Michael was an incredibly hard worker—he followed in his dad’s footsteps and worked for the railroad. He never said, “no”, was so tender hearted, and silly. His sisters, Courtney and Hattie, cope with his passing from an overdose in July 2022 through humor, closeness, and strength. By telling their brother’s story, they strive to advocate for family and friends in mourning who may feel shame or that their loved one’s death didn’t matter because of the stigma of addiction. Courtney recommends reading, “Understanding Your Grief after a Drug-Overdose Death,” by Alan Wolfelt, PhD.

Michael was an incredibly hard worker—he followed in his dad’s footsteps and worked for the railroad. He never said, “no”, was so tender hearted, and silly. His sisters, Courtney and Hattie, cope with his passing from an overdose in July 2022 through humor, closeness, and strength. By telling their brother’s story, they strive to advocate for family and friends in mourning who may feel shame or that their loved one’s death didn’t matter because of the stigma of addiction. Courtney recommends reading, “Understanding Your Grief after a Drug-Overdose Death,” by Alan Wolfelt, PhD.

Michael

Jessica wanted to help others and thought about working professionally as a nurse. She loved children, would help out at summer camps, and had several babysitting positions. She was always the one people would call if they needed help. When she was around 17, she was in a car accident and was prescribed opioids for her pain. She went from using opioids to other drugs and, eventually, started using heroin, and died in 2017 at 36 from fentanyl poisoning. Her older sister, Rosanne, tried everything in her power to help -- an intervention, rehabilitation, giving her a job in her salon, and a place to live. It’s been a five-year journey of grief therapy, workshops, and self-care to learn how to live a new normal without her sister. For her grief, Rosanne went to “Onsite”, a program that helps you gain tools to move forward https://onsiteworkshops.com/; learned “The Grief Recovery Method” through Hopeful Heart Solutions https://hopefulheartsolutions.com; and read books such as “Signs” by Laura Lynne Jackson and “Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief” by David Kessler. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Jessica wanted to help others and thought about working professionally as a nurse. She loved children, would help out at summer camps, and had several babysitting positions. She was always the one people would call if they needed help. When she was around 17, she was in a car accident and was prescribed opioids for her pain. She went from using opioids to other drugs and, eventually, started using heroin, and died in 2017 at 36 from fentanyl poisoning. Her older sister, Rosanne, tried everything in her power to help -- an intervention, rehabilitation, giving her a job in her salon, and a place to live. It’s been a five-year journey of grief therapy, workshops, and self-care to learn how to live a new normal without her sister. For her grief, Rosanne went to “Onsite”, a program that helps you gain tools to move forward <a href="https://onsiteworkshops.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://onsiteworkshops.com/</a>; learned “The Grief Recovery Method” through Hopeful Heart Solutions <a href="https://hopefulheartsolutions.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://hopefulheartsolutions.com</a>; and read books such as “Signs” by Laura Lynne Jackson and “Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief” by David Kessler. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Jessica

Hannah was loyal, fierce, and lived &amp; loved with an unmatched ferocity and intensity. Her father, Cody, said she helped those who were marginalized, forgotten, left behind, misunderstood, hurting, or abused. She put others before herself, tried to take care of them, and made sure they were safe and okay. Hannah personally struggled for years with mental health and addiction. Depression and anxiety were her forever companions in a never-ending tug of war. On October 12, 2022, Cody lost his daughter to fentanyl poisoning. He copes with his loss by honoring his daughter’s memory, listening to podcasts, and researching grief with books such as “The Grieving Brain” by Mary-Francis O’Connor, “Resilient Grieving” by Lucy Hone, and “Grieving Mindfully” by Sameet M. Kumar.   If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/  Music provided by La Atlántida

Hannah was loyal, fierce, and lived &amp; loved with an unmatched ferocity and intensity. Her father, Cody, said she helped those who were marginalized, forgotten, left behind, misunderstood, hurting, or abused. She put others before herself, tried to take care of them, and made sure they were safe and okay. Hannah personally struggled for years with mental health and addiction. Depression and anxiety were her forever companions in a never-ending tug of war. On October 12, 2022, Cody lost his daughter to fentanyl poisoning. He copes with his loss by honoring his daughter’s memory, listening to podcasts, and researching grief with books such as “The Grieving Brain” by Mary-Francis O’Connor, “Resilient Grieving” by Lucy Hone, and “Grieving Mindfully” by Sameet M. Kumar. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Hannah

Meggie describes how she and her three siblings were a close-knit group of four who faced everything together when they were growing up. However, in 2015, her older brother, Michael, 28, died from an accidental overdose which fueled a raging addiction in her mom and little sister, Bridget. In 2022, things took a turn for the worse when her mom died from liver failure due to drug and alcohol abuse and then, 40 days later, Bridget, 31, was found in her bed from an accidental overdose. Meggie copes with the loss of her two siblings with grief counseling and reading books such as “The Empty Room: Understanding Sibling Loss” by Elizabeth DeVita-Raeburn. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/  Music provided by La Atlántida

Meggie describes how she and her three siblings were a close-knit group of four who faced everything together when they were growing up. However, in 2015, her older brother, Michael, 28, died from an accidental overdose which fueled a raging addiction in her mom and little sister, Bridget. In 2022, things took a turn for the worse when her mom died from liver failure due to drug and alcohol abuse and then, 40 days later, Bridget, 31, was found in her bed from an accidental overdose. Meggie copes with the loss of her two siblings with grief counseling and reading books such as “The Empty Room: Understanding Sibling Loss” by Elizabeth DeVita-Raeburn. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Michael & Bridget

Angela lost three of her four siblings (Nicky, Steven &amp; Cindy): two passed away from an overdose and one from a massive heart attack. She remembers them with pictures and other special mementos, and by telling their stories. She copes by keeping busy with helping to raise her sisters’ children, plus listening to grief podcasts, attending grief meetings, and reading books such as, “It’s OK That You’re NOT OK” by Megan Devine. She also plans to participate in National Fentanyl Awareness Day sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). You can find more information here: https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org/ If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Angela lost three of her four siblings (Nicky, Steven &amp; Cindy): two passed away from an overdose and one from a massive heart attack. She remembers them with pictures and other special mementos, and by telling their stories. She copes by keeping busy with helping to raise her sisters’ children, plus listening to grief podcasts, attending grief meetings, and reading books such as, “It’s OK That You’re NOT OK” by Megan Devine. She also plans to participate in National Fentanyl Awareness Day sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). You can find more information here: <a href="https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org/</a> If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Nicky, Steven & Cindy

Jack was an excellent student, and enjoyed sports throughout his elementary and high school years. He graduated from college with a major in actuarial science and landed his first job. But his mother, Maribeth, said he worked very long hours, and although he sometimes said he enjoyed it, she thought the isolation and long hours were very stressful for him. He left his job and eventually became a bicycle courier. He suffered for 10 years from depression, and later developed an addiction to heroin. Maribeth said that Jack's pain became unbearable and he died in his home at the age of 35. Maribeth shares a tribute to her son at: https://www.forevermissed.com/jack-heston/about She also thinks about the following philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche and quoted by Joseph Campbell: “Nietzsche was the one who did the job for me. At a certain moment in his life, the idea came to him of what he called ‘the love of your fate.’ Whatever your fate is, whatever the hell happens, you say, ‘This is what I need.’ It may look like a wreck, but go at it as though it were an opportunity, a challenge. If you bring love to that moment—not discouragement—you will find the strength is there. Any disaster you can survive is an improvement in your character, your stature, and your life. What a privilege! This is when the spontaneity of your own nature will have a chance to flow.” If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Jack was an excellent student, and enjoyed sports throughout his elementary and high school years. He graduated from college with a major in actuarial science and landed his first job. But his mother, Maribeth, said he worked very long hours, and although he sometimes said he enjoyed it, she thought the isolation and long hours were very stressful for him. He left his job and eventually became a bicycle courier. He suffered for 10 years from depression, and later developed an addiction to heroin. Maribeth said that Jack's pain became unbearable and he died in his home at the age of 35. Maribeth shares a tribute to her son at: <a href="https://www.forevermissed.com/jack-heston/about" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.forevermissed.com/jack-heston/about</a> She also thinks about the following philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche and quoted by Joseph Campbell: “Nietzsche was the one who did the job for me. At a certain moment in his life, the idea came to him of what he called ‘the love of your fate.’ Whatever your fate is, whatever the hell happens, you say, ‘This is what I need.’ It may look like a wreck, but go at it as though it were an opportunity, a challenge. If you bring love to that moment—not discouragement—you will find the strength is there. Any disaster you can survive is an improvement in your character, your stature, and your life. What a privilege! This is when the spontaneity of your own nature will have a chance to flow.” If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Jack

Nickoli was a beautiful soul who never felt like he was heard or loved. His mother died from an overdose when he was very young, he didn’t know his father, and he was shuffled among family until he landed in his forever home with his adoptive mom, Angelique. From the day he joined her family, he called her mom and her children considered him an older brother. He passed away from a fentanyl overdose when he was only 18 in 2021. This epidemic is horrible and is taking our youth, says Angelique who prays, listens to grief podcasts, and joined Facebook groups to cope. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Nickoli was a beautiful soul who never felt like he was heard or loved. His mother died from an overdose when he was very young, he didn’t know his father, and he was shuffled among family until he landed in his forever home with his adoptive mom, Angelique. From the day he joined her family, he called her mom and her children considered him an older brother. He passed away from a fentanyl overdose when he was only 18 in 2021. This epidemic is horrible and is taking our youth, says Angelique who prays, listens to grief podcasts, and joined Facebook groups to cope. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Nickoli

Brandi had a typical childhood: she participated in sports, dance, girl scouts; went on family vacations; and had lots of family get-togethers. But as she got older, she became argumentative and got into a lot of trouble. It wasn’t until her sister, Kaylee, was taking a psychology course that she determined that her sister fit the description of someone with bipolar disorder. At first Brandi smoked pot but got mixed up with opioids after this was prescribed after her second pregnancy. She passed away from an overdose at 39 after a life of struggling with addiction. Kaylee advises not to go it alone when dealing with grief, and to join a grief group or go through one-to-one counseling. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Brandi had a typical childhood: she participated in sports, dance, girl scouts; went on family vacations; and had lots of family get-togethers. But as she got older, she became argumentative and got into a lot of trouble. It wasn’t until her sister, Kaylee, was taking a psychology course that she determined that her sister fit the description of someone with bipolar disorder. At first Brandi smoked pot but got mixed up with opioids after this was prescribed after her second pregnancy. She passed away from an overdose at 39 after a life of struggling with addiction. Kaylee advises not to go it alone when dealing with grief, and to join a grief group or go through one-to-one counseling. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Brandi

Aaron loved music, debating, and getting together with friends and family. He was also an avid reader and taught himself to read before he even started school. His mom, Sheryl, was his biggest fan. However, Aaron dropped out of school at a young age and started down the wrong path. After he turned 22, Sheryl got the call that no parent wants to get. At first, Sheryl coped by listening to this podcast and later joined with other moms who lost a child. She felt very strongly about paying it forward with her own story since she learned by listening to others.   If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Aaron loved music, debating, and getting together with friends and family. He was also an avid reader and taught himself to read before he even started school. His mom, Sheryl, was his biggest fan. However, Aaron dropped out of school at a young age and started down the wrong path. After he turned 22, Sheryl got the call that no parent wants to get. At first, Sheryl coped by listening to this podcast and later joined with other moms who lost a child. She felt very strongly about paying it forward with her own story since she learned by listening to others. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Aaron

Josh was a great person who happened to have both the disease of addiction and the disease of depression. It was his birth father who introduced Josh to heroin when he was 13 years old, setting up his path to a lifelong habit. He overdosed from fentanyl poisoning in a sober house in 2016 when he was 32, leaving behind his beautiful daughter, Grace. He is still remembered by so many today, according to his mom, Susan. He bought food for struggling addicts, helped addicts get to meetings, and helped one person get recovery through giving money toward a ticket out of town. Susan copes through her artwork (featured on Instagram: SusanCarr88), and by listening to “Ram Dass: Here and Now”. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Josh was a great person who happened to have both the disease of addiction and the disease of depression. It was his birth father who introduced Josh to heroin when he was 13 years old, setting up his path to a lifelong habit. He overdosed from fentanyl poisoning in a sober house in 2016 when he was 32, leaving behind his beautiful daughter, Grace. He is still remembered by so many today, according to his mom, Susan. He bought food for struggling addicts, helped addicts get to meetings, and helped one person get recovery through giving money toward a ticket out of town. Susan copes through her artwork (featured on Instagram: SusanCarr88), and by listening to “Ram Dass: Here and Now”. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Josh

This podcast was created to give a voice to those who have lost someone close to them from an accidental overdose. Parents, spouses, sisters, brothers and others will be interviewed to celebrate the life of their loved one who died from an overdose and to remember this person as more than their addiction. We will explore how others cope and pass on this information to those who are grieving and feel they have nowhere to turn. Unfortunately, there are many out there and the numbers are growing every day. If you would like to tell your story about the life of your loved one who died from an accidental overdose, the struggles you both faced, and how you are coping, please email your request to Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grieving-overdose-death/id1462181055

Jillian was a “very wanted baby” who was a good student and could make anyone laugh, according to her mom, Jackie. As she got older, she became depressed and suffered from anxiety, and turned to alcohol and marijuana. In later years, she joined a gang and was introduced to methamphetamines. She tried to become sober but her addiction was terminal until her death at age 21 in February 2022. Jackie is filled with both overwhelming grief and relief that her daughter is free of pain, depression, anxiety and torment. Jackie copes by accepting compassion and love from family and friends, and listening to podcasts of people who have experienced a loss of a loved one.   If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Jillian was a “very wanted baby” who was a good student and could make anyone laugh, according to her mom, Jackie. As she got older, she became depressed and suffered from anxiety, and turned to alcohol and marijuana. In later years, she joined a gang and was introduced to methamphetamines. She tried to become sober but her addiction was terminal until her death at age 21 in February 2022. Jackie is filled with both overwhelming grief and relief that her daughter is free of pain, depression, anxiety and torment. Jackie copes by accepting compassion and love from family and friends, and listening to podcasts of people who have experienced a loss of a loved one. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Jillian

Kristina was a straight “A” student who loved cheerleading, dancing and gymnastics. Life was wonderful with her parents and older sister, Michelle, until she turned 15 and was introduced to heroin by her boyfriend. From that time, her life was a struggle to stay clean. Everything seemed to be going well in January 2022, when she had a relapse. When called to her parent’s home, Michelle describes how the paramedics only saw an addict, branded her a junkie and did not try to save her. In her quest to make a difference in the name of her sister, Michelle would like to break the stigma of how addicts are viewed and treated by society.   Michelle’s words, “Society has labeled drug addicts as criminals, worthless degenerates, and second-class citizens. Addicts are harshly discriminated against, seen as less than human, considered worthless at first glance. This country needs to understand that addicts are still PEOPLE! Their lives are no less valuable because they suffer from addiction! If more effort was focused on jailing the drug dealers, policing our borders, and helping those suffering from addiction, perhaps real change could be affected. Rehabilitation over incarceration, now that’s a lovely thought!   “How many millions of lives are sacrificed each year that never had a chance? For an addict the struggle against addiction is akin to fighting a war alone and without any weapons against a superpower. For many like my sister, their addiction started before they were an adult. A naive, immature, impressionable teenager who made a mistake, a mistake that triggered a powerful addiction that began a lifelong battle.”   If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Kristina was a straight “A” student who loved cheerleading, dancing and gymnastics. Life was wonderful with her parents and older sister, Michelle, until she turned 15 and was introduced to heroin by her boyfriend. From that time, her life was a struggle to stay clean. Everything seemed to be going well in January 2022, when she had a relapse. When called to her parent’s home, Michelle describes how the paramedics only saw an addict, branded her a junkie and did not try to save her. In her quest to make a difference in the name of her sister, Michelle would like to break the stigma of how addicts are viewed and treated by society. Michelle’s words, “Society has labeled drug addicts as criminals, worthless degenerates, and second-class citizens. Addicts are harshly discriminated against, seen as less than human, considered worthless at first glance. This country needs to understand that addicts are still PEOPLE! Their lives are no less valuable because they suffer from addiction! If more effort was focused on jailing the drug dealers, policing our borders, and helping those suffering from addiction, perhaps real change could be affected. Rehabilitation over incarceration, now that’s a lovely thought! “How many millions of lives are sacrificed each year that never had a chance? For an addict the struggle against addiction is akin to fighting a war alone and without any weapons against a superpower. For many like my sister, their addiction started before they were an adult. A naive, immature, impressionable teenager who made a mistake, a mistake that triggered a powerful addiction that began a lifelong battle.” If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Kristina

Jason loved learning and was a joy to be around. He dreamt of being a pilot and set out on his life’s journey. However, during his first college semester, he broke his elbow, was placed on pain medication and everything changed. He dropped out of college and spent many years in the throes of addiction. His mom, Dianne, dreaded getting “the call” and on July 1st, 2019, that day came when she found our Jason had passed away at 34. Dianne tries to concentrate on not asking “why” but asking how she can find meaning in her life. She honors her son’s memory through painting, prayer, poetry and placing her son’s picture on a card asking others to perform random act of kindness in Jason’s name. She also became involved with the MISS Foundation https://www.missfoundation.org/ where she found support services for her grief. If you would like to join Dianne's support group, please contact her at dslater17@optonline.net  An Invitation to Awaken (Composed by Jason’s mom, 3/11/21) The loss of a child ~raw, relentless and unbearable, I refuse to vanish in its wake. To my longing and tired heart, I hold you tenderly bearing witness. To my senseless incessant chatter, I evoke mindful loving kindness. Moments of grace invite Holy reflection, asking me to stay... and to Trust. I died too, to whom I once was; now, a bereaved mother. Yet, I slowly awaken to who I am becoming, God’s grace gently renewing my aching soul. I feel more deeply and love more fiercely, with a more divine compassion for all human suffering. Together in Spirit, my beautiful boy and I, as close as my breath. Forever and always, awakening to the mystery. Love, not addiction wins.   If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Jason loved learning and was a joy to be around. He dreamt of being a pilot and set out on his life’s journey. However, during his first college semester, he broke his elbow, was placed on pain medication and everything changed. He dropped out of college and spent many years in the throes of addiction. His mom, Dianne, dreaded getting “the call” and on July 1st, 2019, that day came when she found our Jason had passed away at 34. Dianne tries to concentrate on not asking “why” but asking how she can find meaning in her life. She honors her son’s memory through painting, prayer, poetry and placing her son’s picture on a card asking others to perform random act of kindness in Jason’s name. She also became involved with the MISS Foundation <a href="https://www.missfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.missfoundation.org/</a> where she found support services for her grief. If you would like to join Dianne's support group, please contact her at <a href="mailto:dslater17@optonline.net">dslater17@optonline.net</a> An Invitation to Awaken (Composed by Jason’s mom, 3/11/21) The loss of a child ~raw, relentless and unbearable, I refuse to vanish in its wake. To my longing and tired heart, I hold you tenderly bearing witness. To my senseless incessant chatter, I evoke mindful loving kindness. Moments of grace invite Holy reflection, asking me to stay... and to Trust. I died too, to whom I once was; now, a bereaved mother. Yet, I slowly awaken to who I am becoming, God’s grace gently renewing my aching soul. I feel more deeply and love more fiercely, with a more divine compassion for all human suffering. Together in Spirit, my beautiful boy and I, as close as my breath. Forever and always, awakening to the mystery. Love, not addiction wins. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Jason

Samantha Ruth is not only a psychologist who helps those dealing with their grief, she also knows loss firsthand after her husband died unexpectedly. Her mission is to change the way the world views both grief and mental health, so people can openly speak about whatever issues they have and get the help they need without fear of judgment, labels, and repercussions. She talks with “Grieving Overdose Death” about dealing with grief from an overdose, why this grief is unique, and ways people can heal from an overdose death. One of her mottos is: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” If you would like to learn more about the services offered by Samantha Ruth, please use the following links: https://linktr.ee/samantharuth http://www.samantharuth.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/griefhab7/  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-be-ruthless-show/id1554585454 If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Samantha Ruth is not only a psychologist who helps those dealing with their grief, she also knows loss firsthand after her husband died unexpectedly. Her mission is to change the way the world views both grief and mental health, so people can openly speak about whatever issues they have and get the help they need without fear of judgment, labels, and repercussions. She talks with “Grieving Overdose Death” about dealing with grief from an overdose, why this grief is unique, and ways people can heal from an overdose death. One of her mottos is: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” If you would like to learn more about the services offered by Samantha Ruth, please use the following links: <a href="https://linktr.ee/samantharuth" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/samantharuth</a> <a href="http://www.samantharuth.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.samantharuth.com</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/griefhab7/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/griefhab7/</a> <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-be-ruthless-show/id1554585454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-be-ruthless-show/id1554585454</a> If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Interview with a Grief Psychologist

From an early age, Miranda loved animals. At any given time, she had as many as three cats, three dogs, five chickens, a parakeet, a horse, as well as fish and rodents. She went on to become a certified pet care technician at age 11, and a wrangler at 16. Even in these happy times, Miranda suffered from mental illness and was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology since she found the subject of mental health fascinating. At the young age of 25, Miranda was discovered by her parents, Jim and Wendy, in her bedroom from an apparent overdose of prescription drugs. Jim talks about how he has found solace by dedicating a memorial website to Miranda on www.forevermissed.com, and establishing a charitable foundation to improve animal welfare and mental health services. For donations to the foundation, contact information is as follows: Miranda Leigh Nelson Foundation 6872 Auburn Drive Huntington Beach, CA 92647 MirandasFoundation1@gmail.com If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

From an early age, Miranda loved animals. At any given time, she had as many as three cats, three dogs, five chickens, a parakeet, a horse, as well as fish and rodents. She went on to become a certified pet care technician at age 11, and a wrangler at 16. Even in these happy times, Miranda suffered from mental illness and was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology since she found the subject of mental health fascinating. At the young age of 25, Miranda was discovered by her parents, Jim and Wendy, in her bedroom from an apparent overdose of prescription drugs. Jim talks about how he has found solace by dedicating a memorial website to Miranda on <a href="http://www.forevermissed.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.forevermissed.com</a>, and establishing a charitable foundation to improve animal welfare and mental health services. For donations to the foundation, contact information is as follows: Miranda Leigh Nelson Foundation 6872 Auburn Drive Huntington Beach, CA 92647 <a href="mailto:MirandasFoundation1@gmail.com" rel="noopener">MirandasFoundation1@gmail.com</a> If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Miranda

At 35, Noel was on a great path after being clean for a long time. He was in an accelerated nursing program, was a daddy to a beautiful daughter, and had everything to live for. But then COVID-19 hit, and his mom, Kathleen, feels that it had a lot to do with his relapse since he was alone and studying virtually. Isolation is not good for anyone suffering from this disease and so many more people are meeting the same fate at this time, she said. Kathleen remembers her son with the following sentiment she wrote soon after Noel passed away in May 2020: Can’t Imagine by Kathleen When my kids were small I always thought I could never imagine what my life would be like if one of them died. I still can’t imagine it because I didn’t lose him just once. I lose him every day—over and over again. I lost him when I said goodbye and hugged his empty body- my warm tears falling on his cold face. I lose him every morning I wake up And remember he isn’t here. I lose him when I come out of a dream where I meet his eyes. I lose him when I reach for the phone to tell him something funny like his brother isn’t happy with his new tattoo or that I love him. I can’t imagine surviving the loss of a child Because it’s not one big final loss, but a thousand losses every day. I can’t imagine tomorrow, the next day, The next week, month or year, because I haven’t lost him to that time yet. There is no describing the impossible even while you are living it. My glass will never be half full or half empty again. The glass is broken—shattered and scattered in a thousand pieces. Grief is a thousand pieces. It doesn’t come just once for a moment in time- It just keeps coming and coming and coming. A cold, dark tsunami that I am inside of forever. I still can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a child Because grief gets in the middle of the fact and I am light years away from believing it. I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a child even though I have lost one because the cold, hard truth is unimaginable even while you are in it. I lose him over and over again. With every tear that falls, with every breath that’s so hard to take. I lose him every time I see his empty chair at the table. I lose him every time I pass his room and see his empty shoes. I lose him every time I look in the mirror where he once saw himself And see a mother I do not recognize. I will never be able to imagine the loss of a child because it isn’t a place you get to where you say, “I’m surviving without my sweet boy.” Like the same two waves never reach the same shore. It comes and comes and comes and washes over me every day and every day I am different. You lose your child but you never lose the loss. The dark storms of grief never let up so you try to learn to wade through the waters of the rest of your life, not imagining what it’s like to lose a child, but imagining what your life would be like if you didn’t.   If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

At 35, Noel was on a great path after being clean for a long time. He was in an accelerated nursing program, was a daddy to a beautiful daughter, and had everything to live for. But then COVID-19 hit, and his mom, Kathleen, feels that it had a lot to do with his relapse since he was alone and studying virtually. Isolation is not good for anyone suffering from this disease and so many more people are meeting the same fate at this time, she said. Kathleen remembers her son with the following sentiment she wrote soon after Noel passed away in May 2020: Can’t Imagine by Kathleen When my kids were small I always thought I could never imagine what my life would be like if one of them died. I still can’t imagine it because I didn’t lose him just once. I lose him every day—over and over again. I lost him when I said goodbye and hugged his empty body- my warm tears falling on his cold face. I lose him every morning I wake up And remember he isn’t here. I lose him when I come out of a dream where I meet his eyes. I lose him when I reach for the phone to tell him something funny like his brother isn’t happy with his new tattoo or that I love him. I can’t imagine surviving the loss of a child Because it’s not one big final loss, but a thousand losses every day. I can’t imagine tomorrow, the next day, The next week, month or year, because I haven’t lost him to that time yet. There is no describing the impossible even while you are living it. My glass will never be half full or half empty again. The glass is broken—shattered and scattered in a thousand pieces. Grief is a thousand pieces. It doesn’t come just once for a moment in time- It just keeps coming and coming and coming. A cold, dark tsunami that I am inside of forever. I still can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a child Because grief gets in the middle of the fact and I am light years away from believing it. I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a child even though I have lost one because the cold, hard truth is unimaginable even while you are in it. I lose him over and over again. With every tear that falls, with every breath that’s so hard to take. I lose him every time I see his empty chair at the table. I lose him every time I pass his room and see his empty shoes. I lose him every time I look in the mirror where he once saw himself And see a mother I do not recognize. I will never be able to imagine the loss of a child because it isn’t a place you get to where you say, “I’m surviving without my sweet boy.” Like the same two waves never reach the same shore. It comes and comes and comes and washes over me every day and every day I am different. You lose your child but you never lose the loss. The dark storms of grief never let up so you try to learn to wade through the waters of the rest of your life, not imagining what it’s like to lose a child, but imagining what your life would be like if you didn’t. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Noel

Mary Kate loved the ‘60s: the colorful clothes, the message of peace &amp; love, and the rock music like Pink Floyd. Her mom, Carol, said her daughter was born in the wrong decade. Everything changed when Mary Kate started losing weight and her parents found out that she had been using drugs. They were able to check Mary Kate into rehab, where she was sober for 15 months before she was found passed away in her sober-living residence when she was 22. It has been a tragic journey for Carol who has coped by reaching out and helping others. Carol shares this message with others who have lost someone close to them called The Departure Date, Your life is like a mist. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away (James 4:14): “You, as all of God’s children, live one final breathe from your own funeral. Which, from God’s perspective, is nothing to grieve. He responds to these grave facts with this great news: “The day you die is better than the day you were born” (Eccles. 7:1 NLT). Now there is a twist. Heaven enjoys a maternity-ward reaction to funerals. Angels watch body burials the same way grandparents monitor delivery-room doors. “He’ll be coming through any minute!” They can’t wait to see the new arrival. While we’re driving hearses and wearing black, they’re hanging pink and blue streamers and passing out cigars. We don’t grieve when babies enter the world. The hosts of heaven don’t weep when we leave it.” By speaking out for her daughter and the stigma of addiction, Carol and her husband, John, have been featured in several publications and videos (Use CTRL + link):  It can happen to anyone  Families mission to fight opioid addiction  Family honors daughter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jlTEI7OQqk If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Mary Kate loved the ‘60s: the colorful clothes, the message of peace &amp; love, and the rock music like Pink Floyd. Her mom, Carol, said her daughter was born in the wrong decade. Everything changed when Mary Kate started losing weight and her parents found out that she had been using drugs. They were able to check Mary Kate into rehab, where she was sober for 15 months before she was found passed away in her sober-living residence when she was 22. It has been a tragic journey for Carol who has coped by reaching out and helping others. Carol shares this message with others who have lost someone close to them called The Departure Date, Your life is like a mist. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away (James 4:14): “You, as all of God’s children, live one final breathe from your own funeral. Which, from God’s perspective, is nothing to grieve. He responds to these grave facts with this great news: “The day you die is better than the day you were born” (Eccles. 7:1 NLT). Now there is a twist. Heaven enjoys a maternity-ward reaction to funerals. Angels watch body burials the same way grandparents monitor delivery-room doors. “He’ll be coming through any minute!” They can’t wait to see the new arrival. While we’re driving hearses and wearing black, they’re hanging pink and blue streamers and passing out cigars. We don’t grieve when babies enter the world. The hosts of heaven don’t weep when we leave it.” By speaking out for her daughter and the stigma of addiction, Carol and her husband, John, have been featured in several publications and videos (Use CTRL + link): <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwizreuAha7vAhUXvp4KHe-fDjEQFjARegQIHBAD&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fbillingsgazette.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fit-can-happen-to-anybody-families-to-remember-billings-teens-others-on-overdose-awareness-day%2Farticle_3222130a-1953-510c-89aa-398e92e130c7.html&amp;usg=AOvVaw3LkxrALvivUynHcRugQASW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> It can happen to anyone</a> <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwifutmyo67vAhVOo54KHRlUAmIQFjAAegQIAxAD&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fyellowstonevalleywoman.com%2Ffamilys-mission-to-fight-opioid-addiction%2F&amp;usg=AOvVaw3yIZCtMsfO9vaSo5rts0Fn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Families mission to fight opioid addiction</a> <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwid6YfCpK7vAhWSt54KHYLuA10QwqsBMAF6BAgGEAg&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DYg-0ijdzDnk&amp;usg=AOvVaw0o72qdoi-caP0WZjUtbDUf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Family honors daughter</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jlTEI7OQqk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jlTEI7OQqk</a> If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Mary Kate

When Melody was born, she was named for peace, love and harmony. She lit up a room with her smile and was hilarious without ever knowing she was funny. All that changed after she tried heroin and addiction took over her life. Her mom, Toni, remembers how super close they were through her teenage years and beyond. Tragically, this vibrant, beautiful young woman died at 31 in November 2019, six months after her son was born. Toni struggles with the tug of war between the joys of caring for her grandson, without having her daughter. She also struggles with grieving for her daughter, while not missing the addict that possessed her. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

When Melody was born, she was named for peace, love and harmony. She lit up a room with her smile and was hilarious without ever knowing she was funny. All that changed after she tried heroin and addiction took over her life. Her mom, Toni, remembers how super close they were through her teenage years and beyond. Tragically, this vibrant, beautiful young woman died at 31 in November 2019, six months after her son was born. Toni struggles with the tug of war between the joys of caring for her grandson, without having her daughter. She also struggles with grieving for her daughter, while not missing the addict that possessed her. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Melody

Joanne remembers everyone liking her brother Johnny. He had the happiest and loudest laugh, and the biggest and best hugs. He was great at soccer, and track &amp; field, and won many awards. They hung out together since they were close in age and were referred to as the favorite brother/sister combination. But all that changed when Johnny succumbed to mental illness and addiction for most of his adult life, and he died from an accidental overdose in 2018. Joanne advises others in her situation to keep moving forward and try to reach out to help others. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Joanne remembers everyone liking her brother Johnny. He had the happiest and loudest laugh, and the biggest and best hugs. He was great at soccer, and track &amp; field, and won many awards. They hung out together since they were close in age and were referred to as the favorite brother/sister combination. But all that changed when Johnny succumbed to mental illness and addiction for most of his adult life, and he died from an accidental overdose in 2018. Joanne advises others in her situation to keep moving forward and try to reach out to help others. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Johnny (A sister's perspective)

Suzanne’s son, Johnny, suffered from addiction until she got the knock on her door she was dreading and was told the news she never wanted to hear. Her son had died from an overdose at the age of 46. Johnny’s younger years were hopeful when he was studying to be a medical doctor, but he succumbed to mental illness and addiction for most of his adult life. When Suzanne thinks of her son no longer on Earth, it is hard for her to breathe. She wants others dealing with someone in addiction to hug them and let them know they are loved deeply. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Suzanne’s son, Johnny, suffered from addiction until she got the knock on her door she was dreading and was told the news she never wanted to hear. Her son had died from an overdose at the age of 46. Johnny’s younger years were hopeful when he was studying to be a medical doctor, but he succumbed to mental illness and addiction for most of his adult life. When Suzanne thinks of her son no longer on Earth, it is hard for her to breathe. She wants others dealing with someone in addiction to hug them and let them know they are loved deeply. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Johnny (A mother's perspective)

This podcast was created to give a voice to those who have lost someone close to them from an accidental overdose. Parents, spouses, sisters, brothers and others will be interviewed to celebrate the life of their loved one who died from an overdose and to remember this person as more than their addiction. We will explore how others cope and pass on this information to those who are grieving and feel they have nowhere to turn. Unfortunately, there are many out there and the numbers are growing every day. If you would like to tell your story about the life of your loved one who died from an accidental overdose, the struggles you both faced, and how you are coping, please email your request to Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com. <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grieving-overdose-death/id1462181055" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grieving-overdose-death/id1462181055</a>

Grieving Overdose Death

Joseph’s ambitions of working as an airplane mechanic were cut short after a car accident landed him in surgery where he was given pain medication. When his pain medicine prescription ran out, he searched out relief illegally. His mother, Jean, never suspected that her son had become addicted until he confessed and asked for help. It was a journey that ended when he passed away a few years later at the age of 23. Jean now helps manage a drug prevention grant for two counties to warn children about the dangers of using illegal drugs and how they can lead to addiction. She also finds help from her grief by attending meetings sponsored by GRASP (www.grasphelp.org) and Helping Parents Heal (www.helpingparentsheal.org). If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Joseph’s ambitions of working as an airplane mechanic were cut short after a car accident landed him in surgery where he was given pain medication. When his pain medicine prescription ran out, he searched out relief illegally. His mother, Jean, never suspected that her son had become addicted until he confessed and asked for help. It was a journey that ended when he passed away a few years later at the age of 23. Jean now helps manage a drug prevention grant for two counties to warn children about the dangers of using illegal drugs and how they can lead to addiction. She also finds help from her grief by attending meetings sponsored by GRASP (<a href="http://www.grasphelp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.grasphelp.org</a>) and Helping Parents Heal (<a href="http://www.helpingparentsheal.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.helpingparentsheal.org</a>). If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Joseph

Annie feels like she is aimlessly just making it from one day to another after her son Josh died in January 2019 when he was 33.  Ten years ago after a car accident, Josh left the emergency room with a 30 day supply of Vicodin with refills. Annie says it took only a few pills for Josh to become addicted.  She describes how she went through hell during Josh’s active addiction, the ups the downs, the rehabs, the lies, and the pain. She says her families’ lives have changed forever. She plans to walk part of the Spain Pilgrimage: Camino de Santiago in the near future in Josh’s name. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Annie feels like she is aimlessly just making it from one day to another after her son Josh died in January 2019 when he was 33.  Ten years ago after a car accident, Josh left the emergency room with a 30 day supply of Vicodin with refills. Annie says it took only a few pills for Josh to become addicted.  She describes how she went through hell during Josh’s active addiction, the ups the downs, the rehabs, the lies, and the pain. She says her families’ lives have changed forever. She plans to walk part of the Spain Pilgrimage: Camino de Santiago in the near future in Josh’s name. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Kevin tried for years to free himself from his addiction but lost the battle at 41 years old in January 2019. His sister, Sherry, talks about how they stuck together like glue after suffering from abuse during their childhood. Sherry says that Kevin protected her even though he was only five years old. When Kevin felt they were finally safe, he numbed his pain from the abuse with marijuana which escalated into other drugs. Sherry tells others to be kind and show love to those in their life suffering from addiction, and help break the stigma.

Kevin tried for years to free himself from his addiction but lost the battle at 41 years old in January 2019. His sister, Sherry, talks about how they stuck together like glue after suffering from abuse during their childhood. Sherry says that Kevin protected her even though he was only five years old. When Kevin felt they were finally safe, he numbed his pain from the abuse with marijuana which escalated into other drugs. Sherry tells others to be kind and show love to those in their life suffering from addiction, and help break the stigma.

Kevin

Carol’s daughter, Melly, died at home a year-and-a-half ago at the age of 21. Melly was a petite blonde with a smile that would light up a room, and who had the cutest voice and the sweetest personality. She loved painting, gardening, shopping, make-up and hair, and had aspirations of one day being a chef. Carol feels there should be changes in how law enforcement officials handle overdoses and has reached out to her state lawmakers to adopt practices such as having a mental health professional as part of the team who responds to an overdose emergency. She also started a chapter of Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) in her community. The PAL website is palgroup.org or you can call them at 480-300-4712. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com.

Carol’s daughter, Melly, died at home a year-and-a-half ago at the age of 21. Melly was a petite blonde with a smile that would light up a room, and who had the cutest voice and the sweetest personality. She loved painting, gardening, shopping, make-up and hair, and had aspirations of one day being a chef. Carol feels there should be changes in how law enforcement officials handle overdoses and has reached out to her state lawmakers to adopt practices such as having a mental health professional as part of the team who responds to an overdose emergency. She also started a chapter of Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) in her community. The PAL website is <a href="http://palgroup.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">palgroup.org</a> or you can call them at 480-300-4712. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com.

Melly

James’ son, Jeffrey, died four years ago at the age of 24. Jeffrey shared in running the family’s bicycle shop and had a unique way of connecting to all people regardless of their status. He loved working in the business so much that his goal was to eventually run his own place. James says he grieves publicly about his son’s death from an accidental overdose and has organized many outreach projects in his community including dispensing Narcan from his shop. He hopes to raise awareness through his efforts.

James’ son, Jeffrey, died four years ago at the age of 24. Jeffrey shared in running the family’s bicycle shop and had a unique way of connecting to all people regardless of their status. He loved working in the business so much that his goal was to eventually run his own place. James says he grieves publicly about his son’s death from an accidental overdose and has organized many outreach projects in his community including dispensing Narcan from his shop. He hopes to raise awareness through his efforts.

Jeffrey

Catherine graduated high school at the top of her class in 2011 and, only six years later in 2017, her life was taken by an accidental overdose. She was a beautiful, intelligent, absolutely brilliant, complex human, according to her mother, Rose. Rose said she wants to share Catherine’s story and spread awareness on what can be done to prevent death in case of overdose so her daughter’s death is not in vain. She will fight for “The Good Samaritan Law”, already passed in many states, to be passed in her home state of Texas to protect individuals from prosecution at the time they call 911 or help someone who is overdosing. She has forgiven the person who dumped Catherine’s body in a remote alley without knowing for sure if she was dead or alive. But Rose says forgiving is not forgetting; it is remembering without anger. Rose has also started a Facebook page for her daughter called “For the Love of Catherine.” If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Catherine graduated high school at the top of her class in 2011 and, only six years later in 2017, her life was taken by an accidental overdose. She was a beautiful, intelligent, absolutely brilliant, complex human, according to her mother, Rose. Rose said she wants to share Catherine’s story and spread awareness on what can be done to prevent death in case of overdose so her daughter’s death is not in vain. She will fight for “The Good Samaritan Law”, already passed in many states, to be passed in her home state of Texas to protect individuals from prosecution at the time they call 911 or help someone who is overdosing. She has forgiven the person who dumped Catherine’s body in a remote alley without knowing for sure if she was dead or alive. But Rose says forgiving is not forgetting; it is remembering without anger. Rose has also started a Facebook page for her daughter called “For the Love of Catherine.” If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Catherine

Brenda’s son, Garrett, died in a hotel room almost a year ago at the age of 37. His passions included cars and football. In fact, he was born on a Super Bowl Sunday. His favorite team was the Philadelphia Eagles in which Brenda still cheers on and looks forward to watching. He attended college where he studied political science and computers. Besides his mom, he leaves behind a brother and sister, and a son who recently turned 10 and lives with his mom. Brenda works with different groups to raise awareness about addiction and the stigma that surrounds it. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com.

Brenda’s son, Garrett, died in a hotel room almost a year ago at the age of 37. His passions included cars and football. In fact, he was born on a Super Bowl Sunday. His favorite team was the Philadelphia Eagles in which Brenda still cheers on and looks forward to watching. He attended college where he studied political science and computers. Besides his mom, he leaves behind a brother and sister, and a son who recently turned 10 and lives with his mom. Brenda works with different groups to raise awareness about addiction and the stigma that surrounds it. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com.

Garrett

Ellen’s daughter, Saige, 23, overdosed and died in an airport bathroom in 2018 waiting for an airplane to take her to a California rehab with her ticket still clutched in her hand. Addiction took over after Saige was prescribed oxycodone by her dentist after having her four wisdom teeth extracted. Ellen is working with her legislator to pass a bill for dentists to ask patients about family history of addiction and alternative pain medications before prescribing an opioid. Saige’s story will also be featured in a CBS special airing in August 2019. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Ellen’s daughter, Saige, 23, overdosed and died in an airport bathroom in 2018 waiting for an airplane to take her to a California rehab with her ticket still clutched in her hand. Addiction took over after Saige was prescribed oxycodone by her dentist after having her four wisdom teeth extracted. Ellen is working with her legislator to pass a bill for dentists to ask patients about family history of addiction and alternative pain medications before prescribing an opioid. Saige’s story will also be featured in a CBS special airing in August 2019. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Saige

Jackie was expecting to celebrate her son Jackson’s 20th birthday on January 11th but instead she was called to the hospital where Jackson passed away from an accidental overdose. Jackson was an amazing kid and a gifted athlete at 6’4” and 220 lbs. He wrestled and played football throughout high school. He also loved video games, cooking, crafting, fishing and hunting. Jackie cherishes her relationship with her son and would always tell him, “I will love you forever.” Jackie says to others on this journey to “just breathe” and know there are others who are a phone call away. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Jackie was expecting to celebrate her son Jackson’s 20th birthday on January 11th but instead she was called to the hospital where Jackson passed away from an accidental overdose. Jackson was an amazing kid and a gifted athlete at 6’4” and 220 lbs. He wrestled and played football throughout high school. He also loved video games, cooking, crafting, fishing and hunting. Jackie cherishes her relationship with her son and would always tell him, “I will love you forever.” Jackie says to others on this journey to “just breathe” and know there are others who are a phone call away. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Jackson S

Alice’s husband Jeffrey passed away in September 2017 from an accidental overdose when he was in his late 50s. They were married for over 10 years when this unexpected tragedy occurred, and has caused angry feelings between her and her husband’s family. Jeffrey loved horses, traveled all over the world, and spent over 20 years in the computer industry. Alice is trying to move on and learn to live in a world without her husband by just taking it day-by-day. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/ Music provided by La Atlántida

Alice’s husband Jeffrey passed away in September 2017 from an accidental overdose when he was in his late 50s. They were married for over 10 years when this unexpected tragedy occurred, and has caused angry feelings between her and her husband’s family. Jeffrey loved horses, traveled all over the world, and spent over 20 years in the computer industry. Alice is trying to move on and learn to live in a world without her husband by just taking it day-by-day. If you would like to tell your story about an overdose death, please contact Susan Claire at <a href="mailto:grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com">grievingoverdosedeath@gmail.com</a> <a href="http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://grievingoverdosedeath.libsyn.com/</a> Music provided by La Atlántida

Jeffrey W

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