John Doe. To see my son lying there lifeless, murdered made me want to die.
Joseph was a very happy person with a wonderful sense of humor. Growing up he was very outgoing, loving and giving. He enjoyed music, sports and playing video games. Joseph graduated grammar school and received a lot of compliments from his teachers. He attended two years of high school before he passed. The principle of the high school, Joseph’s teachers and security guards from the school attended the funeral and had nothing but good things to say about Joseph
If it weren’t for my two youngest kids that are my rocks and still holding me up and making me smile and my husband that is keeping me strong, I don’t know what I would do with myself because the overwhelming feeling of losing your child and so violently is very traumatizing. As much as I try to distract myself, I can’t stop thinking about Joseph.
I miss every little thing about Joseph. Even after 4 years there is not a second that goes by without thinking about him. He was taking from me and the pain from losing him will never go away. I hate hearing as time goes by the pain will get easier. Well, it’s 4 years later and it feels as if it were yesterday.
Forever broken hearted, MOM
Elizabeth I love you so much and your story is sad but one that needs to be heard. You are a wonderful mother to all your children. I remember when you were pregnant with Joseph about 5 or 6 months and I came to chicago to visit with my little 2 month old. Its difficult to believe as you state even now that Joseph is not with us. Thank you for having the courage in bringing awareness to the abundance of gun violence that is seen everyday. Thank you for your testimony I love you always.
Elizabeth hey girl I’m touched by the story n the loss of ur soneople! My heart goes out to u n the family! Ignorant. People like that she put in jail and way out so no harm can be done. To innocent. Victims! I’m here for ya n miss talking to u !
This was such a beautifully written yet very saddening story. No on will ever understand or be close to feeling your pain. No one can undo whats already done, but we can keep him in our thoughts, heart and mind. He was all that you described and more. Everybody misses him. He will never be forgotten. Hes a beautiful angel protecting his loved ones, May he wait for us in paradise. Until we meet again. We love you Joseph!