To my oldest son...Austin; You were one of a kind. Big heart, beautiful soul, an honor to be your mother. You fought addiction harder than I have seen anyone else try. You also had bipolar, which was very difficult for you to face. But once again you took that on too and did your hardest to battle that problem as well. Thank you for being you and for loving your family and friends to the fullest. You are missed by us all. See you one day soon.... Love Mom

In loving memory of my beloved brother, Norman F., who was only 36 years old. He fought the 'addiction demon' with all he had but lost the battle on 10-14-16. I want people to remember him for who he was and not what the horrid disease turned him onto. We miss him terribly and struggle everyday without him yet we keep holding on to the wonderful memories we have and the hope that he is finally at peace and free. I will love you always and miss you forever Norm!!! Fowlerville, MI

My Son. Broadrick "Brodie" Loera Jr. 07/02/1990 - 07-05-2016. Heroin/Xanax Overdose We Feel You Everyday! I will make a difference. Posted 27/08/2018

My ex's mother was just like a mother to me.  Yes she had her demons, we all do she just could not get away from them before they took her away November 7th 2015.  I have overdosed as well but I was lucky enough to survive them and I now have just over six months clean. I feel guilty every day because I couldn't do anything for her that day and I survived.  This disease is killing people left and right, it is time to put a stop to this, it is time to stop losing our loved ones.

My baby brother, Daniel, was taken too early. He was just 25, on june 15 2007 when we lost him. I think of you everyday and miss you every minute. I know you're watching down on me and my girls. xoxo MMDS

Shawn Sperling... we lost you on Sept. 30, 2012 from a heroin overdose. Forever 22. So full of life, love and laughter. Loved by all. Our son, our brother, our friend, your legacy is the love that you left behind. Your many, many friends always going to your gravesite, still after almost 5 years. Shawnie... you are still such a beautiful part of us. Our "Ferris Bueller". I am so lucky to be your mom for 22 years. We ❤️ You! Still I Rise

Paramus, NJ

My Dear Son Matthew: Our love for you endures and the memory of you will never fade. You live in our hearts now, but soon will live forever on paradise earth. John 5:28, 29. My hope is to see you there and we will talk, laugh, and hug again.

Rest in peace Ray M. Garneau. You left me too soon. I miss your smile and our talks. Herion was the only thing that could come between us. I saw your sickness and sadness. It changed you, but you still stood by my side. You were important and you were loved. I will think of and miss you every day of my life.

Worthville ky

My world was forever changed on October 5, 2014 when my husband uttered the words "Andrew is addicted to heroin".  WHAT? Andrew?? HOW?  It was like a baseball bat between the eyes. Suddenly, all the questions were answered.  Questions I had been struggling with about my only son - Why so many car accidents?  Why is he so distant?  Why does he get mad and refuse to talk to me?  Why doesn't he ever have any money? As I cried and cried that day, that week - I knew this would be terminal for Andrew.  I just knew it in my gut.   So I tried- I tried everything a mother could possibly think of in this desperate situation - I sobbed, hugged, listened, scolded, yelled, pleaded, I mothered, I bargained & pleaded - with both my son and with god.   Within 2 weeks he would be in the hospital with another wrecked car  - then he  agreed to rehab.  He would  die just 19 days later at age 24,  alone in a stall in the bathroom at Petsmart, just 4 blocks from his apartment where I was waiting for him.  All from an addiction that started with one pill - Oxycontin.  God, I miss my Andrew so damn much.

In loving memory of Brian Glynn who passed away on September 3, 2015 of a heroin overdose. Brian is loved and missed every day.

Wisconsin

This is a tribute in honor of my daughter Jennifer. Jennifer died of a heroin overdose in 2005. There is not a day that goes by that I don't remember and miss the love we shared.

My oldest son Ryan passed from this earth on 6/23/2015. His heart stopped beating and my heart broke. He was 30 years old and had struggled off and on for 10 years. He was a sensitive, happy soul who loved music. He left behind his younger brother Joe, who also suffers with the blight of addiction. Ryan was good at hiding his struggle from me in the beginning. He was ashamed of it. He was clean and then relapsed, not realizing that he was most vulnerable at that time. My last time with him was at his brothers wedding on 5/23/2015, 30 days later he was gone. My last memory with him was the most happy day!! He was clean, had a job he enjoyed and life was looking up for him. Then he was faced with difficult times and lost his job, he father became ill and he had to move back home with his father in Miami. The stress was too much and he self medicated. He had reached out to us but we did not recognize the cry for help . For that I will always feel guilty. I have learned a lot since he slipped away from us. I loved him unconditionally and forever. If anything good comes of this  it is this...Ryan, you are loved, we are not mad at you. We love you, nothing but love for you son, now and forever. Until we are together again. The grief is difficult as most people are judgmental towards someone who has overdosed. Be kind to each other...It is hard enough to lose a child, this was preventable. It just kills me that he is gone! Visit him at Ryan P Frye @ virtual memorials.  See his beautiful smile and say hello. Always and forever Ryan's Mom.

In memory of my son..Michael Alexander Roldan..forever 27.   Died July 5, 2015 We miss you very much

My son Seth, 22, died of an overdose on Jan 31, 2015.  He had been sober since Sept. 2014, and during that time I had never seen him happier.  He relapsed two days before he died because anxiety was once again getting the best of him.  He was so special to our family - such a unique person, and loved by so many.  My son was one of the many who had mental health issues (he would seem normal to an outsider however) and struggled so much with anxiety.  It became a merry-go-round of use to elminate anxiety, then get sober, then feel good for awhile, then the anxiety comes back, and use again.  I wish there was money redirected from the justice system for research on combating addition.  Yes there are self help groups, and yes there is rehab and other counseling available.  However a diagnosed addict struggles when using, and when sober. Science needs to step it up and figure out what causes addiction, and find a cure.

To Anthony Aldo Simeone the love of my life taken too soon. Forever and always mi amor. We will meet again soon. R.I.P.

For Brandon Kyle,   You came into my life 30 years ago with a small whimper, a perfect, healthy baby boy.  It was an honor to be able to see you grow from infancy, to a toddler, little boy, adolescent, teenager, young man, then on to become a Corporal in the Marine Corp, a man who loved his country and the USMC, to a father of my beautiful grand daughter.  Then, civilian life and the evil in this world, hurled pain at you right and left.  Being the sensitive, loving, honest, and caring person I raised you to be, you just could not understand why life could not be 'fair', and you took what was recreational, and turned it into your demise, by taking pills to 'take away the pain'.  You admitted to me you had a pill addiction months ago, we agreed you would not take pills anymore; you even promised me you had kicked your habit, but evidently it isn't that easy.  You were days away from driving back home to TN from WA; you were looking forward to being home with Dale and me in our new log cabin home, to explore a new life of opportunities.  You loved Thanksgiving and Christmas (and my cooking).  Your friends and other family members were anxious to see you.  Our last conversations were priceless, I ordered pizza for you, and you said, "Thanks Moms, it's really good; I love you" then you took those pills and never came home.  That was over two weeks ago.  You received military honors at your funeral and are buried 30 minutes from our home.  I will never forget you, my Angel.  I wish I knew you had such a strong addiction, I would have you home safe right now if you had only reached out to me instead of taking those pills on that fateful day.

My Beautiful, intelligent Daughter Samantha "SAMMI" Henehan lost her battle to addiction April. 10, 2016 at the age of 23 years old. To a heroin overdose. She was my only Daughter !! I lost my Daughter, bestfriend and my Heart that day!!!

It has been nearly three weeks since my beautiful 27 year old son died of an accidental overdose. The pain, loss and sadness that his father, little brother, uncle and multitudes of friends have gone through is nearly unbearable. We tried rehab and seeing a psychiatrist who specialized in addiction, but his darkness and deception was too deep. I will always miss his gentle creative, loving spirit. I am splayed open by the things he kept hidden from everyone. I only hope he can find peace, joy and light beyond this life.

My son lost his best friend to a drug overdose. He left a handsome little son behind. His son has that same smile his daddy had no matter how bad of a day he was having he could make anybody smile . He is miss by his family so much. His mom n brother r raising his wonderful son. I know that he will be just like his daddy

I write my tribute in memory of my Nephew William Hughes and the countless lives that have been take to this dreadful disease. My Nephew William was the most beautiful and caring young man I ever met. He had a passion for Life, the Arts, Friendship, & Family. He struggled with addiction for years and was in several rehabs by the age of 21. He came to my Brother and said, "Dad,I need Help...long term stay Dad." My Brother & Sister-In-Law did everything in their power for years to help William, we all did. He went 4 hours away upstate New York to the Villa Veritas. We would rotate visiting on Sundays so William always had support and a friendly face. He was doing so good!! He was there for 10 months & decided he was ready to come home. My Brother drove up to get him on 5/29/2015 and on the most horrifying day of our lives 5/31/2015 my Brother found William overdosed in his bedroom. He lost his battle in less than 30 hours after 10 months clean. I saw William 3 weeks before he passed & believe me...he was so happy. I would have never let him out of the great big hugs he was famous for. I cry as I write this. Our Family has been forever changed. It's a pain that is indescribable!!! William was 23 yrs.old and he's a Twin. William was the Son I never had & the kindest person to my daughter who has Special Needs. We celebrate his life each May 31st with a group of us meeting at the beach and releasing lanterns with messages on them. We have joined several groups that raise awareness, fight to pass bills, end stigma, and support Education for Addiction. I will walk on 9/24/17 carrying his picture as we raise awareness to this dreadful disease. I know that my Angel William is walking right beside Us!!! My T-shirt reads...SUPPORTING THE Fighters ADMIRING THE Survivors HONORING THE Taken AND NEVER ,EVER GIVING UP Hope! William Hughes 10/25/91-5/31/15 23 years young!!! REST WITH THE ANGELS MY LOVE!! NOT ONE MORE!!

Brooklyn, New York 11234

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

RIP Skylar B. Kawartha Lakes Ontario Canada

Teddy "bear" Storey you will never be forgotten Mayfield, Ohio

This isn't so much a tribute as a last attempt at hope....my father, Richard Stone, passed away in the early 1990s to a heroin overdose. I don't know much about him as he never knew about me, but would like to his mother and father to know he left a daughter behind. He was living in Eltham at the time with a friend who also died due to the same issue. This guy also left behind a daughter they I believe lived above a dry cleaner's in Eltham, Kent London and would have been born in the 1960s. I was born in 1987. please email zlquick@hotmail.com if anyone can help. My love and thoughts go out to those who have lost a loved one. xxxxx

Paul (Pauly) Joseph DiPierro 05/16/82  ... we miss you more than you could possibly imagine.  You were a bright line that was extinguished long before your time.  Always in our hearts  .... sending love to you in Heaven from your Dad, your Mom and me your stepmom ❤?

To My Son Lenny, I lost you to a heroin overdose 9 yrs ago. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you a hundred times. Miss you my boy.

Giving all my love and devotion to a beautiful man, 12 yrs of watching him suffer from his addiction he lost the battle on July 13th, 2015. Finally at peace my love. I will never be the same from this.RIP MY BEST FRIEND GILBERT E LOPEZ III. STRONG LOVE ? WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL I'LL FOREVER LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU UN TILL WE MEET AGAIN BABY XOXO

We've hit 2016...I somehow seemed to realize this as I was scouring the constant, yet, new articles commenting on the opioid epidemic ravishing our communities everyday. It seems as if time had stopped since my brother's death... It took me almost 8 whole months into 2016 to realize it's no longer the year my brother passed from an opioid overdose. Over the past year and a half plus, I would read each new article remembering another life taken far too soon from addiction; and I seemed to feel a connection, although I didn't know them at all, to those families and friends whose loved one's obituary ended in the year, "2015." Those families and friends felt similar grief, despair, and hopelessness Jonathan's loved ones were feeling in the wake of his passing. It took me a while, but I see it is no longer "our" year. And as that year changes, new grief settles in. Grief of days turning into months, and months into years, years without our loved ones. However, as that year changes, new responsibility also arises, responsibility to bring awareness to this epidemic and to join with loved ones from all over to remember the beautiful souls who have lost their battles with addiction in both Kentucky and our entire nation; responsibility to recognize and to fight this battle occurring in all homes and communities, a battle that refuses to discriminate. *In loving memory of Jonathan "Johnny" Squire... the brightest light in all of our lives. He left a legacy of love and will always be remembered by his joy of living and his never give up attitude.

Dear Dad, No one knew. No one knew you were suffering, and that you were fighting this battle. No one knew how sad your blue eyes were. No one will ever know the pain you held inside. I'm more like you than you knew, I wish I could have told you. I dreamed about you last night. You were in heaven. I will meet you there some day but I'm not going out without a fight, I refuse to die the same way. I'm suffering for answers to everything you left behind, but I love you more than life itself. Death from fentanyl patch overdose 3/8/14 53yrs old

My sweet nephew.  Where to begin,  I do not know, but how I feel,  I sure do know.   Every waking hour to every single day, my heart  holds onto the handprint  you imprinted in my heart.  Your beatiful smile,  your loving hugs,  your warm heart, kissing your cheek, that is what I hold inside my heart.  I love you,  I miss you, I will never forget you.   Until we hug, smile and kiss on the cheek once again,   "Fly high my sweet Angel, for you are forever in my heart."

Rest my friend.

Hernando, MS USA

Derek Hatcher died on February 21, 2016 from an overdose of heroin and Fentanyl. He was an outstanding college quarterback who loved life to the fullest, until drugs took over. His legacy lives on through the foundation set up by his family to raise awareness of substance abuse and addiction using Derek's words "Don't pick up, it's not worth it!"

Middleburg, FL

James Vincent Loomis It’s been a long time coming... seems you finally found a way to fly free. RIP

Posted 01/09/2018

My dearest daughter Jennifer died of a meth overdose on 5/5/13 and I have no happiness without you.  I love you

We lost our precious 21-year-old son, friend and brother three years ago to an accidental overdose. There is not a day that goes by that we don't think of our beautiful Shane Michael Gibson,  with so much love in our hearts but our hearts are truly broken  Shane touched so many people both in his life and in his passing. Now his sister and I,  are holding the first overdose awareness walk in Durango.   With only one week to prepare it is both overwhelming and exciting to bring people together to learn more about overdose and new hope with education and enlightenment   May God always give us strength, faith, hope and love. Deb

Sean,
You were an amazing person who fought a horrible demon that ended up taking your life and continues to haunt the streets of the world. Your two boys and I miss you everyday and everyday there isn't a moment we don't think of you and wish you were here. You were an amazing person who didn't deserve this.
You will always have my heart and I will never forget who you truly were.

Love you, Sam

Carson City NV

Tiffany Gallagher we love and miss you like crazy your grandmother charlotte will be broken hearted to the end of time your 5 sisters and father are trying to go on in this life with out you here qe miss you Posted 30/10/2018

My dear sweet friends...all gone too soon...Frank, Nadine, Louise and my sweet Mother in Law Bernie...life would be better if you were all still here....all addicted...all seeking help...all never complying with the program...all defiant...i stand here with almost 6 years plus clean and sober and i can tell you this...life in recovery is better then life in the dirt...rest in peace.

My beautiful son Drew Alexander Lighthall died of an accidental Tramadol overdose on August 5, 2015. He was so much more than the cause of death stated on his death certificate. He was the light of my life and a part of my heart. He was my smile, my laugh and all that was good. He was the most generous soul you could have ever met. When he loved he loved deeply and fiercely. I miss him with all my heart and soul. I want people to know that one moment in time (his overdose) does not define who he was in this world and who he was to me. I want people to know you don't have to be an addict to overdose accidently and you don't have to be what they consider a typical addict. Drew is and will always be my Booger Bear.

Diana - I wish we could turn back the hands of time knowing what we know today and how the path you've chosen ended. How much time we lost - the years, months, days hour and minutes yelling, screaming, bailing you out of jail, visiting you in jail, trips to the rehab centers and you being high or chasing your next one with the boy who chose you. I know I can't bring you back but I hope you are finally at peace with yourself. When we finally do meet - please give me a great big hug an then tell me WHY? I will love you always and will cherish the good times and memories and hopefully will forget the bad. Be good for your dad!

You were loved with my whole heart from the day you were born and even more today a month after your overdose. 10-11-12 my life changed forever the day you left this life… Beyond our parents you were the first person I loved.. Your big blue eyes and deep beautiful dimples made me smile every time I saw you… I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you and wish everyday I realized in how much trouble and pain you were in… I will never forget you and will think of you everyday.. I have been watching our childhood flash before my eyes everyday I would give anything for one more kiss, hug, laugh, conversation or even slap in the head. My heart breaks you will not be hear to see your nephew grow. I will make sure he knows you.. I hope you are free and at peace.. I love you so much and apologize for failing you.. I can’t wait for the day I see you again.. I love you forever Michael James Love your sister

Lord be with the addict who is sick and looking for help.
Let them know that you hear them, that there is nothing...
No shame, no sin...nothing blocking their voice from your ear.
Lord, help them to feel your love, help them to know your strength,
help them to accept your mercy.
Lord, you are the way to the serenity they seek. Amen

Written in memory of my beautiful boy, Josh, who I hold in my heart
Till I can hold him in heaven.

Richfield, OH

My beautiful brother Craig you left too soon. I miss you every day and still can't believe I'll never see your silly grin again. I love you Bruv Michelle.

murph, cory, stew, holden, batman, grant, grim to name a few and unfortunately theres so many more to remember I miss you all so much life is so hard without you all and I still talk to you all the time

Posted 05/09/2018

Kristie my 1st born my only daughter. She got lost after bad divorce from abusive man after 18 years of marriage. He I could say drove her, but she was weak. She told me she did a little cocaine and than was shown how to do crack. I am telling you she was only a mom to her 2 children, until she was found dead by her 17 year old daughter - something she never wanted to happen. She wanted off the drugs. She was fighting so many demons. Our life will never be the same. Her 2 children never be the same. RIP MY BEAUTIFUL daughter

EAST Taunton

FOR MY DAD CHARLES FORT/DAVID MICHAEL DUFFY I miss you everyday. More importantly, I want the world to know I love you. I loved you no matter what. I wasn't always happy about your choices but you were my dad. I hope you are smiling down on me and see the work I do, see your grandkids.  They know you. They love you. I am trained to use naloxone. EVERYONE who is dealing with addiction at all levels should do it.  I hope it is available where you may be. MY FATHER WOULD STILL BE ALIVE. IF NOT, START A MOVEMENT TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE. IF IT IS -GET TRAINED.

Please help fight this issue. My son was 17 when he passed only 5 weeks after his bday witch has changed mine an my older son (21) an lil girl (8) lives jerasticly. He was the happy and out going part of our family, the best friend to each of us and our solid ground no matter what hit. Please don't ever take one second with a loved one for granted cause you never know when it can be your last or theres. My son Brendon Nicolaus Lavrar ODed on a prescription drug called methadone witch was carelessly being sold, passed along and left freely in homes close to ours. He knew nothing about them and it took him from us in Feb 27th, 2016. Please lock your meds up, keep them up high an away from people that don't need them, and if your not taking them dispose of them properly, save the next persons life and keep another family from goin through what we are still 17 months later....
Son, Bub damn we miss and love you, since loosing you I'm no longer afraid to go, when my time comes I know you'll be waiting for me and that day will be our 4ever since we will never be apart again. I'd give every lil.. shoot every big thing up just to have you here....see you again one day. Fly high my perfect angel....soread them wings fly my son.❤☝😇📿😭

Red Bluff/, Ca. USA

Sammy Darwish, died at age 24, I will look for you for the rest of my life brother. Love Sarah

To Robby, To my cousin who died at such a young age, you are greatly missed. I often think of all the great times we had when we were kids. We love you Robby, you will never be forgotten..

My younger sister cristy had an overdose two days ago and is still in the hospital. I've never been so scared. Hoping she doesnt have any brain damage from this and can make it out.