Four long years have passed since our son died and we have come to realize, that it is in the darkest of times that we see the light. This illumination brings a beautiful vision of clarity. With courage we rise up and live, knowing that our pain will not be a beacon of our strength, but
Addiction is anything we try to do to fix how we are feeling, that results in negative consequences and more suffering. Everything starts with a thought, thoughts turn into action, actions turn into habits. We get to the point where our thoughts are filled with delusion and ignorance, and we are trapped in a vicious
There is a deep sense of longing that fills the heart of a grieving mother. Try as I may, to bring joy to this brokenness, but there is no mending or putting the pieces back together. From the eyes, creeps a blank stare, as those voices around me speak, and my ears hear the laughter in the
Anonymous………………. My husband and I loved our niece like a daughter. A very confused, troubled daughter. Ericka had seen things as a child that I know affected her behavior as an adult. She always put on a happy face, though. Everyone who met her commented on how sweet, polite, and effervescent she was. But, we
“I destroy homes, tear families apart – take your children, and that’s just the start. I’m more costly than diamonds, more costly than gold – the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold. And if you need me, remember I’m easily found. I live all around you, in schools and in town. I live
Last evening as the sun was getting ready to set, I saw bright, strong rays of sunlight bursting through the clouds. Light, love, and energy was streaming from the heavens down to the homes in Howard County. I immediately thought about our circle of angels. Steven Tyler sings in his song Amazing…..”with a blink of
August 30, 2016. One of the worst days of my life. A good friend from childhood, Layla (name is changed to protect privacy) lit up the room when she walked into it. Her joyous demeanor and infectious laughter made her an easy person to like, and moreover a great friend. She was always smart and
Anonymous……….. I wrote this letter to my son 4 years into his active addiction. He had entered a program in the inner city; we felt it was his last chance. None of the other 4 rehab stints has worked. It was the hardest thing I had ever done (to that point) – to admit that
Anonymous………. Yes, heroin is in Howard County, too. Don’t say “Not my child”. Don’t bury your head in the sand. Educate yourself to the signs that indicate heroin use…orange plastic syringe caps or syringes, those little (tiny, really) blue/green baggies, empty clear capsules floating in the toilet bowl, random strings or strips of material as
anonymous……… A year ago today my life was turned upside down. I will never forget our last conversation nor will I forget the phone call I got from mom a few hours after we had talked. I think about you everyday and what I could have done differently. I also think about what my life
