My 25 year old son died May 14, 2014.  Three days after Mothers Day.  Eric was a brilliant kid.  He had grown up very happy and always smiling.  A happy child who liked video games, anything electronic, and was well liked at school.  In fact he would win student of the month for two years in a row.  Eric never had a sip of soda.  Yet as he got older, after high school in which he got the highest MCAS and SAT scores in his class, he seemed to change.  He was happy he was excepted in a University studying Hospitality Management, hoping one day to own his own hotel.  Entering college he suddenly was getting depressed and I didn't know why.  He was the type of kid who would keep things to himself because he didn't want me to feel bad.  So he took it upon himself to go to a doctor for help.  After many kinds of anti depressants later, they were not working.  They were changing him, making him worse.  As a result, he turned to street drugs.  A kind soul who would put others before him, he knew he needed help.  Many rehabs later, even out of state three times to get into a different atmosphere, he was fine for a while.  Getting back to school but he called me and said he could no longer grasp school after three years of trying.  at the end of his life, he really wanted help.  But heroin can't help you cope, it just pretends too.  He never used a needle, but snorted it so in his mind he wasn't an addict.  He was a great kid never in trouble and he loved me very much and I loved him so.  On May 13 just two days after Mothers Day I found him slumped over in his room.  My life was forever changed.  It has been two years and I have what's called " complicated grief." A feeling you are stuck in time, that I have to live with I couldn't save him, that I too don't want to go on.  But I have another son.  I remember our last Mothers Day.  We had a great time.  I am so so sad I will never get over this.  My son, my best friend I tried everything to help him.

To Drew- my blue eyed teddy bear. You know how much you are missed. I didn't realize how much a heart could hurt, until 26 June 07--- Forever and Always ---Mom

My dear sweet Daniel , you were taken from us way too soon!! You will always be in our hearts until we are with you again!!
I love you,
Mama

Spartanburg SC. US

For My Dear Niece Alison, You have now been gone for 2 months and we have just found out what caused your early death. Heart failure from a drug overdose. You are missed so very much and i am so sad that you chose to once again use drugs. I can not count the times you went in and out of treatment and every time i thought that this is it you got it!! You kicked this deadly illness. Alison a beautiful woman the light of our lives who tunneled into the world of addiction even as her life was going so well. Understanding it is difficult and being angry at it is normal. We all do have that right. You left us way to early and in leaving a huge hole is now in all of our hearts. Now what we must do is walk around that hole and not let it suck us down. I wish you well on this your new journey and when you look down remember that forever we will love you and honor your spirit. My prayer is that there will come a day that nobody any where in the world looses there life to drugs. Imagine how beautiful that would be.

I am approaching the first anniversary of my son's death on 9/2/15. Ironically, I last saw him alive on 8/31/15. He was my first born and my only son. He was 23 years old, and lost his life 15 days before his 24th birthday. I lost his father, my husband, six years prior. I find solace in knowing they are now together. My son, Declan, denied being an addict. He used and abused drugs, sporadically, but was not addicted to anything. His drug of choice was marijuana. He was not known to be an IV drug abuser. He died from a suboxone overdose~provided by an acquaintances brother and prepared for injection by said acquaintance. After using, and being notably significantly altered by those who were with him, they all left and he was told to "go to sleep". Well, he did . . . and never woke up. My son was attractive, fit, hard working, intelligent, compassionate,loving and had the biggest heart. He would do just about anything, for anybody, just to be helpful and loyal.  This past year has been hell for myself and my family. I expect this week will be particularly difficult. We are doing something to commemorate his life on 9/2/16. I am grateful for finding this site. My intention is to organize an educational event next year, in his memory and honor.  In loving memory of my beautiful boy, Declan Todd Tworek. You live forever, alive in my heart. I miss you terribly~~~

My son Shawn Dalton Arthurs, age 21, died March 3, 2014 of a heroin overdose. We lost a son, brother, grandson, cousin nephew and best friend. Shawnie will always be remembered for his brilliant smile, his inner and outward beauty, sense of humor, his laughter, compassion and love that he had for his family and friends. Forever on my heart and always on my mind. I love you Shawnie

In remembrance of Storm Roger who died in my arms, my Father, Piters, who committed suicide after 55 yrs of heavy using, and Alv, the polar bear, who died alone behind Colosseum Theater in Oslo, 12. February, 2007. I miss you guys! Rest In Peace!

I would like to post a tribute to a friend named Steve Taylor. He overdosed this weekend, but he was brought back to life. Tomorrow, the doctors will pull all life support and allow him to pass. I would also like to post a tribute to John Erdek, my very dear friend. Your son is amazing, he looks so much like you it's hard to even look at Sam without almost crying. He's wonderful and you'd be so proud. We miss you. For anyone struggling, don't give up. I have lost too many people to drug overdose. I know you can make it through - I am living proof you can have your life back. Just don't quit, because life truly is precious.

At 4:45am on February 22, 2015, I found my 21 year old son in our family room, surrounded by multiple packets of heroin, with a rolled up bill and heroin residue on his iphone on the coffee table in front of him. He was making gurgling sounds in his throat and I couldn't wake him. Paramedics came, he was rushed to the hospital where he remained in ICU, intubated on a ventilator for 3 days. His chances were maybe 50/50 that he would survive. He did, but he incurred an anoxic brain injury, affecting his basal ganglia and cerebellum. After 10 days, he was transferred to a rehabilitation institute where he had to learn how to hold his head up, swallow, and walk again. After 3 weeks, he was out of diapers, walking with assistance and swallowing. After 3 months he said his first quasi-audible words. Now, 18 months out, he's able to walk, jog, ice skate (! he was an amazing hockey player in high school), though he's still unable to skip, jump or swim. Speaking is still an extreme challenge and he has frequent throughout the day recurrent spasms and tic's. By the grace of God, his intellectual capacity is in tact and if you'd read his writing, you'd never know the disabilities he now has. He contributed to a website last December describing his journey (http://www.thedialogueprojects.com/blogs/voices/80109766-joey-pesavento). He still has a long ways to go and we hope and pray he'll make it to a place more approximating normalcy, but we have no way of knowing at this point. We're so proud of Joey's tenacity in fighting, not only his addiction, but also for his chance to get to a place where he can live a normal independent life.

Manuel, I miss you more than you'll ever know. It's been 1 year and 11 days since I've seen you, held you, or heard your voice. My heart hurts for you everyday. Just like you said the last time we spoke, "I LOVE YOOOUUUU...............................................DITTO"

On March 21, 2017 we lost our beautiful boy Nicholas Tupper to an accidental overdose of fentanyl and heroin. Nicky battled this disease for over 12 years and the only comfort we take now is he no longer fights that daily demon and darkness. Nick had a beautiful and kind heart. Even on the worst days he would reach out to let me know he loved me, reach out to others and try to lift them up. Playing his guitar, writing music and singing were his passion and healing. He loved with all of his being.
My son never told me that he wanted to grow up and be an addict. I told him daily that I believed and he needed too as well. Nicky, my heart is forever empty, I miss your smile, your laughter, your hugs. Let others hear the message that they need to continue to believe!
I love you, today, tomorrow and forever Mommy

Stuart, FL, USA

My dear Erin was murdered by this hideous devil drug heroin on June 23, 1997. She fought hard but the heroin had her pinned against the wall and would not let her go. Now you are in heaven Erin and you are surrounded by people who had fought just like you. I miss you more each day and will never give up my fight to educate young people about the Devil. I love you. Mom

This is for my beautiful mother Colleen LeClaire. She did her best as a single mother battling depression and acholism! I miss her warm spirit and love! She will be forever remembered in our hearts!

Christopher, In 2013 I was posting on Facebook about how happy I was that I no longer had to worry about my best friend and how many emotions rush over you when your troubled friend is now able to give you a new, peaceful, positive perspective on life. Unfortunately, that was a time in history that did not have the strength to last through the storms. You are gone now, as of last week. 30 years old, two beautiful children, a family so sweet and so sincere and so loving to you. You were a sensitive man, always humble, always wishing the best for the people you loved. You never stopped trying, but you couldn't do it alone and some of us weren't strong enough to face the harsh reality which was our relationship with you. I know you always had the best intentions, and I know that you seeked forgiveness that you never thought would come. There's nothing quite as honorable yet gut wrenching and heart breaking as it was to deliver a eulogy at my best friends funeral. I heard so many beautiful things about you that I will cherish forever. This doesn't seem real still, but your final goal was to help people get clean and to teach people what a horrible drug heroin is. You lost your love, Elizabeth & you couldn't handle the deliberate attacks online. You relapsed a few days later and now you are gone. In your honor, I am going to work with the local prevention service centers, shelters, rehabs, churches etc to raise awareness & to remember all of the loved ones lost. I wish you could be here to help me prepare what I hope to be a beautiful, annual event in Canton, Ohio. You would have the best things to say. Please be with me. I love you, everyday.

17 years of unbelievable memories starting from Kindergarten that ended too soon. Waking up everyday without my bestfriend is something that will never be normal. I love you always & miss you even more Kasey Lynn <3

I will always be saddened by how much pain and torture you must have felt. I love you and I'm sorry things ended this way. I will never forget you Matthew Martin Fisher.

We lost Adam Korte on 11/19/15. He was my best friend and the love of my life. He was loved by so many and truly changed everyone's life. He deserves to be honored and remembered for the beautiful soul that he is. He had a smile and laugh that would cheer anyone up. He had the upmost respect for people, especially women. Heaven truly gained an angel that day. May God let him fly high and rest in peace. We all miss him down here.

Loving memory Rachel O'Dette watch over your mother Myra Lazarowitz O'Dette...never knew how strong she was until she had no other choice.
Love you always
Kathy

Worcester MA USA

To my Beautiful Son Shawn. We will always celebrate your beautiful life, love and laugh. On Sept 30, 2012 heroin took you away from us at only 22 years old. You tried so hard and your many, many devoted friends tried so hard to help you. You were only home and out of rehab for 3 days when your brother Nicky found you unresponsive on the kitchen floor on the day before his 24th birthday. Shawn, you are so loved and missed. You will always be the most loveable, loyal, wittiest, funny and charming kid. You have so many loving friends and family who miss you. We miss calling you our "Ferris Buehler" , a nickname we gave you because like the character in the movie you were so charming and loved by everyone. You were voted as having "the best laugh" in the yearbook because your laugh was so amazing and contagious and lit up a whole room. Now we will never hear that laugh again because of an Oxycontin prescription which turned into an addiction which turned into a heroin addiction. Shawn you were and always will be everyone's love, everyone's best friend, everyone's soulmate. I am so thankful that I was chosen to be your mom for 22 years. You are and always will be my baby faced ninja turtle. I love you Shawn. My heart breaks every second of every day to think that you will not be here to be a little brother to Nicky and a big brother to Jessica but God must think you're really someone special to take you into His kingdom to be happy forever. God only takes the good ones. Shawnie, you were always loyal to everyone and true to your own spirit. You will be in our hearts forever. My baby you will always be. Soar my ninja turtle. Soar. And we will never forget.... Still I Rise. Love, mommy

I lost my son, my one and only child on February 8, 2015 at the age of 23 to an overdose.  I watched him fight the battle of his life and lose.  Nick was a great kid with a huge heart who would give you the shirt off of his back.  He never wanted to do drugs. He never wantes to hurt me or for his life to end.  Addiction is not a choice, it is a disease.  I will spend the remainder of my life letting people know just that. Rememer that every addict is someone's son, daughter, grandson/daughter, brother or sister.  Addiction is a family disease and to live with someone who is addicted to drugs is almost as painful as living without them.

In memory of my little brother Zachary Murray may he Rest In Peace Columbus, Ohio franklin county

Kenneth J. Wade,
Your family and friends love you and miss you so very much. I love you with all my heart. You changed my life for the better. You will never be forgotten. I love you Kookie. Monster out.
Your Sarah 💙

Mobile, Alabama United States

Nicky O, Reece S, Paul M , always remembered x

4 months ago today, on my 24th birthday, I lost my father to a heroin overdose. He struggled for years to get sober, but he was always fighting so many demons on his back that he could never stay clean for long. He had overdosed quite a few times before this, but God always worked a miracle for him and he would get better. I myself struggled with this addiction when I was 18 years old, and it lasted for a little over a year. I can say, it is not easy to stop at all. But it CAN be done. And I wish others would see that it is possible and not give up hope. Not a day goes by that I don't miss and think about my dad. He was my best friend in the whole world. However, I can't help but think about how he is no longer suffering and fighting demons. Love you dad

To all who have fought the battle and won the war and to all who have fought the battle and lost RIP

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

To my beautiful baby sister Paige, I miss you and love you today as much as the day you left us. I will continue to keep your memory alive and fight to end this epidemic. I miss you. Williamsport, PA, USA

for all my good,bad & ugly friends who have left us to go to that special place where none of us know how to get there.Too many to name

San Francisco,Ca

To my #1, Ralph ...my son. You are loved and missed every day. The day of your birth, March 5, 1988. was the happiest day of my life. And the day you left this world, was my worst; May 27, 2012. My son, heaven gained a super excited angel. Till we meet again. Your Mom forever. I love you !!!!! oxox

Ellen Shell Purdy (1985-2012) my fierce and fanulous daughter, you are loved, missed, remembered.

Salem, OR/USA

To my sister, who died at the young age of 23 from an accidental heroin overdose. It was the 'just one more' that killed you. People need to understand that this is real and it is happening to countless people all over the world. Don't waste your life. Create something beautiful instead.

Remembering daily all those who passed due to addiction. 💜💜 You are never forgotten! Will fight for those who struggle on a daily basis. Calvert County Maryland

My son Nick battled heroin addiction on and off  for 9 years before dying of an overdose on February 14, 2016. There needs to be greater emphasis placed on affordable long term rehabilitation for our loved ones. Nick was a loving, funny, and talented person. I miss so much.

KENNY MILLER. Died October 1, 2012 Husband of my heart, we didn't have the ceremony but my husband you were. I can't seem to get past you being gone, I love you so much. You were my best friend , partner, the best and most caring lover I've ever known, and such an awesome unconditionally loving father. I could never have imagined this to be the end for you. God I still can't function, I miss you every moment it seems. Please look down on us all and give me the strength to stand up again and be a great mom. The babies need us and I need to find the strength to let go of the guilt and be mom and dad to them. God babe they miss you so deeply. Little Nicholas is becoming you. He fixes everything when they come (which is often babe). Rilee wants you to fix the toilet when you wake up and Delaney and Miranda write poems to you constantly. Never fear I hold them all near and I'll find a way to make them avoid our mistakes. I just wanted to see you one last time but your sis said no, she wouldn't let me. She blames me and it is so sad. Our heartbroken family has so much good to share about you, about the best years of your life. I will always always love you and fill our children's hearts with your memory babe. It's not fair - God! Life's never fair. Love Sloane

The day I (nearly) died was the day I decided to live again we remeber all my friends who have fallen and I FIGHT ON FOR ALL YOU WHOM I LOVED I miss you all each day but know you are in a better place the twenty minutes I died I felt true piece and the true meaning of life I was always searching to get high enough to touch God until the one day I did it was the most beautiful experience but I begged to come home to finish my journey to change things for the better addicts are people too. We struggle everyday to stay clean but its not an easy fight we love just as much as anyone and hurt and bleed the same as you or I ... and for all out there we need to stand together to make this world easier to save lives to make the politicial mindfield work for us We need Doctors to prescribe Drugs that work!!! We need more rehabs for those who are ready, we need more Doctors prescribing treatment for those who choose and we need support from our family and friends to help us get the rights to fight to live please stand behind us all we don't need to lose another Mother, Father, Child or Brother!!! My love goes out to those we have lost in this fight for Rights to be heard and not to give in to the shame ...we should not be hiding in the shadows thats how people get lost

I am writing this for a special young man in behalf of his family. I know they grieve his passing every minute of everyday. I am not sure if anyone is writing a tribute for him, but I wanted to make sure loving thoughts of him are added to the thousands that are included in the list of tributes. This young man is truly beloved by his family and friends and will never be forgotten. He was the best son and brother and friend. May he rest in peace.

Missing my son, James Richard Loveless 10/3/1991 - 8/1/2015 James was a wonderful person who looked out for everyone. He knew that he was in trouble, but wanted to "fix" things by himself. He knew that he was well-loved by his family, but he didn't want us to worry about him and his problems. Wake Forest, NC USA

For all I have helped Bucyrus Usa

The night you left us Brian you left an empty space. You took a piece of all our hearts which no one could replace. A loyal man to all you loved, such kindness and so caring. The happiness you gave to us and good times we we're sharing. I know one day we will meet up. Until we're back together. Your immortal smile and kind heart will live with us forever. Always all my love, Karen

Randy, we love and miss you very much.  I'm so glad you got to be there for Sam.  We will not forget you.

Lee Pickens, a warm loving son lost his battle on 6-12-15. He was a deep soul, with a big heart and always a smile on his face. He loved his family with all his heart and had a deep faith in God. I always knew he was not for this earth as he held deep hurts and couldn't understand injustices.  He will be forever loved and missed. His life did matter. ♡♡♡

I want to start by saying how sorry I am for all of your losses. I lost one of the greatest loves of my life, my first born, our wonderful son Gabriel. At six twenty in the morning on Friday February 22, 2013 I found my beloved son. That morning will haunt me forever. I wanted to go with him, protect him, make sure he would be safe. And at that moment my heart shattered. I will never be the same without him. I have such a void and I miss him all the time; so much that it takes my breath away. A day does not go by that I don’t look out the front window thinking I see you coming up the street. I am angry and saddened at the same time that I won’t get to have my tomorrows with you. I will never get to hear your funny stories or get to know your wife and children because there won’t be any - just silence. I hear you telling me: 'Mom I got this but you didn’t' and now I am left here to try and put the pieces together and make sense of what makes no sense and seems so unfair to me. Heroin is a horrible demon to fight and I wish with all my heart and soul you could have won the battle. I love you and will miss you forever. Please pray and watch over your brother Love always Mom

Since 1982, I must have been to at least 25 OD funerals nearly all of which followed a period of abstinence and usually involved alcohol. My friends died because they bought into the lies of prohibition. Addiction is a chronic disease, the symptoms of which CAN be easily and safely treated for less than 50 pence a day. Most of us grow out of it if we survive long enough. Annie from Watford didn't live long enough to find out, neither did "Harry" aka Paul F, Emma, Pete, Phil (the Pill), Tam, Mark et al. Let's not forget the partners, parents, friends and family of the above whose lives were distorted by their loss. Victims all of hypocrisy and the War on Drugs (users) Remember prohibition screws you up. Viva

We lost our youngest child at 24 on April 10th, 2016.  He battled depression, anxiety, and addiction for 5 1/2 years.  We will continue to bring truth to this epidemic that is killing our children.

Dearest Little Sister, Tammie I judged you harshly. I blamed you. I did not understand. I did not know the power of addiction. I hate the years it took from us. I hate the pain it caused your kids. But, now...baby, now I get it. Now, I understand. Some day I will hold you and tell you I love you. Some day I will sing you to sleep again. Someday I will look in your beautiful green eyes and ask you to forgive me. Until that day, There will always be an empty place in my heart. I am so sorry. I love you.

In memory of Dylan K. Hadley, forever in our hearts and always on our minds. I love and miss more and more with each passing day. Love always,

My Dearest Michael Anthony, I can not believe it’s been almost 7 months… since I’ve seen your beautiful Hazel eyes. since I’ve heard your voice joking around. since I’ve had you text me from the other room..making me laugh. since you were working with me, driving all over Long Island. since you played words with friends. since you took jynx and stax for your morning walk/run. LOL since you “talked” to Jynx and stax the way you do..and I never learned how..LOL you know they miss you like hell. since we had long talks and I am trying to take after your calm way of thinking. LOL 7 months of heartache. 7 months of pain. 7 months of crying at least 1 time a day. 7 months of barely holding on. 7 months of missing you like crazy. I’m so sorry that you still had felt pain to turn to your addiction…and wish you would have turned to us instead. Rest Peacefully my beautiful boy…you are free now..free from your addictions…free from your pains..free from your restrictions. Love you forever…and ever I know you are an angel watching over us and we will see you again.

To my precious son, Ricky, I am so proud of you for becoming a Marine because you wanted to. I am so proud of you for going to Afghanistan and fighting for my freedom because you wanted to. I am so saddened to lose you. I will never ever be OK again. I know you were struggling with PTSD and staying numb to deal with that. I am so disappointed that the VA would give you Benzo's after being released from the VA hospital for alcohol withdrawal. I am so disappointed that your were also able to get hydrocodone and had 2 others with you the night you overdosed and no one called for help. You have a beautiful little girl (Madi) that will never know her daddy. She has a void in her heart and doesn't even know that yet. Your life was just beginning at age 23 to die. I as your mom have a hole in my heart that will never be filled until we are together again. I love you Ricky, Mom

Roofer Mike You are truly missed. Your smile, jokes and engaging conversations were something I always looked forward to. Peace be with you.

Adrian 10/30/88-08/10/17
We love you and miss you so much. You will be in our hearts forever. We will meet you in heaven.

Leitchfield, KY USA