My beautiful child . You will never be forgotten . Despite your struggles your heart remained the most gentlest . Rest now with Jesus in his peace and love . Lilyrose will never forget her mommy and will always love you to the moon and back . I'll see you over the rainbow one day 💕💕💕💕 Shavertown , PA

My birthday will never be a day of happiness it was the day I lost my estranged husband and the father of my five children to a drug overdose it was a horrible end to a wonderful man who was trying to change and get his life and family back I was unsure if he was actually going to do the things he said on December 1 but he never had the chance too and we are left wondering John we love and miss you very much may you finally be at peace

This is in memory of my best friend Jason Michalski who overdosed and died in my arms on 1/01/11 in Las Vegas. Great guy but he got hooked on pills and thought he was invincible. RIP Jason. I always think of you. Love you Megan

My brother died today. It's the worst day of my life. I hurt so badly but keep telling myself that he no longer hurts. I miss you already Rob.

In loving memory of Tommy Arnold.  Addiction does not care how you were raised, what color you are, how smart you are or how much money you have. This has to stop and it will only stop by more awareness and early prevention.

Sic itur ad astra‎, Boy…you are stars. Daniel, 1969 – 1995.

My son my heart is broken . I love you forever my love.

Philadelphia Pa

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

My love, I wish I knew how deep was ur addiction, we miss u everyday! Is being two months... am still waiting for u to knock my door!!! I still believe that u are coming home. The best days were when u were sober, happy, I miss ur smile....  RIP George B. 05/07/77-10/13/16

September 7, 2014 will be forever burned into my memory.   The phone call, the frantic drive to the emergency room, and the look on your father's face are constantly replayed over an over again.  You were a beautiful soul, intelligent, funny, full of life and promise...and only 23 years old.  I knew you were struggling with heroin because you told me.  I offered to care for you, provide shelter, find treatment, I would have done anything if I could.  The last time I saw you, you told me you were clean and would be ok.  I knew you were lying.  I wish I had confronted you, could have protected you, saved you, told you one more time how much I loved you.  On the outside you tried to portray that you were happy, invincible, strong, and powerful. I saw that you were actually tortured, depressed, angry with yourself, ashamed, and hopeless.  I tried to tell you that you were loved, valued, full of potential, and this could be fixed.  I still had hope for you.  Not a day goes by that I don't think of you.  I see signs of you everywhere...I hope that you are peaceful and happy where ever you have gone.  I continue to reach out to your friends. I call it planting seeds of love and hope.  Maybe some will grow, please water them if you can.  So much addiction out there...I love you more than you will ever know...Auntie

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

To: Glenn Harvey Miss you every day love - wish you were still here.

Daniel (Danny) Schulz, 25 By Rick and Petra Schulz, with excerpt of the Lives Lived Column published the Globe and Mail on July 3, 2014. Chef, musician, friend, lover of great food and wine. Born on Jan. 13, 1989, in Edmonton; died on April 30, 2014, in Edmonton, after suffering a relapse on the road to recovery from addiction, aged 25. Danny Schulz was born on a cold winter day, one that did not foretell the warmth that he would bring to all who knew him. As the youngest of three children, he had to learn to make his place in the family. His parents first got the idea that he was a bit different when, asked what he would like for his third birthday, he replied, “A cactus.” Danny’s big heart made him sensitive, both to people and to the world around him. It was this sensitivity that made him so creative. He learned to play guitar, both acoustic and electric, and drums; to write lyrics; and later, much to the surprise of his family, to sing beautifully. He often provided vocals in jam sessions with his friends, one of his favourite pastimes. While in high school in Edmonton, he came out. Of course, his brothers and friends knew long before his parents were told. But even with an accepting family, being gay means facing adversity. Around the same time, Danny discovered a passion for cooking and began working in restaurants. He was inspired and encouraged by the talented chefs with whom he worked, and in 2011 graduated with a diploma in culinary arts from the Art Institute of Vancouver. Danny had an uncanny ability to come into a kitchen, take whatever was in the fridge, and make a superb, original, tasty meal – although leftovers were guaranteed, as he could only cook in restaurant quantities. Danny struggled with anxiety and depression, but his parents only three years before his death about his addiction to opiates. Although unwarranted, the guilt he felt about hurting his family and friends was in conflict with his good nature and compassion for others. He sought and received counselling and support at many levels, especially from his family. He worked hard to sort out his life and made many very positive inroads, at times two steps forward, at others one step back. In the months before his death, Danny worked full time at one of the best restaurants in Edmonton, re-established close ties with his supportive friends; and moved into his own apartment. Danny was in recovery but relapsed just when the highly toxic Fentanyl was appearing on the street scene. He bought one more pill, not know that it was Fentanyl, and did not stand a chance. He did not want to leave any of us, nor did he want to hurt anyone. Danny died because he and his family did not know or have access to harm reduction measure and to evidence based treatment that could have kept him alive.

My son Tim Toman passed on 6/21 after losing battle to addiction. My heart is broken from his OD

Tomorrow marks two months since you were taken from this earth. The pain that death brings is unbearable and what's worse is knowing that it was perhaps preventable. It is true that "no one here gets out alive," but it is also true that souls can be taken before their time. This is what drugs are doing to our loved ones; they're consuming their souls while they are still alive until there's nothing left in their hearts to keep it beating. You were the hero of my life Dad and weren't "destined" to your tragic demise. You were a master carpenter, an artist, who is still alive today in the great skyscrapers you've built throughout New York City. Our war on drugs has failed, as deaths from overdose continue to skyrocket year after year. Let's get together and bring this horrific epidemic out of the dark and into the light of awareness. Love Always and Forever, Your Daughter

For my cherished son, Chance, who, at age 23 left the earth on September 18/07 due to an accidental heroin overdose..... a very special and beautiful soul who is remembered, loved and held close to our hearts each and every day..

My handsome nephew what an evil thing that consumed you and took you away from all who loved you. You had a hard battle. You fought hard.

The day you left us Brian, you left an empty space, you took a piece of us all 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 that we're sharing. I know again we'll all meet up, until we're back together. Your immortal smile and kind heart, will live with us forever. Your loving Karen

To Dylan: I lost my 15 year old son Dylan Turcotte June 23, 2013 of a heroin overdose. Was completely unexpected and very heartbreaking to think that he would even venture into that realm, but as others know it is happening much too often. God help us to get a handle on this somehow. Dylan I know you are in Gods arms in complete peace. I love and miss you every day and cherish the short 15 years we had with you. I know you are in good company up there and can't wait to see you soon! Love mom....

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.

I miss you dennis everyday. I still can't beleive your gone. I'm so mad you chose to get high that morning instead of asking for help. You left me and our son who cries over you. I forgive you for choosing to use again. It's part of who you were. I hope you are okay and finally at peace. I'm glad ur with God instead of battling your addiction. You, we were all spared. I'm constantly bothered by your final moments. Please come to me in my dreams and let me know ur okay and went peacefully. I love and miss you and will never let you go but I can't make myself suffer anymore. Help me and denny get passed this. Queens, NY

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

My darling son Adam. You were only 19. Hard to imagine you would now be 34 years old. I often wonder what you would look like if you were still alive. Forever in our hearts. Mum

There Are Quite A Few Angels That Heaven Has Gained • From A Boyfriend Of Eight Years Keith • Two Weeks Later His Best Friend Eric • The Mother Of My Stepchildren • My Bestie Brandi (She Is Actually In Recovery) • Heroin Destroyed My Life Even Though I Never Touched A Drop • I Have Watched Some Lose Everything Including Their Life • But I Have Also Watch Some Persevere • Remember That People Do Not Necessarily Choose To Be An Addict • The Drug Chooses You To Become A Victim • May We Have A Moment Of Silence For Those Who Are Gone But Never Forgotten !!!   Rest Easy ?

In Memory Of Our Son, Gary A. Brothers 12-3-80 to 2-10-15

To: Kim Kim Mitchell died of a drug overdose on April 26th 2011. She was 20 years old and we miss her more than words can say. Kim also suffered from an eating disorder and depression and we believe she was self medicating since the doctors just couldn't get it right. She was a great softball player and she managed the store where she worked and was loved by all. May God watch over you and us and may justice be done. Love Always, Mom, Dad, and brother Brian

BJ you left me and the boys nearly 3 years ago. We miss you every day and wish you were with us. Please remember your loved ones lost to an overdose xxx

Missing you everyday sweet Stace.  You were loved and looked up to by everyone you met. You are by far the funniest, smartest and most charismatic person dad and I have even known.  You walked into a room and everyone knew Stace had arrived. You lived life large!  I wish we had known how hard your struggles were and maybe we could have saved you.  Maybe not.  We are working to understand how drugs took control of a wonderful life with such a bright future.  Think of you every day.  You are forever in our hearts.

For my love Steve who passed away in April. Hoping he is finally at peace.

Melissa Marie Hamilton could light up a room with her smile!! She is missed! 4/14/81-4/29/15

Scott, I think of you every day. How could I not? Mental illness took over. I am so sorry for that and wish there was something anybody could have done for you. Yes, you were the smartest person in the room but you were also the funniest. It was a struggle that was not to be overcome. I hope you are at peace. You knew this to be your destiny. That's sad. I hung out with you for a while at the cemetery today. Too many other young adults there for the same reason. 8/9/79-12/15/12. Mom

In memory of my Son, Dennis LongElk Sr

5•8•90---8•31•15

How ironic you decide to leave Us on IODAD ?!! Strange ?!! I think not, your time here on earth, was limited. The creator had other plans for you. Im honored to of shared you with the world and for you to grace Us with your presence. I cherish the moments of you growing up, the fun times, the happy memories we shared as a family. Looking back, I now see the struggles you encountered with Mental Health. I was clueless, I had NO idea, I thought you were just experiencing with drugs and it got out of hand. Period ! My kid, a drug addict...As I was faced to realize, it goes beyond that, way beyond. I'm sorry, your sorry, everyone sorry that things have to end the way they did. My hearts broken, beyond repair. The happiness turned to sadness, I struggle at times, but it comforts me to know you NO longer struggle with the daily realities in life, the demons that look my only son from me way to young, and you are no longer lonely. You are never forgotten and loved by many, me exspecially, Your Mom !!!

Prairie Island, Minnesota USA

My Son John David passed away on 9/14/15 of an accidental Heroin OD   Saddest Day of my life? He was a wonderful, Kind soul. all those who knew him know that. I will miss him till we meet again on the other side?

Andreé Siempre en mi corazón.

To my beautiful daughter, Amy, who died on January 2, 2013 of an overdose. I am struggling every day just to stay alive because I do not want to live without you. I’m so sorry I couldn’t help you and that I was not with you when you died. I will never, ever get over it. I know I have to go on for your children, Bailey and Will, but I am hurting so much and I miss you every minute of every day. I wish I could make every young person out there understand the pain that comes with drug use, for them and for their families. I love you my baby girl, forever,

Often we felt like an anorexic with 5 mouths, and I'm sorry life isn't fair.
I'm sorry you were alone in the end.
Truly, you were remarkable.

Michigan

Dear Ismael, I am so hurt that you had to leave us so suddenly and in the manner in which you left this world. I just wish you would have called on me or anybody else for help. Learning that you accidentally overdosed on Heroin, Cocaine and Meth was devastating to your children and to myself. I know that you knew God and believed in him but somehow this terrible drug addiction coupled with alcohol was too much for you to bear. All I know that the sting of Death will someday be eliminated when we see you again. No matter what, you were an excellent Dad to the kids and they will always have you in their hearts.

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.

Loving memory of my son, forever 25, John Andrew.(09212015) I love you and miss you more than I could ever explain. Your forever in my heart and mind, until ............. I love ya Mush Mom

This tribute goes out to Raphael T Moreira 04/24/12, Dan Cook 11/24/13, Nicholas Lapato 06/05/11.

I have lost countless friends and peers to this epidemic. There probably isn't enough space provided to name them all. But it's important to me to remember the love of my life who overdosed alone, in the back of a pick-up truck in an abandoned lot in Boston, Mass on May 24th, 2014. Jason Lavallee, 34 yrs old will be forever missed. The man I met a year after Jason's death also died last August from a drug-related accident. I would like to recognize Christopher Merrill, 30 yrs old who died August 9th, 2016 from being electrocuted by a third rail after he wandered off the edge of the tracks at a station in downtown Boston. He was extremely high and the accident didn't need to happen. He was my best friend and will always be remembered. And I have to also mention my best friend Melissa Riley who died of an overdose in October, 2015 after losing consciousness between her car and a gas pump at a gas station in Kingston, NH. She did not get enough oxygen for too long and went into a coma and never came back. Jason left a 9yr old son in Worcester, Massachusetts and Melissa left two young boys as well to live their lives without a mother. Every drug related death is an avoidable one. I am currently living in a halfway house in Cambridge, Massachusetts so that hopefully my mother won't have to bury me far too young. Addiction is fierce opponent and it will get u if u let ur guard down for just a small, passing moment. The vigilance required to beat this disease can be exhausting. But I try to keep fighting so that I don't become just another statistic myself. I feel it is up to me to keep going and live a full life in remembrance of the ones I love so they are not forgotten and their lives and their deaths were not in vain. Those of us who still remain can carry on, living with the lessons we learned from the sacrifice given by those no longer with us. Don't let addiction win. Fight another day.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Michael, we love you "no matter what"!!! Always have and always will. We miss you more than words.

I lost my firstborn, my son Kane to opiate addiction two years and ten days ago. Our family chain is broken and nothing is the same.

Thinking of Luke Grippa today...left this world entirely too soon. The last 4 years had been heartbreaking for most people in his life due to his addiction however 3 beautiful gifts came out of this journey...2 precious daughters (lily and beth) and a new level of compassion in my heart for those that are struggling. Today I don't want to think about the hurt, the mistakes, the bad decisions, the suffering...today I want to remember the love, the positive memories and the release of his bondage in this world. Luke was funny, smart, witty, he had a contagious laugh, an innocence underneath all the mistakes that had hardened him and a heart bigger than his brain. He was intelligent, talented, musically inclined, and an unbelievable hard worker. I watched him grow in the past 10 years and horrifically regress in the last 3. He had a way of always making everything seem like it was going to be ok and comfort others even when he couldn't do the same for himself. I will never forget telling him we were going to have a baby and seeing the first reaction of pure joy proceeded by euphoria when she came into this world. That glow he had at those moments were his light...Who he really was under it all...under all the mistakes...it's what the drugs had burried and didnt let through. In remembrance today I like to think of that shell being broken and his light and spirit released to heaven to be free. I will always love his spirit and hate the addiction. So many things I never got to say, most importantly "Im sorry for what you went though and good bye"...so I hope he hears me now..."Rest in peace my dear friend, watch over your babies and I'll do my best to raise our daughter to become the best parts of us both."

In memory of my daughter Victoria Rae King. 7/11/95 - 4/21/17. Gone but not Forgotten! My forever 21 Angel baby!❤⚓⚓❤

Kinston NC

Mikey Messer was one of the greatest men I've ever met. I instantly fell in love with his charisma, his contagious laughter, his beautiful smile that lit up a room, his huge heart of gold, and his faith. Mikey and I had been together almost 2 years and had our daughter just 5 weeks before he passed. He was an amazing boyfriend, father, friend, brother and son. We all miss him dearly.

In loving memory of my friend Eric Aul, (07/26/85-12/18/12) who tried so valiantly to conquer his demons. R.I.P. You will live forever in my heart and although your death causes me immense pain, my fond memories of you bring me great joy. See you at the crossroads!

Another year goes by & I miss u more & more! You are forever in our hearts! Rest Easy! Mom John Dafeldecker,Jr "Jaydee" 5/30/86-2/27/11 Oakhurst, NJ USA

Steffan, it's been a year and 3 months since u left me and and our children. It still does not seem real that u are gone , the pain in side my heart still feeks like the day I got the phone call. Our daughters have not been able to heal. Hope u stay by our sides abd helps thru this dark time. And even tho u will know meet ur baby boy I hope u watch over him to. I love you to the moon and back. My heart will always belong to u.

Jonathon S. Golden    8/22/1987 - 5/9/2016 An amazing brother, friend and son. Jon impressed me with his wit and humor; he had the best impressions and always came up with hilarious nicknames for everyone. He was a super talented artist. Everywhere we went, he was drawing on napkins and receipts. He was in love with Boston and would take photos all around the city of landmarks, views and every-day happenings. Most of all, he was an amazing brother and loved spending time with his family. Jesse and I will always take you with us through our life, we hope we make you proud. Stay with us, angel.