We lost our Grace Ohrtman one week after her 17th birthday on August 13, 2013, to a heroin overdose. She spent the night at a friend's house and passed away in her sleep. She was beautiful, talented, and had big dreams. She played the guitar. Since the time she was 12 and in 7th grade she struggled with depression. I had no idea she had ever used heroin and was in total shock. I have no idea if it was her first time or her 100th time. She was our one and only child and we are left empty. Grace died and so did all of our dreams for her. Thank-you for listening. Julie Vanderzyl of Pella, Iowa.

To :Jody Johns 4/19/69-2/25/11 We think about you every day and we know that you are watching over us keeping us safe. Some of us die to keep some of us alive. Kristen,Shea and Soso bugga

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)

I believe that august 25, 2015 is the worst day of my life. I got a call that my 23 year old had passed away.  It took 6 months  it find out what had happened to her. She left behind a beautiful  little girl. On January 12 2016 the corner office said that she she had Xanax and methadone in her system.  My child didn't use drugs??? Looking at the report she was injected these drugs. Not enough proof is what the detectives told me to have anybody arrested.  If these  dr and methadone Clinic would be shut  down,  we might still have our children, mother's,  father's  or even a love one.  So everyone needs to be aware  of what we have in our cabinets ect. Thanks for listening to part of my story!

To the 19 year old client who did not recognize his behaviors as problematic and overdosed a few weeks after leaving treatment against medical advice.

Detroit, MI

My son and light in my life went to heaven a year ago October 24.  My dear husband found him in his old room from an overdose of heroin. He only struggled with addiction a short time but it consumed him from the very minute he tried it. He relapsed and used two times before the drugs took him from us, leaving a broken-hearted family and the woman who was to be his bride in 10 days. Never does a day go by when he is not remembered and missed. Ethan - you are in our hearts forever and we will always think and dream of what could have been........Mom

Chris Shreve I will always remember what you always told me about what it is I need to do in order to make it to heaven. I hope that because of that you were forgiven, and I forgive you. I love you and hope we meet again...

Posted 02/08/2018

On December 10, 2015 I lost my second son Aaron to a prescription drug overdose. He was a beautiful young man who left behind a young.child who he loved very much. I am heartbroken. I miss him everyday. The grief at time is overwhelming. My life will never be the same. So very sad and it did not have to happen. He was not only my son but also one of my best friends. He was there to support me when we lost his older brother to suicide. He was such a loving person. His smile could light up a room. He is missed.. Bob

Joseph Richard Smith, I love you and will never forget our beautiful summer in the sun. You're an amazing father friend and everything in between. You loved me with your whole heart and I will forever treasure every conversation and experience we had. I wear the starfish charm you gave me over my heart to remember my summer of love with the greatest man to enter my world. Watch over me and your beautiful girls. Rest in perfect bliss my beautiful Prince, see you in the heavens my sweet angel

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

I lost my son to a herion overdose on 10/04/15. He was 31, my oldest child. Not only did this addiction effect him, it effects everyone around the addict. My heart breaks more and more EVERYDAY that he's not here. His siblings miss him terribly along wirh aunts,uncles, cousins and friends. He was loved by all. He was funny, caring, sensitive  a huge heart of gold.  This epidemic definitely needs some awareness. Never do I want another parent to have to bury their child. Please let's make everyone aware of what an overdose can do!!!!

Shane Graham

My Brother

Who knew you would be gone at 31 I still cant believe it.

I still think you may walk through the door and say "Hey Sis" torment the hell out of me or piss me off, then give me a cheeky smile and say with grin "Hey ....I love ya Sis"

My baby Brother who was bigger than me, my Best Friend, My younger sibling ...yet somehow always the protector of me.

Im Sorry I couldn't bring you back, I tried so hard... you were breathing for me until medical took over, Ill never forget that day, im so sorry.

Mum and I tore down your locked door in minutes when we heard you gasping for air.

I know that you had enough, you said so in anger that day minutes before you locked the door, I thought you were angry, now we know it as your final goodbye and that hurts.

The living nightmare Heroin ripped away my brother ANOTHER amazing life stolen from ANOTHER loving family unexpectedly without any remorse in true Heroin style.

On the 26-7-2016 Heroin you chose Shane, you took my Brother.

On that day...It... was...Our family's turn, our turn to join the grieving club no one wants to be a part of. Our turn to say goodbye.

Its just over a year now and I cry more than before.

You Shane fought so hard for so long i watched your endless rounds night and day, in the ring with evil. The pain in your eyes in the last few weeks told me you were getting worn out from fighting the fight.

Heroins relentless punishment towards the end finally started rapidly tearing away your dreams and self belief.

We all underestimated the power of Heroins grip and although we all tried, it wasn't enough.

No more fighting now baby bro, No more battles, no more daily tortures, your free that MONSTER is finally off your back.

Shane you fought one of the hardest and definately the most relentless, underestimated fights ever assigned to a human, im very proud that you stood up to the challenge, in the end you tapped out as many professional fighters do.

My Love for you my Brother is beyond words measure or explanation.

Finally no longer can Heroin stop my love from reaching your heart Shane, and i send it to you my brother all the time.

Rest Easy Shane - I miss you more and more every day, Love and Cuddles Nichole xxx

AUSTRALIA, PERTH, WANNEROO

My dear son James passed away June 29, 2015 from a heroin overdose. I heard him get up and brush his teeth and wash up at 8AM and at noon I found him dead in his room. He was due to go on a scuba diving trip July 8 and begin college August 27. James was a sweet, kind, compassionate and caring young man. A friend to all and very non-judgmental. His future was looking so bright but he was plagued by ADHD, depression, anxiety and addiction. So many times I thought we had made it.....but the addiction was stronger than a mothers love. I miss his smile, hugs, laughter, going to movies together, listening to his plans and dreams, playing his guitar and just his kind and sweet spirit. I love you James. I always will and my heart will only stop aching and be whole again when we meet again in heaven. Until then I will search for ways to live without you and cry my many silent tears. You left me too soon and you were the best son a mother could ever dream of. Until we meet again. ? Kiss kiss.  Mom

Our son Matthew died from a drug overdose September23,2008.

Marrero

Anthony C Ezzell 11/28/79 - 08/25/13 Loving son, brother, cousin, uncle and father A very funny guy....We love and miss you ..... Rest in Peace❤ Mechanicsville, MD

In Memory of Thomas Wayne Kamisky April 25, 1962 August 31, 2017

Posted 08/08/2018

I am remembering Kelly Best, my daughter's best friend,  who died from a fentanyl overdose January 3, 2015 at the age of 19.  I am also thinking about his brother Kayle who is battling addiction.

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 memory of my forever 32 son, Timothy Toman who passed from accidental OD of the evening of 6/21/2016 You are missed by all...??mom

To my sister Tammy: I miss you so very much. I miss all the moments we have shared together. I know you loved you family so very much. And the disease of addiction had took everything away from you. I know deep down you were still the same person you always were. The disease just had different plans for your life. I know that all the horrible things you did, you never wanted to do. By sharing the same road as you I have learned a whole lot of thing. I wish I was able to get you clean back when I did. Cuz then you would be almost celebrating 4 years of recovery. Instead your family is now suffering through the 3rd year since you passed away from an overdose. August 31st will forever hurt my soul. Seeing that is the day you left back in 2013. I love you Tammy.

Americ,
They say the good die young but this means just the special chosen ones. It wasn't your time but now you will feel better and be fine. It still hurts everyday but I know you found another way. I stay clean for myself but also knowing that this disease took you helps. I cry for you all the time but I always see your signs. I will always love you baby, and the fact that your gone drives me crazy but your chains from addiction are now broken but my pain does not go unspoken. Forever in my heart , my love and it was always true love from the start. Rest in piece Americ

Dundalk

Danny, it's almost two months since we lost you to a heroin overdose. The pain and heartache is unbearable and I pray that no family has to ever go through this. There is such a void in our lives that was once filled with your laughter. Some days we wonder how we'll ever get through the next. I hope you know how many people loved you and prayed you would be able to beat this demon. I know in my heart you are finally at peace and free from this horrible addiction. You are always in our hearts. Till we see you again. Watch over us Dan. We love you forever.

I overdosed on March 4th 2013. I was only 14. I had overdosed on many pills over 40. I overdosed on my school bus on the way to school. In front of little kids and all my friends. I had no idea what was going on, I just became really dizzy and felt sick to my stomach. Then I fell. My eyes rolled back and everything turned black. Then I heard the ambulance guy say: "She's a cutter," from the scars on my arms. I got to the hospital and they had to pump my stomach. I passed out again. I was legally dead for 2 minutes. I had to stay in the ICU for a week or so because my liver wasn't doing well. They thought I was going to have to have a liver transplant and they knew I was going to be at the bottom of the list because no-one wants to give an addict a body part they will just abuse again. My doctor wanted me to go to rehab. He said it would be best, so I went. (The rehab) was hell. I went for a little over 3 months.

Daddy Eddie, RIP❤️I hope you are now at peace & free from your long battle of pain & suffering. You are deeply loved & missed, forever in my ❤️please keep my brother Ryan safe & healthy.🙏🏼❤️ New Bedford, MA USA

To my beautiful baby Sara, lost to me on June 9, 2013. I will miss and love you forever. Although your pain and struggling are over, I will carry you in my heart and soul forever. Love you, Mom

My dearest dad miss u each and every day got taken from 12 years ago miss u lots not a day goes by at all without a thought of u xxx

I would like to have My Son, Robert McCullough's Memory Matter. Roberts Group on Facebook is "ONLY GOD KNOWS WHY ROBERT MCCULLOUGH'S MEMORY MATTERS" Please visit and help make his Memory Matter and to never be forgotten. Lets Educate people about the Heroin Epidemic. Thank you Maplewood, MN

Remembering with unending love~ Mike Warrington June 15, 2015 ~ 'the day the music died' Northampton, MA USA

I lost my father Jeff Fowler to a heroin overdose on Jan.20th 2015 he is very sadly missed

circleville

I know you never meant to leave us, our beautiful Vallie girl. Your heart was way too big for this world and now you fly with the angels. I love you and miss you beyond measure. We will see you again. Valerie Nicole Moore 8-7-88/4-28-08

To my angels, Mallory and Derek. Mallory died of a drug overdose on August 7, 2007 in my bed. She was my best friend, and more. Even after death she has been there to guide me on the road to sobriety. Derek was shot and killed as a result of this disease, and even though he didn't overdose, he was killed because of drugs and in my book that's just as bad, if not worse. They both continue to be there for me and guide me. I picked up a year medallion last night for the first time in years. It is just as much theirs as it is mine. I love you both and you will forever be in my heart. Until we meet again, it's see ya later, never goodbye.

Josh,
A mom's heart shouldn't have to hurt like this. We love you and miss you so much. The void is indescribable. The J5 is missing the most important link! Love you and miss you so so much!

Rising Sun, MD

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

Andrea. I miss u always. You fought SO HARD & so long against the Hell of this disease. And everyday its your memory, your beauty & spirit that keeps me fighting. I love u Andrea. Fly Free Sweet Girl. Morgantown WV

This tribute is for my loving friend David who will always have a special place and memory in my heart. David had a long term use of cannabis which he thought was helping him deal with his depression but it resulted in his horrific suicide which affected the lives of all his loving family and so many friends. As the anniversary of his passing away is now just over a year, we remember his struggle with his addiction and he enormous joy he brought to so many in his life. Rest in peace.

Wayne, you are my world. Always were and always will be. I miss you more than words could ever say. I will be with you again...I love you. One Love. 1/14/85 ~ 4/1/11

I lost my only brother suddenly on 1/29/2017 to 25 years of fighting addiction. He was just 45 and a tortured soul. But he always stayed sweet and pure. I went through wicked metastatic breast cancer and he was my biggest fan. I fought it at age 39. I always believed he'd outlive me. As I write this I remain in shock and denial. And sadly, the od was more sinister being another person with him continuing to give him drugs while sick and out of it along with "cleaning up" because he had passed before an ambulance got there. We need to fight to save the souls of our loved ones. I'm a big believer in legal methadone. I begged him to stay on. As soon as he stopped a second time he hit the downward spiral and here I am alone in this world without my brother. God speed to all our addicts and family and friends of them who struggle with A-Z. Just remember, we cannot save them. They can only save themselves. Love and peace to all. RIP brother. Seester.

Pittsburgh

Taylor, It's been 9 years since you left us. Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about you. You were one of the most incredible human beings I've ever met. I've been clean for over a year. I'm working with a non profit that is fighting this epidemic. And I've had you as my motivation and guardian angel the entire way. Thank you for showing me signs constantly. I love you and miss you. I hope you're proud of me.

<3

Posted 18/08/2018

Jay,
I had no idea that when I have you a hug and said goodbye that February afternoon, that it would be the last hug or time I saw you. I never imagined that a couple of weeks later I would get a call from Mom telling me you had passed. I took it for granted you would always be there.
Now its been a few months since you left. As I sit here and write this...I realize I still have so much to say to you. I can't believe you are really gone.
I hope you are happy now. It broke my heart watching you fight the demon disease. I saw the pain in your eyes...heard it in your voice. Now you are free, and there is no more suffering. Telling myself that is the only way I can go on. A part of me died when I heard the words coming out of Moms mouth. Knowing my only sibling, the one who was always supposed to be there is gone. Its still not real to me.
But I want you to know that I love you with all my heart and always will no matter what. I hope you are at peace.
Jenn oxox

Jason Christopher
04/21/1983 - 03/08/2017

Arlington, MA USA

My granddaughter. NIKKI, LOST HER MOTHER LAST SEPT.  Nikki had just turned 2 in August.  HER NAME IS LARAE JACKSON.   SHE ALSO HAD 2 OTHER CHILDREN.  MY SON, KENNY AND HER WERE TOGETHER  ABOUT 4 YEARS.  LARAE WAS VERY YOUNG( I BELEIVE SHE WAS ONLY 27). HER OLDEST DAUGHTER  FOUND HER AT HER GRANDMAS HOME. SO SAD!  LARAE HAD BEEN TRIING TO STOP USING HEROIN FOR MONTHS.  WHAT IS REALY BAD IS THE HEROIN WAS ADMINISTERED TO HER BY SOME GUYS AND THEN SHE WAS LEFT TO DIE.. THE NEEDLE WAS FOUND BEHIND A DRESSER IN THE BEDROOM..WHAT IS GOOD IS THESE GUYS ARE BEING PROSECUTED.  LARAE WAS A VERY INTELLIGENT BEAUTIFUL  WOMEN FROM THE QUILEUTE TRIBE. SHE WAS A GREAT MOM WHEN SHE DIDN'T USE..MY SON HAD BEEN CLEAN AND SOBER FOR OVER A YEAR AND WAS TRING SO HARD TO GET HER INTO A TREATMENT PROGRAM, AS DID HER PARENTS AND MYSELF..SHE HAD A BED DATE. ANOTHER  THING THAT IS SAD IS SHE PREDICTED SHE MIGHT DIE FROM AN OVERDOSE. I LOVED HER SO MUCH AND I MISS HER EVERYDAY. NIKKI LOOKS JUST LIKE HER MOM. SO I'M  ALWAYS REMINDED OF HER. KENNY REALLY LOVED HER ALOT AND HE MISSES HER TOO.HE IS A GREAT DAD.THANK GOD NIKKI HAS HIM.  OF COURSE, SHE ALSO HAS HER QUILEUTE FAMILY IN LAPUSH AND MYSELF AND MY FAMILY HERE IN PORT ANGELES..AND, OF COUESE HER SISTERS, TAYLOR AND BRIANA.. HER MOM IS HAVING A TERRIBLE  TIME DEALING WITH HER LOSS.  IT HAS ALMOST BEEN A YEAR, AND I KNOW THAT DAY WILL BE HARD ON HER AND ALL OF US.. THANK YOU GOD FOR THE TIME WE DID HAVE WITH LARAE AND ESPECIALLY FOR LARAE  BRINGING NIKKI INTO THE WORLD..LARAE LIVES ON THROUGH NIKKI. T HEROIN IS REALLY BAD IN OUR CLALLAM COUNTY. .WE GAVE HAD MORE OVERDOSES IN THE STATE THAN ANY OTHER TOWN OR CITY.  I BELIEVE WE NEED MORE EDUCATION AVAILABLE TO OUR COMMUNITY AND ESPECIALLY IN OUR SCHOOLS..I BELIEVE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT NEEDS TO CRACK DOWN HARDE R ON THE DEALERS..EVERYONE KNOWS WHO THEY ARE SO WHY AREN'T THEY IN PRISON?  IT'S CRAZY!! I JUST DON'T  UNDERSTAND  WHY THIS TERRIBLE LETHAL  DRUG IS STILL AVAILABLE IN OUR COMMUNITY,  AND ESPECIALLY SO MUCH OF IT. WE AREN'T  THAT BIG, ONLY AROUND 19,000 PEOPLE.. WE NEED TO RID OF IT ONCE AND FOR ALL! IN CLOSING,  I JUST WANT SAY," I LOVE AND MISS UOU, LARAE.  YOU R IN MY THOUGHTS AND HEART EVERY MOMENT.  WE WILL RAISE NIKKI TO BE THE BEST SHE CAN, I PROMISE.  UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, FAREWELL

I miss my daughter and just to know that whoever sold her the dope is probably living his/Her life but my daughter was murdered and lost her life at the age of30 leaving behind 5 children .

Nashville,Tn. USA

I love and miss you taytay

In Loving Memory of Mandy Michele Darby:

A young woman who wanted to live life to the fullest. Mandy loved music, fairs and
different events. May people remember her with the love and enthusiasm she gave
life.

Baltimore, MD (Anne Arundel County)

  My younger brother passed away on April 8 2015 due to accidental overdose. He was 25 when he passed and has left a void that can't be filled. We miss him with every ounce of our hearts and souls. A loving son, brother, grandson, cousin, uncle and friend. You are always on our minds forever in our hearts. Our Peter Pan, we love you to the moon and back xo we need to raise more awareness

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

On 2/11/04 I lost my Mom to an overdose of heroin. It's so hard to go on without your Mom. I miss her so much. She will always be loved in my heart, and in all the hearts of her kids and grand-kids. RIP Mama Patty Jean Adams. Forever in our hearts  

My beautiful daughter struggled with the disease of addiction. Heroin captured her and kept calling her back for more until fentanyl was given in its place. Cause of death was acute fentanyl. Miss her beautiful face every moment of every day. Her smile her voice etched in my heart broken in so many pieces. May she fly high with the angels. In loving memory beautiful daughter. Stoneham MA. 02180

Ben 18/6/79-9/10/2000 13 years ago today I lost my soulmate. Every day I play out in my mind our life together growing up. I wish you had never got into what you did, things would have been so different for the both of us. Although I know you are always with me it's just not the same - I need u x Wait for me - love u - ditto!

Dan, I am writing this tribute to you. Born onto this Earth on October 3, 1990 to two loving parents. The only child. You brought so much joy and love into the lives of others. You were an old soul. Funny, non-judgmental, unselfish to your own detriment, easy going, able to make friends with absolutely anyone, yet you were haunted by demons at a young age. None of us really knew what they were. You acted out and acted the clown to mask whatever you felt. You never, ever wanted to talk about these things. Your parents were very uncomfortable with talking about things like feelings so they loved you by not making you uncomfortable, by covering up for you over and over and by supporting you. You dabbled in drugs at a young age but it didn't seem too much cause for concern. You quickly moved to prescription narcotics and became addicted. As much as we didn't believe it, you were addicted. How could this happen? This phase was very short. Heroin was all over the suburbs. It was easy to get and so much cheaper than painkillers. Now you were a full blown heroin addict. We were all in denial. How could we not be? You were such a  beautiful person and you were succumbing to a baffling, cunning, manipulative, personality changing, fatal disease. You became a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of sorts. You hid from us what we shouldn't see and we believed you. You were in and out of rehab. Always excited and fresh. Working the steps. Taking each day as it came. You had us all sit down for a meeting to discuss your future plans. You were so excited to be getting an apartment and to be stepping up in your Dad's business. You were so happy to have had 284 days clean that day. You talked about the many things you had to be grateful for. You talked about how grateful for the fact that God had given you the opportunity to live. We were all so excited, yet still slightly tentative after everything, to have you back. So vibrant. So full of life. You were my best friend in the world. You were my soul mate. I think that God gives us each a soul mate, whether it be the same gender as us or not, in our partner or not, it doesn't matter. Dan was my soul mate. He understood and accepted me for who I was and I, you. You brought a smile to my face each and every single day that I was fortunate enough to know you. Even on the bad days, I believe you still gave me a reason to smile. On June 24, 2014 at around 1pm, I got a call from your mother. She was hysterical. They had just found you at the rough place downtown. Your "friends" left you to overdose without calling 911. There are no "Good Samaritan Laws" in this state. I could rage on about the backwards-ness of that and the fact that first responders here, besides paramedics, don't even carry narcan...but I won't. It doesn't do any good right now. It doesn't bring you back and there are other places that I will rage for you Dan. I will not let your death be in vain. This is a fight that I will NEVER stop fighting. I am so sad, angry, confused, lost, enraged, guilt stricken and horrified that this has happened. It DIDN'T have to happen. Why didn't any of us pick up on the change in your behavior? Why didn't you tell any of us? We would so eagerly have helped. We just wanted you to live. We so badly wanted you to live. Now that you're gone there is such an enormous hole in my soul. I think about you constantly. It doesn't even feel quite real yet. You are all I dream about. But I know that true love never dies and neither do memories. Your love is in my heart and you will be with me forever. Please watch over me, over all of us. We need you so very much. "It has been said that time heals all wounds. I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue, and the pain lessens, but is never gone,"  -Rose Kennedy

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.