Many of us have spent the week tripping over, reading, or sharing a variety of thoughts, blogs, articles, and perspectives regarding drug abuse and addiction. Featured among these content providers were the large group, and getting larger, of parents like me who have made it their commitment to get involved — to help, guide and support those impacted by this disease.
We are passionate about doing everything we can to educate and inform. We are involved to help eliminate the stigma of drug addiction so that society can focus on finding a cure, discovering a solution. We are dedicated to being an educational and informational resource that encourages and inspires children and adults to find alternatives to their physical and emotional pain that does not involve drug use.
“I yearn for the moment when those that suffer from, and have fallen victim to the horrific disease that is addiction will one day be given the memorial that their souls truly deserve.” ~ Kelsey’s Blog
As the wave of shock, reflection, and mass information that proliferated our world following the passing of Philip Seymour Hoffman slows, let us not forget for every superstar related tragedy there are thousands more we don’t know about, grieve, or reflect on. What about the ones suffering today and the addicts of tomorrow?
What’s next?
- For me, I am going to get really, really busy doing my part to love, inspire, encourage, and educate.
- For the rest of you who have not lived, experienced, or suffered addiction in your life, that is truly awesome. Please be open, receptive, tolerant, and loving towards those who have. You do not understand their pain or the loss. Give yourself the opportunity to learn more.
- For those who need help. Get it. Whether you are using or have a child who is — this is the time to reach out and get busy making positive and productive and meaningful changes to reclaim a life — yours!!
It’s been 7 yrs of craziness with my 21 yr old daughter. The worst so far is googling her name and finding her on an escort website- pictures, services and phone number.
I try to shake it all off and focus on my 6yr old but it is very difficult and no where to turn for help.
My heart goes out to you. These realities are the hardest. I have had several other parents share similar experiences. It has to be heartbreaking. You are definitely focusing your energies in the best direction possible — giving love to the daughter that is present and on what you have control of, your life. Know one knows where your elder daughter’s life will end up or how it will turn out. Right now, she is lost in her addiction. As much as it hurts, there is little you can do to alter that reality. Turn her life over to a higher authority, trust there is a plan for her life, and find strength in being you. There may be little peace and the pain may never leave; however, you must continue to live and celebrate your life, your gifts, and your love with those who need it and desire it. When it comes to my son’s situation, the only way I found peace was to remind myself that I am not in control of his life or the plan for his life. I turned it over to God because I knew he had a plan, even if I didn’t understand his plan. Turning it over to him means I don’t need to understand it, I simply need to trust one exists. And, I do. That is what keeps me moving on those difficult days and gives me hope every day.