DJ is the nickname for Dennis James Bustillo (see front page story), the 19-year-old who disappeared starting on August 19. In the words of his father, DJ walked out of their lives “without a trace”. One of the hardest things a journalist has to do is to ask tough questions when trying to dig up stories. Questions that in some circumstances like this one, is difficult, realizing that the person is under a lot of emotional stress. We have to be sensitive and be attuned to subtle messages that perhaps we are intruding into someone’s innermost thoughts at the moment. That is how we felt and have to balance our desire to get the facts while giving the person some space for grieving. What do you say to a father who does not know whether his son is still alive or already dead?

Even if he says that the ‘reality’ of finding DJ is becoming slimmer and slimmer as the days go by, we still cling to every hope that he will come home. In trying times like this, we can make time to share with the family in any way we think possible – with our prayers, for those who have faith, mounting missing posters and always, to be on the lookout for him. DJ had all the promise of a bright future. From what we can gather, he was a gifted person excelling in his academic studies and engaged in music (he played piano and guitar) and writing poems.

DJ was president of his high school student council and a member of a jazz band. He was among five young scholars recognized last year by the City of North Vancouver and was on track to pursue an ‘Honours’ program at university this school year.

His Dad tells me his son was “basically an artist”. All that was cut short on that fateful day when he walked out of the door. To the family and friends of DJ, we’d like to assure you that we are journeying with you in this difficult road.

< Prev		Next >