International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. Time to Remember. Time to Act.

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Tributes to lost loved ones

My son Ryan John Moylan passed away on June 11 2016 he was 30 years old he left behind 3 boys Cayden 13, Nicholas 12, and Ryan jr 7. He was left to die because no one would call 911. My heart is forever broken I miss my son with all I am.

Granite city il

Patty

Today and always I remember my son Cody who was 30 yrs old when he died from an overdose after suffering 15 years with his addiction. I will not let his death be in vain. I have started a nonprofit organization offering support, education, and resources to all those affected by addiction as this is a devastating family disease that affects everyone who loves someone who is suffering from the disease. We are "Families Fighting Addiction",

Posted 01/07/2018

Tracy Burtis

To all of those I've met over the years working at Salvation Army and outreach May you now be at peace.

The Fallen in Chilliwack

On October 8th, 2016 my grandma came to my house and woke me up to tell me my mother had passed away at 2:00am at her fiancé's house. I was in complete denial. There was no way my best friend and mother had been gone, she was only 42. But she is. I know she is watching over me and is my guardian angel now. It's just hard to believe she's gone, she won't be at my high school graduation this year and she won't be there when I get married or have kids but I know she'll always be watching over me. We had an unbreakable bond, I could tell her anything as if she was just another friend, whether it was about my relationship or school I knew I could tell her. She was literally my best friend since I was born, I'm 17 now, her oldest child and I have to take care of my 9 year old brother, 6 year old sister, graduate high school, and work. But I'm doing it for my mom and I know she's watching my success. She struggled with drug and alcohol addiction since 2004, and on October 8, 2016 passed from heroin overdose. I never thought a day would come so soon where I'd be without my best friend. I love you mom and I know you're watching over me, Liam and Sami. We all love you and will see you when our times come ❤️

Leila

This is for my beautiful, kind niece Kesley. You died only 2 days ago from an overdose after leaving rehab. You were only 22 years old. Such a great loss to all that knew and loved you. Your 2 year old son will have to grow up not knowing what a great mom that he had. Our hearts are broken. Heaven has received a beautiful angel. You will always be in our thoughts and hearts. I love you my sweet girl.

Posted 11/08/2018

Stacey

Jordan, God I miss you so. Not a day goes by you don't cross my mind many times. I have put flowers on your grave, your Mom or Dad ( or both) left the vase on your headstone empty and maybe it was so I could put flowers there as there wasn't room to do so this winter and I laid them at your headstone. I like to think this is the case. I know you're not there but it is a place I can come visit and pay my respects to a Dear Friend I miss so much. Of course I talk to you everywhere!!! I regret you leaving so soon buddy, your life had just begun. I regret not being a better friend, maybe had I shown tough love things may have turned out differently, but then again we may not have been friends...Such a thin line between helping someone and enabling them exist. And that line gets crossed and sadly was crossed. I wish you peace my friend, comfort for your family. I can't imagine what they've been through, just what this has done to me. Rest in God's love my friend. Give Mom a hug for me and tell her I love her and miss her and tell her to do the same for you!!! I love you Jordan. Till next then, little more... Mick Posted 14/03/2019

Mick

My son, Donald L. Simon, III struggled with addiction more than 1/2 his life. His quality of life suffered. His family longed for a life free of substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) for him. For him to see and embrace life without needing a high. He suffered a heart attack at the young age of 38. It should have killed him, but he just happened to be at a hospital visiting a friend. Don was fun when sober, he worked hard, enjoyed music, cards and just wanted to belong. His family prayed for him. He is drug free now, but so distant from his family who loves and misses him. Gone too soon. As his mom, my heart breaks every day, a huge piece is missing. Till we meet again, I love you my son.

Debra

My daughter was clean for years and on March 3 ,2016 I found her in the floor dead. I tried cpr everything nothing worked. The autopsy report stated that it had fentanyl in it she passed instantly.

Lorri

Courtney Anne Ream 02-01-1981 -12-27-11 Loved and cherished eternally. Posted 03/06/2019

Peggy Davis

I lost my best friend Kris in 2008 to a drug overdose. He was the love of my life, and the father of my child. I miss him every single day. And I know I always will. Strawberry plains, Tennessee

Nicoli Manley

My husband i lost on July 10, 2017 I spoken with him from 12p-12:45 p not knowing that was the last conversation that i would ever have with him... After work i began to call him around 5:05 PM no answer i began to look, and ask questions.. His father lead me to the home that he was last seen at.. I approached the door, a lady lead me to a coach that he was said to be asleep on i began to call out his name and say wake up. I touch him he was cold i began performing CPR until EMS workers arrived.. I could not believe that nobody in the room notice that he was not breathing until i came... Cocaine overdose.... I would ask him was he back using drugs he replied no... I would encourage him that he could stay clean and remain clean but i found him of a overdose.. We were married for 4 years, and had a 2 year old little boy who loved his father to the moon and back... Why did he have to go so soon, drug addiction is very powerful and can take the best out of here if help is not seek out. This is a life experience that have changed me forever..

TOLEDO

The most beautiful soul... a free spirit, finally free. Thank you for bringing so much light. Thank you for being. You taught me more than you ever realized, and you constantly amazed me. I love you and miss you always, Brett. I'll always find you in the woods. 9/4/80-4/13/16 Boone, NC

Brett Airey

Almost 3 years ago you left us but I lost my father way before then. The strong man I grew up knowing was taken away long before you passed. You spent your life teaching your children to never be weak, to be strong and work hard but drugs took away that person. I miss the man that raised me so much. Your children really need you but it's too late now.

Christina

You are so loved and missed Laci 11-2-83. 1-22-17

Butler

Debby

I'm planning a balloon Release on August 31st. To help people in my community remember loved ones lost. My number one reason for doing this is that I lost my mother on August 2nd 2015 to an overdose.

Hanceville, Alabama

Brandy Raymond

My dear son Christopher Michael Bailey, I am so sorry that this has happened to you. I think about you from the moment I wake up to when I lay down at night. I know you did not want this to happen, you were so happy and you were looking forward to the upcoming year so you could be the general manager at your own store. It breaks my heart that you will not get to do this. Your mom and I and your sister Stephanie love you dearly and miss you more than anything. One day I'll be with you again kiddo.

Jimmy

My precious son lost his battle with the brain disease called addiction! Robbie was a fine intelligent young man with a disease that took his life 5/14/15. He was 32😢 wood Village Oregon USA

Joyce

We lost our beautiful 29-year old son on Oct. 19, 2014 from a heroin overdose. He was in a coma for a week before we had to let him go. Every day since then has been a challenge. My husband and I lost our first born, my second son lost his brother that he really didn't have time to reconnect with after so many years apart while Colin was trying hard to get his life in order. Colin leaves behind the love of his life with whom he had just purchased a "real fixer upper" and was in the process of thoroughly remodeling it when the drug took back control of his life. Our lives have been devastated, but we know Colin would want us to go on and be as happy as possible, while he is watching us from Heaven. I miss his smile, his constant energy, his intellect, and the way he took care of me like kindred spirits take care of each other. I was his "momito," Words can not explain our grief. CAV, we miss you bigger than the world.

Cathy

Dear Peter, You are always in my thoughts and there seems to be a steady flow of reminders of you each day. The Allman Brothers are on the radio & I know you were a fan, along with The Beastie Boys & Bob Dylan & so many other great bands. You had a real feeling for music. The Cohen Brothers have another movie coming out & I know you'd want to check that out. It's football season again. You had to cope with not only The NY Jets, The NY Giants but The NE Patriots too. I drive by the beach & see some guys out there fishing and I always think of you. Sometimes I'll find myself reading the Fishing Report in the Falmouth Enterprise or The Cape Cod Times. One article was about Stripe Bass unexpectedly returning to some area again. What would you have thought about that? One day, a couple of years ago, I found a very tiny turtle in the yard. He seemed so out of place. I picked him up & brought him across the street to the Bird Sanctuary, where I hoped he'd be safe. And near some water. I thought he was a sign from you. Love, Aunty Cindy

Cynthia

A year ago we found you on your bedroom floor. We were a family of four, now a ship wreck of three just clinging to the debris left behind and drifting. Our son was a strong, capable, intelligent, hardworking, kind and compassionate man. He was prescribed pills after a surgery in high school and found out he could buy more at school. Fast forward six years and two stays in rehab, what would have been a simple relapse killed him due to fentanyl. He did not want to die. We would have done anything to keep him alive and help him get better. He had everything to live for. Cole 7 27 94 - 3 9 18

Posted 08/03/2019

Nona

Evan, how I miss you babe. I swear I still wake up every morning hoping you will be there laying next to me. 8 months without you has been WAY to long. I wish all the time that I could of given you my strength, but I'm no superhero. I miss your stupid laugh, our movie nights, and all the little things in between. My heart hurts so much. It was always you. -J

Jessica

My big brother Christopher. We battled addiction together. I hate that my memories of you are tainted by use, but I'll take what i can get. I talk about you all the time to Oran, he's 6 now and if you heard his emotion and words when he talks about you, you would think that he knew you as long as i did. He sure looks like his uncle. I always tell him you would have been the best uncle possible. I know he knows its true too. He cries real tears of pain for someone that left this earth 9 months before he was born. It makes me so sad but so happy at the same time. You were truly one of a kind. Rest in peace C Gos... the best big brother to ever be. Christopher Damian G. 06/16/1984 - 03/27/2011 . It never gets easier. 7 years but it still feels like we just lost you. Love you bro. Cheers.

Posted 27/06/2018

Timothy

Dear Kip, Brittany, Janice, Ana, Bernice, Adam, David, Pups, Ariel and my Daddy.... you didn't deserve the torment... none of us do/did. Please be in peace and know that I'll always love you. Please let your souls continue to guide me past the detriment...

Dietz

To my beautiful baby sister Haley. May you be free from life's struggles and dependency. It was devastating to see such an amazing young woman get caught up in such a cruel situation. She was strong, brave and honestly fighting for her life back. The chains of drug addiction can be unforgiving and she just couldn't set herself free. At the young age of just 21 she passed away and now lies in peace. I love you Haley and can now only dream of you sharing special moments with me. May your mind be still and your dependency be relieved. You have shown me the value of life and how to manifest its gifts daily. Thinking of you always.

Courtney

Everyday since my brothers death I have held a thought or memory in my mind or heart, mostly in both. I miss my brother more than words could ever express. Heroin stole another young, able bodied, kind hearted, talented man... A brother an uncle... A son. Please teach your children the dangers that are associated with drugs, please be open minded and receptive to their questions, please don't act as if this doesn't exist and please have compassion in your heart in regard to this crisis... This will tell your children without any words that it is okay to come to you if they are in trouble. Spread awareness. Teach our children. Addiction doesn't discriminate. Posted 06/06/2019

Heidi a page

Dear Andrew, Holding your memory closer than ever in my heart today, sweet nephew, remembering you on this day 22 years ago at your birth and all the remaining short days of your too brief life. What a very quiet baby you were, one who then became a softly whispering little boy who grew into a very kind and gentle young man with a shy smile and a huge heart. You always seemed lost, buddy….as if you had somehow wandered into this world, unsure of just how you ended up here, bewildered as to what purpose had brought you here. At every moment, watching you, I could only hope that you would eventually settle into your own skin, find your stride, and blaze your own unique path to find that purpose. You were a bright spark, Andrew, the light by which you struggled to penetrate the darkness around you. I always felt certain that the power of that spark within you just needed time to grow. I know that you never meant to leave us. I guess we’ll never know exactly what happened that last night of your life. I wish you had known that you could talk to me about your opiate addiction. Was it a beast that you thought you could control ? Did that monster turn on you…overpower you finally … make you forget how much you’d already fed to it…convince you that just a little more won’t do any harm ? Maybe you thought you would sleep the deepest sleep you’d ever had and wake the next morning ready to harness the beast again into submission. But you didn’t wake up. I wonder if there was a moment when you and the beast realized that this time you both messed up. I hope at that moment that you knew just how richly and deeply and magnanimously you had been loved every day, every hour, every minute and second of your precious life. By your mom and your dad and your brother and your sister. Your Grandpa FA and your Mama Marge. Your friends. Dawn and me. I hope you knew, Andrew, I hope you knew.

Anonymous

My beautiful Tommy was taken home September 1, 2016. Never did we think going into that night, it would turn out to this outcome. What transpired was complete madness and I never want to endure that again. I will forgive your family but I will never forget. You are in my heart everyday. I love you so much and I miss you each day I know that you are watching over our Baylee and Brodie. I know in my heart that God called you that night. I will fight everyday for our children, they will be home. I am a sober strong mother and they deserve to be with their mother. I want my family together all under one roof. I appreciate your parents but they have stolen our children at this point. I know when the timing is right they will be home, I trust in the Lord. It will be this year 2021! They need their Momma! I can't believe it has been this long... You are my soul mate and I will never love anyone like you. I see you everywhere. You are my handsome Toma. We could have done so much good. I wish your father acted differently and actually sat down and talked to us... Things could have been different. I have peace in my heart because you are in it. I love you so much and just because I wouldn't marry you because I wanted to have a nice wedding, "one day" I know I will always be your Brianne Brennick. Your baby girl. I wish we could have a do over. You are such a beautiful kind soul and wonderful husband and father. Thank you for my beautiful children. Please bring them home to me. I love you Tommy Brennick forever & always. Your favorite song: Forever Young T.A.B. 11.23.07

Brianne

My struggle only began 3 years ago with a injury at work many surgeries later I'm completely addicted to prescription pain meds many failed attempts to get clean and to many close calls to an overdose I reached a point I felt my life was over I'm a true believer in methadone maintenance it saved my life but not before it almost took my niece's life she got a heavy dose of heroin and fentyl thank the LORD she made her way into a populated store before falling out and CPR was administer by a customer but she was on a ventilator and placed in a medically induced coma for weeks we were not sure what her future was to look like eventually she woke up but she will never be the same she needs round the clock care and is basically a toddler again my niece is only 29 with her whole life ahead of her she has been battling her addiction since she was a teenager it almost took her from us and I see how it has taken its toll on our family and I do not want to put them threw it also I don't want to die or become a vegetable if you are addicted please STOP I know it's hard get help get help now before it's to late you are worth it you deserve to be clean and sober Catasauqua

Becky

To my only child, my precious daughter Marti LoMonaco born 4/16/62 - left this earth on 11/3/09 at the age of 47 due to an accidental overdose of prescription drugs that she was addicted to. Many hearts were shattered the day you left with the angels. I will never be the same, I will miss you until the day we are together again. You will live forever in my heart and as long as I am on this earth I will keep your memory alive. The world must never forget you were here.

Mickey Fisher

I lost my son, Daniel Thompson to a heroin overdose on December 11, 2015. His baby girl turned 1 on December 17,2015. He won't be here to watch this precious baby grow up. It's still so hard for me to believe that my baby son is gone.

Debra

In memory of my son, Matthew Alexander Veazey, who died October 9, 2008 of a heroin overdose at age 21.

Kelley

For Callum. My funny, clever and loving brother. I loved you from the day you were born and will miss you every day of my life.
"Sometimes memories sneak out of my eyes and roll down my cheeks" ? Your favourite big sis xx.

Perth, Australia

Kerriann

This has to stop Lost my only child to this St. Louis Mo USA

Joanie Shinall

Dear Anders, I honestly did not believe I would make it this far without you here on this earth. I am sure if you still had the same state of mind you did before you passed, one year ago, you would be angry that I have cried as much as I have over losing and missing you. While on this earth, you never understood how I could be so sad when someone close to me died or was very sick. You would always say, “Mom, they have served their purpose on this earth and it is time for them to go.” The beauty is I know you were right, baby boy; but I also know you completely understand my immense sadness now. I know you understand why I practiced tough love [with you] throughout your struggles with drugs. I truly know that. I have felt you and your compassion throughout this year in so many beautiful and loving ways. Thank you for looking after Jonas and helping to put solid, loving people and amazing opportunities in his life. He misses you so much, sweetheart. Even though I would give anything to hug and talk to you again, I know you are finally at peace. I will never forget when you were 6-years old and you couldn’t sleep – you could never sleep!! You asked, “Mom, do you think God created the universe and then the universe created our earth?” Ha, those were the thoughts keeping you awake at 6-years old??!! Your mind never stopped! Your creativity never stopped!! You were a genius!!! And unfortunately, that brought a lot of demons along with it. Do you remember when I asked you, “What is it about heroin?” Your answer, “It feeds my soul.” My answer to you was, “Yes, but temporarily and you will have to keep feeding it with the drug.” Do you remember that night we both sobbed when you showed me your track marks because we both knew what it meant? Anders, it brings me immense peace knowing you do not have to keep feeding and entertaining those demons – they cannot touch you anymore. They cannot hurt you anymore. You are free. Do you remember this past June, when I was at a concert and the artist dedicated a song to his dad who had just died? I started to cry and literally under my breath said to you, “Oh Anders, I just want to be with you right now.” Your instant reply, in your Ders way was, “Nope, Mom. You have shit to do.” It was as if you were sitting next to me and whispering those words in my ear. You are/were right. I DO have shit to do. I am figuring all of that out now and trying to find the best way to go about it. But I will make a difference in this world. Sweetheart, in your honor, I promise to make a change for the positive wherever I can. I promise to spread Christmas cheer all year long. I promise to work hard to help find treatments to prevent and treat mental illness/addiction. I promise to love with all of my heart and be true to myself. I promise to write and record songs. So, for every cardinal that appears in front of me, for every penny I find randomly in the house, for every hug from Jeffrey, a family member, friend, or stranger, and for every Christmas carol that randomly plays on my phone in the Spring or Summer - Thank you! I miss you beyond description, my baby boy. But I know you are hanging with the best of them up there. Tell Tom Petty I cannot wait to finally meet him someday. I love you and will see you when I have served my purpose, Mom

Anders

Eliza supported others struggling with addiction, as she tried so hard to help herself. In her spirit, please do not use alone. When you are ready - reach out for support. Together we can.

Eliza

Jordan Spencer Clark, Sunday was Mothers Day, I went and got flowers for Mom's grave and a shepherds hook to hang chime, it's like the one I hung at your grave buddy. While standing in line to pay I noticed everyone had fresh flowers they were buying for their Moms and it made me sad, envious, maybe jealous as they had their Mom here and this was my second year where Mom's flowers for Mothers Day was placed on her grave. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful they ( everyone I saw ) have their mothers present, it just hurt, that's all. I miss being able to talk to you Jordan and I miss you more than there are stars. I have the cd part 2 almost done. I think you would like it as its about you. A lot of sad songs of course yet you would know how much I cared for you Mate! That I love you and miss you!!! Rest in Gods Love my dear friend and know you are Loved and Missed each day. Til next then...

Mick

In remembrance of our son, Kevin O'Brien, who died on 12/01/16 of an overdose. He is forever loved. Forever missed.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ

Nancy

My 24 year old son, Alex Fuller died of an overdose on 2/5/17 from heroin laced with fentanyl. He was a kind soul with a huge heart that deserved to live the life he had ahead of him. That was cut short. There will not be a minute that goes by that I don't think of my sweet boy and believe that I am one step closer to being with him again.

Louisville, Kentucky

Michelle Florence

My cousin Peter lost his battle to opiate addiction a few summers ago. We were a year apart in age and raised as siblings during summers on Cape Cod. Somewhere along the way, Peter took a different path. The smiling, curious young man I grew up with was overshadowed by a demon. His loving parents, my aunt and uncle, struggled to help him find his happiness again. To help him find the person who loved the ocean and knew everything about it's inhabitants. Opiate addiction has not only taken my cousin Peter, but also my first real love. My boyfriend Erik succumbed to the disease not long afterwards. I think of them everyday, and wish that I had the strength to help them, to take their pain away. I wish they are both able to find the peace now that they fought for in life. Love always, Allegra.

Allegra

I lost my son, Vinny Weiss, on December 22, 2015 to heroin and prescription drugs. He was the most caring person, always thinking about others. He had a good relationship with God. He was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, and a friend to so many people that when we had his viewing the people never stopped coming in the funeral home. The thing that sticks out the most in peoples' minds was his smile and infectious laugh. He could light up a room. Oh, he certainly had his faults. One thing is for sure, he wanted to stop using. He could never say no to the draw of the drug. He had just come out of a rehab after 8 months of being cooped up. He had gained weight and his brain was functioning better than it had in years He was going to NA meetings twice a week and then had a setback. His parole officer wanted him to go 5 days a week. So he did. I dropped him off at the church just like every other day and I got a phone call from a "supposed" friend before it was time to pick him up. There was an accident in the church's bathroom he told me. I was only 5 minutes away. When I got there, the EMT said he was already blue, not breathing and no heartbeat when they arrived. They had hit him with 4 or 6 doses of Narcan. His friends didn't call for help right away. They were too busy cleaning up the scene. They left him die. That's what hurts the most! I will never have my son back, but I know without a doubt that his soul is with God, and that I will see him again someday. But for now, I have to live for my other son and grandchildren.

Cynthia

To my mom in heaven, I love you so much, you fought for so long but I’m glad you aren’t hurting anymore. I can’t wait until we meet again. Everything I do from now on is for you. You are my sunshine. All the hugs and all the kisses. Love you momma <3 Destiny Hudson Falls, NY

Destiny S.

To my fianceé Kyle (4-21-88/2-15-11), my brother-in-law Chris (12-27-85/7-3-09), and my best friend Katie (1-7-88/2-5-10). Three beautiful lives lost way before their time! I think of you all every single day! My life will never be the same without y’all in it! Chris I miss your craziness. Katie I miss your beautiful smile, and Kyle I miss the love we had, your blue eyes, and your willingness to love me no matter what we went through! I’m so lost without you guys, but so blessed I made it out of our situation alive. There is hope. Through love, programs and NA I found myself again! If someone you love is suffering, never give up on them. Your love could save their life! I’m a testimony to that!

Danielle

To all those who I have passed by along that road we all know too well. Many lost, some still dying too long before their time! I dream of still hearing your voice, seeing you smile touching souls. I carry with me the mark you left on the World..........RIP! I pray for the day when no more will be lost! Together as we creep towards working as one this day shall come! XXXXX Love to all who have been touched by the damage done!

lou2u

This is for all my friends that are now gone. I miss you. While you just slipped away and went into eternal sleep you left all your loved ones behind to wonder what we could have done to change things. I now see the change was within you. I recently have been face to face with this HORRIBLE MONSTER, as my own daughter was using. I chose to fight this Devil and pull her back. But still every single day I'm scared to death for her. Alexis

Alexis

My baby, my son Tim- Came into this world 9 1/2 lbs on Feb 25th 1986.... Loved me thru everything~ Had the sweetesr heart Ive ever known An overdose stole him from us Changed my heart forever His Mom

Bonnie

A life taken way way way too soon. I miss you Cary, the best boyfriend & best friend a girl could ever ask for. <3 4/26/97 - 4/16/19 Posted 23/08/2019

Ameena

Dear Mommy, The last time we talked (7/13/2012) I was going to take you to lunch on my day off (the next day) (7/14/2012) You said ok..I said I loved you! You said I love you back and I didn't need to come over you were going to bed early. WOW!!! If I only known that would be our last conversation I would have said more or just came over..(GUT FEELING) My life turned upside down as you ended your life that day/eve. Sure you left a note. Not good enufffff!!! Mom! You look every bottle of pills you had to make sure it was a done deal. Now I'm left all alone in life and that's a done deal. I'm scared, sad, alone and miss you so much it hurts! Everyday I look at your picture next to my bed and wonder: If only I'd come over would you be gone!!! Mom I love you!!! But I'm mad and all alone..why why why? I miss you every second of the day. Love your daughter Tracy P.S. Tell dad I love and miss him so very much as he died one month and a day before you. Both parents gone in a month. My love is all you said. God is all you said. We will have to talk when I get to the golden gates. Love you !!!See you in my dreams..Alway hugging you in my arms and heart.

Tracy

I want to let my son Joseph Burrelli know how much I love him and miss him.. He died of an overdose of heroin on December 10, 2014 and I died that day also. He had the biggest heart and he loved me as much as I loved him.. He promised me he would not die of an overdose of heroin and that is exactly what he did. He was supposed to get out of jail on December 15 and I was arriving in town on that day but they let him out early on the 7th of December. He went to general relief and was give $350 cash and from there he went to the heroin dealers house and got the drugs that killed him. I can not believe that a government agency just hands a drug addict $350 cash. The pain is so unbearable at times. I still cry every day and would do anything to just hold him and talk with him.. I love you Joey and I know you are in heaven and I will see you again but I miss you so much. Some days I don't think I am going to be able to get through the day but somehow I barely make it. I am not angry with you just so very sad. I love you forever and ever... Mom.

Deborah

Elton's Words "We need to offer a forum for creative voices, to call out as one from the darkness of mental health & addiction, paying tribute to those that have gone before us, offering strength to those who walk with us and as a guide for those that follow us." Rest in Peace my son. You fought a long hard battle. Mom Vancouver, BC

Barb MacKay

Dear Jeff,
I can't believe that you have been gone almost 14 years. I know you tried hard to stay in recovery. I'm sorry that you made a mistake in combining a deadly combination of drugs that cost you your life. Your mom and dad and sister have never stopped grieving every single day, since we lost you. We watch your son struggle with not having a dad, and navigating the difficult waters of being a teenager, and struggling with more loss than anyone his age should have experienced. I have tried to be the best "Grammy Bear" to him, and Caitie has also tried to be the very best Auntie. I hope you and Marc are at peace and with Grandma and Grandpa. No one loved you more unconditionally than your Grandma. In honor of you and Marc, I continue to work in prevention to try to support youth in making healthy decisions and not getting started down the treacherous path of addiction. It's not easy, because my losses are in my face every day. It would be easier to just turn away from this heartache! Dad and I try to live the best, most loving and compassionate lives we can, and use every ounce of energy and faith to survive our losses. No parent should have to travel this journey, especially when they tried to so hard to raise their children with a village of people who loved them. Many dreams were forever gone when we lost you and Marc. You are in our hearts forever, Mom

Vancouver, WA 98686

Kathy Deschner