Dads Cry Too

Some life-altering moments happen in a flash, an impulse decision. Others are presented to us by the universe, fate, or God.
Late at night on a winding road near Hinckley, Ohio, PJ O’Connell made a decision that would impact his friends for years to come, and change the lives of his mother, sister, and father forever. Turning grief and rage into acceptance and understanding is never easy. Unlike “widow” or “orphan,” there are no words for a parent who has lost a child, and entrance to this terrible club is something no one requests. But life and death moments do not discriminate. “This is the story of how my son helped me become a better man.”

Author Biography

When he is not spending every spare moment with his grandchildren, Brian O’Connell can be found giving inspirational talks to youth groups, schools, colleges, hospitals, and churches about making choices that impact others.
He also speaks at grief support groups, especially those focusing on the loss of a child. You won’t see him as the leading man, but he does continue to work in movies and television as an actor and stunt professional.
Working under the stage name of Jay Boc, Brian continues to perform his clean stand-up comedy routine around the country for corporations and private events.