I would like to leave a tribute to my beautiful son Eric who passed away on May 13, 2014 from a drug overdose at age 25.  I just wanted to share how smart and handsome he was, how he had the kindest soul and would help anyone and do anything for you.  A bright kid with a whole future in front of him.  He loved me, that I could do no wrong.  I loved him more than life itself, I just wished he knew what he had.  His infectious smile that lit up a room.  Eric was in a coma in 2013 from severe pneumonia and on life support for 5 days.  I lived at that hospital praying his outcome would be miraculous, and it was.  But he was never the same after this coma, never the same.  Eric wanted to produce and make video games, he was that smart.  MY son, I yearn for your smell, your touch, your smile.  This I know, the deepest abyss of pain and grief the human spirit can endure is the death of your child.  Because with this death, I lost someone I would die for.  I love you Eric and I know we will see each other again.  MY best friend, my son, a lot of wonderful memories...sports, modeling,bowling expert, karate, baseball, and his favorite...video games. Love you to the moon and back....mom xoxo

My Son Joseph lost his battle with heroin on Thanksgiving day 2015. He was a gentle, kind, loving soul. My heart breaks every morning when I open my eyes and realize that he is really gone. He was my only Child and my world. May he find the peace that he searched for so long. I will have a hole in my heart until I hold my Child in my arms again. May God keep him safe, I could not.

I can't come to terms with this. I love you so much. I miss you ... Every min of every day as do your children.

Over two years have passed and not a day goes by that you're not in our thoughts. Beloved brother, son, partner and friend to many - Ben McQueen 5/11/84 - 19/03/2015 Rosa Brook, Western Australia

Sweet Child of Mine, Miss and love you every minute of every day my beautiful, talented, sweet, smart, handsome forever 21 year old son, Zack (8/25/89-5/1/11)! There are no words to express the loss… I love you Z,

My husband and father of my now seven-year-old daughter Jason passed away December 4th 2015 from a heroin overdose. he was only 34 years old. Considering we had lost contact due to his addiction, he was all alone when he died. They found his body in an abandoned house in Paterson New Jersey. We didn't know he died until 4 and a half months after. His body was just left at the medical examiner's office. We never had a chance for any closure. we didn't have a wake or a funeral. He died all alone. The hardest thing I had to do was tell my daughter she wouldn't see her father ever again. Although she does not know the reason behind her father's passing, she does know he will not be back physically with her. All she has now are pictures and his ashes. Jason was the love of my life my true soulmate. Heroin took him away from us. It turned him into someone I didn't know. I'm glad that I knew Jason when he was sober. Not many people can say they did. The only thing that makes me feel better now is knowing he is no longer in pain. But I am angry and I feel guilty. I feel like I could have done more to prevent this. He is never coming back. It's so sad to see how many young people are losing their lives way too early because of this epidemic. Hopefully by sharing our stories we can help more people stop using. It may be too late for Jason but it's not too late for you. I am writing this in memory of you Jason. I will love you forever and ever plus infinity.

Allendale NJ

In loving memory of my brother Christian 💔 in my heart and on my mind every second of every day. Missing you and loving you always forever young. 12/26/87 - 09/04/2012 Posted 03/07/2019

My beautiful son David Dewan lost his battle to his addiction. He is very much missed by his Mom, sister Linda and his daughter who is now two and a half. Our life will never be the same.

Remembering two amazing men I worked with in Brighton that are sadly no longer with us due to drug / alcohol addiction. They spent their lives giving back to others with addiction problems but sadly didn't win their own battles. XXX

Posted 31/08/2018

My message is to my cousin Kathy, God Bless her, and the emotional pain she has gone thru...for many, many years. also to her son Jonathan, who is no longer with us, and for the pain he went thru as well. I hope he is resting now and I hope my cousin can someday be at peace. I just want her to know that she was a wonderful mother and that it could have been anyones child. Much love, your cousin, Beth.

Lost our beautiful daughter, Kasia Jurczyk, last Sept.  She passed on the 12th, then her daughter's father died the 14th.  Their daughter turned 6 on the 17th.  The aftermath of her death is devastating to the whole family, but more than anything we lost her.  I must keep her daughter safe for the future and not let this disease touch her.  I must make sure that Kasia lives on and saves others from here on end.

In loving memory of our son, Dominic, forever 23.  Dominic lost his battle to the disease of addiction on April 2, 2008.  Dominic is greatly missed by his mother, father and sister, Alexis as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

My beloved son,  Quentin Jordan Smith,  died March 23, 2010 at the age of 27. He left behind me his mom's, his dad, brother Justin,  sister Miranda,  and daughter Kya.  We miss you so very much son and love you forever!!! We remember your life with Joy, your face with Happiness, your Love with Honor! In Heaven with Jesus,  we will be reunited forever!!! Give Jesus a hug and kiss from us all! Big Love and Hugs to you my Squent!!! Moms

I lost my cousin, best friend, someone like a brother to me on 6/23/17. After 7 years clean 1 relapse took his life. He was such a funny, passionate, talkative person. I'll forever be missing you. I love you so much Michael. I hope I'm making you proud. Michael J. Pawelek ♡ #Mouseforever 🐁 Buffalo, N.Y. usa

In loving memory of a dear sweet soul, who loved life and people, Kevin E. Barker. He fought as hard as he could to live among us, A day does not go by that he is not thought of and missed deeply. I love you more than life my son, and I am so sorry yours had to end this way. In Peace at last in the arms of God, 1966/2018. Posted 30/07/2019

I just found out that I lost a really good friend, 2days after the fact, due to an opioid overdose! I've overdosed several times myself, but I've been very lucky! I just wanna say it is very important to let the ppl closest to a person, because the hardest part of an overdose is not being able to say good-bye!
R•I•P TRAVIS CLARK

Anchorage, Ak

Norma "ita" Cortes was a life taken too soon!!!! We love you Ita!!!!

Posted 29/08/2018

For Matthew LeRay LeBar: You expressed often your desire to be clean and your some 8 visits to detox/rehab facilities showed your determination but unfortunately this was not the route that provided any kind of change for you. Ironically you passed during an ibogaine treatment which was going to be the miracle cure, the last chance, the saving grace for you! Seems so unfair and to think of all of our plans we made to celebrate your success and recovery! You were so brave to make the decision to leave your addiction behind and we are all proud of you! I miss you everyday and wish that I could hold you even one more time! I hope that you know how much I love you and how much your family loves and misses you!! Watch over us and wrap your loving arms around us!

Mountlake Terrace, WA USA

In honor of my best friend we lost way to early, Dawn Partain. Rip girl..I love you

Mike Spires you are missed more than words can say! I love you and I wanted to leave a tribute in honor of National Overdose Awareness Day which is August 31st. because you were the best and deserve to not go unrecognized by passing from this horrible disease. There's not a day that goes by that I do not think of you and all the memories we made together as best friends. Someday we will meet again, until then it's not goodbye it's see you again someday.
Love Kim

Methuen Ma US

Ryan, Always on my mind Forever in my heart Love and Miss You!!

This is a tribute to my beautiful daught Daria...I miss you everyday. She died on 9/17/09 after 27 hrs. on life support. She was clean for 4 mos. I miss so much but I miss your crazy dancing and your tender heart. You had the softest skin ever and I miss touching your hand. I love you forever. Mom

To our dearest Austen (8-1-97 to 4-27-18) We all love and miss you so much! I never knew real pain before this. We did not get to spend enough time together. I'm so sorry you had to be a victim of this horrible disease. Our only comfort is knowing you are with God. Until we meet again. All our love, Mom and Dad (Angela and Paul)

Many years ago my best friend, Beth Borden Long committed suicide in her home. She had many jaw surgeries like I also had. We had many things in common. When I learned that she had died, I had to have therapy for about a year or more. It was so painful to lose my best friend. If anyone is considering Over Dosing, please do not do that. You will hurt your family members and those that are your friends. This is very serious. My daughter lost her husband due to an Over Dose of prescription drugs. Please do not ever do this to your family and loved ones. They will never forget and they will be in so much pain from losing their friend, or loved ones. I hope that everyone will read this message. Please think before you do something that you can't undo. Kingwood, TX, USA

In remembrance of my only two (2) children, Robert (Robbie) Allen Sirois (8-22-87 thru 05-21-16) and Christopher (Chris) Elliott Sirois) 04-07-91 thru 11-25-17. I loved them both so very much and miss them every day. Heroin is the drug that took their lives, and they left this world far to early. They no longer suffer with the battle of this disease, but my heart aches for them EVERY day. I love you Robbie and Chris to the moon and back. May you rest in peace.

Posted 08/09/2018

If I could fill up a letter with everything I wanted to say You wouldn't be able to finish reading it for days I can't explain how or when I lost my way Why I went astray Leaving program after program with you guys begging me to stay I can handle it, I can do this on my own No recovery house or halfway home Is gonna give me what I need to purge this pain out of my bones Collect calls from jail or detox pay phones Turned into me hanging up at the dial tone Ashamed and feeling alone I miss you Wishing I could still live with you But I can't get a handle on my issues All that I screamed I didn't do It's true I was the thief that didn't have to leave a clue I stole from you But the sickness is the hardest thing for me to get through I had this monkey on my back telling me what to do There's moments in time When I remember small fragments in this life of mine Back when I was doing fine Before living high in a life of crime When I was on the pitchers mound looking for the next sign Pushing off my back foot and letting a fastball fly Strike three! Your out! When mom would take care of me on the couch When I was sick and had to stay in the house Dropped ice cubes in the soup so I wouldn't burn my mouth Who would scream and shout Each time I struck someone out I remember Christmas morning opening up gifts Thinking about how great Santa Claus is Just an innocent kid Who didn't have a clue about how much you and dad did Getting me everything I wanted on my Christmas list Man, I miss this shit Kisses on my forehead before the walk to school Getting me the fresh gear so I could look cool I was such a fool With what I ended up getting into And now I've done so much damage I can't even talk to you There's nobody I can blame but myself I can't imagine how you felt Watching your first born destroy his health The sad thing is I don't even want help It's better to give it to somebody else I was never prepared for the blow addiction dealt I love you mom and I hope you know it Cause right now I'm feeling hopeless Out of focus The disease is infected in me and I can't control it I'm a slave Wishing I could bring back the kid you raised Cause each day it feels like I'm digging my own grave I'm just one mistake away Of facing my judgment day And that's not going to change As long as this poison is flowing through my vein I'll be locked to a ball and chain Unable to escape the pain Of a heroin addict being permanently attached to my name I'm so sorry this is what I've become You used to fill up with pride staring at your son I don't know if I'm going to survive another run Waiting by the phone waiting for when that death call is gonna come Come identify the body of another addict found in the slums Please don't forget the smile you fell in love with When I entered this world before the drugs hit Remember me as your child not the fiend looking for a fix Who would steal from his own family just to get it I can't tell you enough how much I regret it Wishing I could forget it And never injected Maybe then life would be different If I showed better resistance To addiction Maybe then I'd love a life worth living Mike you left the other day and I'll never see you in this life ever again. I just picked you up from jail after an 8 month sentence. I didn't think you'd stray so fast it only took 3 days for the devil to find you this time. You decided to give it one more try and it was your last. I'm glad you don't have to suffer another battle with your demons. I only wish you had accepted the gifts you were given. I love you brother and I'll see you sometime again.

In memory of our dear son and brother, Neil Balmer.

Medicine Hat Alberta Canada

Our son Zachary died on August 30, 2013 of a heroin overdose, while living in a very strict halfway house for addicts. He battled his demons for almost 10 years. When we were looking for a reading for his funeral, I came across this poem that said everything so well. I am including it here. I am free Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following paths God made for me I took his hand, I heard him call Then turned, and bid farewell to all I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to sing, to play Tasks left undone must stay that way I found my peace, at close of play And if my parting left a void Then fill it with remembered joy A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened… deep with sorrow I wish you sunshine of tomorrow My life’s been full I’ve savored much Good friends, good times A loved one’s touch Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don’t lengthen it now with grief Lift up your hearts and share with me, God wants me now… He set me free.

I am sorry for the way you died, all dirty and full of dope. You deserved better. You were praying that night, so loud and so personal to Jesus. You were praying for people that you loved to be delivered from the things that hold them back. You also did state your faith in Jesus that night. It was dark in the house and cold, we had no power that night. You finally got quiet and sat down then fell asleep. I thought it was good that you got quiet and sleep. I didn't expect you to die on the couch that night. We had not been living right, not sleeping, not eating, full of this drug or that drug. I'm sorry I didn't recognize that you were in an overdose that night, that you were dying. I'm so sorry to your family. I didn't know. You were praying out loud to God that night almost as if you were testing the limits with the amount of pills you took. I dont even know, too many. But you wanted to be sure of your salvation, out loud before you sat down to rest.

Pensacola, Florida

To all friends and family that didn’t make it- Please give me the strength I need to keep doing the next right thing and take one day at a time. I love and miss you so much!! 27 months and counting.. Gods will not mine be done!! 💕

Posted 01/09/2018

To my son, Rusty-James Parker, who died of a heroin overdose on May 29, 2016. You may have lost your battle, but I will keep fighting for you. This one's for you, Bug! Lotsa, Mom

Dear KC, It's been 6 years since you left us and I still miss you so much.  Your smile, your sassy personality and our times together at the salon sharing laughter, tears, frustrations and joys over the years of friendship.  I wish you'd been able to see a different choice other than the one you made but I can't blame you for something just because I don't understand.  You will always be beautiful and perfect to me. I keep you in my heart and I pray you are at peace.  I'm so sorry if I missed a chance to help because I didn't see your laughter masked your pain & I just couldn't believe someone so wonderful and full of life could ever die. I hope one day to laugh and cry with you again.  PAX.

My son Peter died June 8 2013.  He was 23 years old. I miss him so much.  He was beautiful. He loved being outdoors-fishing, swimming, and hiking.  He struggled with opiate addiction the last three years of his life, and died of an overdose one day out of rehab.

I'm forever saddened by the number of deaths caused in this senseless way.  My artistic and poetic son, Jacob, was over powered by his addiction to prescription medications.  It's been nearly seven years ago and I still miss him constantly.  Too many sensitive souls lost to over doses.  I love you forever Jacob. Mom.

My father John Thomas Reilly lost his life to an overdose of opioids. He struggled with addiction, and was in South Florida at the time when the incident happened. My family was hurt by his death, but I continue to fight for awareness. John Thomas Reilly DOD April 7, 2017

Posted 07/12/2018

My dear son Brian I will forever miss you. My funny smart-witted intelligent caring kind-hearted one.  My one with the biggest heart but the one that was also broken hearted.  I hope your wings are flying high and may you rest in peace.  Can't wait to hold you in my arms again love forever and always Mom xoxoxoxo

Travis, you were a smart, caring friend and you will be missed dearly. I'll always remember the good times we had blazing for the first time or spending time at the river. I pray for your family and your brother during this tough time.

On May 2, 2019 I lost you my baby brother , my only brother. The pain is still to raw the shock not yet worn off your sent still in the air. You were an amazing brother with a heart of gold a wonderful father to your boys a stand up man who worked very hard. I will miss our long talks your smile I’ll even miss our disagreements! You fought a hard battle and for that I am beyond PROUD of you , you never stopped trying, never gave up the fight as we came upon your 1 year of sobriety and the call came in that we lost you I cried but I vowed to not let you be thought of as anything less than an amazing father, brother, nephew, friend to so many with a compassionate heart that was always the first there to help someone in need. You are so missed I will love you always. Your Big Sis & Best Friend Posted 13/05/2019

I lost my only son, John Atkinson, on March 30, 2002, to an overdose of alcohol, crack cocaine and opiates. My life was forever changed by my son's downward spiral though the hell of addiction and his subsequent death from this horrid disease. John left behind a four year old son. There is always an empty chair to remind me that he is gone. There is a piece of my heart missing, a piece in the perfect shape of him. Please don't think that addiction can't happen to you or someone in your family. This disease is like a thief in the night, and does not discriminate. It will ravage you, your home, your children.... Some die, that others may live. May the death of my son not be in vain.

From Steven Morin, my first best friend....I'm very happy to have gone back north to hang with you at Salem Baptist Church. I put a $20 on your grave stone. I love you Lil brother. ..... to Shane Johnson,  we shared a lot of the same pain and so far I'm clean again brothers. Everyone in between Steven and Shane I love you all too many to name. May peace be with you.

Little sister Rowan Marie Soutar..taken to soon on 2.06.16.  There are so many things we still had to do together sis..I still can't believe you are gone..you bravely battled the addictions that stole you from us for 12 years..It was so difficult watching your demise..I felt so powerless to help you..part of me dies with you too..I will never be the same with out you..I love you so much..And I will treasure the 34 years we had together forever darlin..For eternity sis..love u buckets ...Shon xxxxx

Hi my name's is Brittany and I'm 30 unfortunately I've been to more funerals then anyone wants to in their lifetime I've lost some amazing people they all passed before they hit 25.....so young wth so much more life ahead of them i miss yhem everyday specially troy Michael Hess he was the bestest best friend you could ever ask for always there wiped my tears always made me laugh just someone you enjoyed having in your life was taken by this evil drug heroin never a day goes by he isn't in my mind me wondering what life would be like if he was still here today I'll never find a friend like him ever again and sometimes I beat myself up for not doing more not being there as much as I should have...troy Michael Hess I will always love you and miss you til the day I see that sweet smile again

Belleville

Jackie Nadine S. July 25th, 1983/ May 25th, 2016 My beautiful daughter, I'll never let your memory die, and I'll fight til my death to remind people that addiction is a disease...an equal opportunity destroyer of people from any walk of life, and to fight for better treatment centers for addicts, and to get our country to go after the drug distributors.....illegal and legal. Monroe, WE. 98272

To my beloved Chris, sunshine, and other half, You inspire me on a daily basis to pursue recovery and sobriety. After months clean, you experienced a thought which you were defensless against which was to get high. God had decided that he needed you more than we do here on Earth and took you home. Your memory will live forever. We had so many plans, I planned on spending my life with you. Those plans and my heart were crushed on January 20, 2014 when I got the devastating news. You were a kind and loving spirit with an unique sense of humor. You will always be my sunshine...so blue eyes I hold you near, cause you're the only song I want to hear, a melody softly soaring through my atmosphere. Rip my angel. Meet you at the crossroads.

To the moon and back, my sweet boy. Your laugh, beautiful bright smile, sense of humor, exceptional intelligence, calm demeanor, kindness, loyalty, empathy, sensitivity, tenderness, and profound love for family and friends, especially your daughter, will always be with us and never forgotten - thank you for all you gave us and taught us. You were one of those individuals who had it all and were so genuine, but suffered a life altering event that you never recovered from, hence your path to find something to ease the pain - I wish it could have been me instead of you. Your passing will forever create a deep void in all of us, but we will do our best to live our lives without you, but through you. Your beautiful daughter reminds us how to do that every single day. She will always know how wonderful her daddy was through the memories we share. You will always be a shining light in our hearts. We love you and miss you so very much and hope more than ever that you have found peace. Mommy loves. Michael Ryan Warner 10/18/1987-11/10/2018 Posted 28/08/2019

Roy husband babe love of my life father of my children .. I miss u always and love u forever

Posted 16/08/2019

How I wrote it in my recent local paper...
https://edmondsbeacon.villagesoup.com/p/opioid-crisis-take-it-personally-moments-notice/1683971

Edmonds, WA

In honor of my first born child, my only daughter, Lauren Taylor. Our hearts are broken and always will be. We miss you so much. We long to hear your giggle and see your happy smile. Taylor was a happy, smart, beautiful young woman that loved her brother and was blessed to have a large family that supported her thru out her young life. No one ever deserves to battle this horrible addiction. No one deserves to die from this horrible disease. Addiction can take everything from a person, from the family and friends, and ultimately, in some cases, takes their life. Taylor didn't deserve to die this way. She overdosed only once. We didn't see it coming and were not prepared. I (we) will always wonder if we could of saved her. What could we have done differently. We pray for strength and pray for the many families going thru this type of loss of a loved one. It's such a huge loss

It’s going to be 5 years since you’ve passed on December 28th, dad. You were a good man but went down the wrong path. Lost my dad when I was 12 years old. Overdosed at a McDonald’s all alone. Rest easy angel ♥️ You are missed.. Love, Your only child. Posted 27/12/2019

Dear William, It's almost 3 years since I have not heard your contagious laughter, saw your beautiful blue eyes, heard your words of wisdom, and had one of your tight hugs. They say time is a great healer, I say my clock is broken! I remember like it was yesterday when You & Harry were born...The Twins!!! My God how excited we all were I watched you grow up so fast right in front of my eyes. You and Harry were Twins, yet such different people. I remember sitting in the yard with you 3 weeks before you passed away...if I knew you'd leave rehab and relapse...I would have never let go of You!! You were in rehab for 10 months and doing amazing! You were on the road to recovery, we all felt Hope!! You left rehab on 5/29/15 and I received the call early Sunday morning 5/31/15. You were gone so fast and You had so many Dreams!!! I still can't believe you're gone...I feel like it's not real. My Heart will never be whole and there's an emptiness in my Soul. You are Forever 23! You are my Angel! You are Missed! You are Loved! You are always in my Thoughts and forever in my Heart!! William F.H 10/25/91-5/31/15 #ENDTHESTIGMA #NOTONEMORE