Grief Graffiti

For those of you who have children battling with mental health, depression & addiction: I’m sharing this message I got from someone who read one of my posts. Hope it helps someone out there as much as it did me:

“No one chooses to be a drug addict. Yes, they chose to do drugs. However, addiction is a disease that no one chooses. I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs from a momma who spent 17 years trying to save her son but sadly (for me, not him) he lost his battle with addiction. He will always and forever be my hero.

Stand tall for the battle your son fought and won. I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain is beyond intense.

Only those who know truly KNOW what it feels like to love someone suffering with substance use disorder and know the pain they and we carry and carried. I will NEVER EVER BE ASHAMED to say HOW my son died! He died a WARRIOR! Honor your child’s battle by sharing their story! Please don’t ever wince again when asked how he died. Don’t just say his name… share his life, his goodness and his weakness… IT ALL MATTERS!

It’s up to US to BREAK THAT STIGMA!! We NEED to do it for those still suffering!! For the Mommas and Daddies and brothers and sisters, husbands and wives and friends slowly watching their loved ones die. WE CAN show them how to LIVE AND LOVE! Because, WE HAVE WALKED THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH.

No one should have to feel this agonizing pain. And I know my son would want me to do whatever is in my power to fight for those still suffering. Even if it’s a simple comment on Facebook.

I have had amazing conversations with complete strangers in the grocery store (and other places) when I’ve shared my sons life. Who cares about those who judge? Not me! They can learn in their own time…and we can still honor our babies!

Our babies who chose drugs didn’t choose this life/death sentence. And as their moms neither did we! The pain I carry is deeper than any ocean. (I sometimes think it’s a mothers tears that created all the oceans on this earth! Ever tasted a tear? Salty!) However, the many lessons I learned from my son and my life experiences are deeper and more profound then any ocean!

My son taught me about being an eternal parent. He taught me about Godly love. Not the earthly kind that judges and reprimands. That is NOT LOVE. I stand true to my son. Even the son who was addicted to drugs. HE IS WORTHY OF ALL THE LOVE AND GOODNESS THIS WORLD AND THE WORLD BEYOND HAS TO OFFER! And so do ALL our babies who suffered, fought and died.

Peace and comfort to all of us who lost our children. I know it’s a pain we will live with until they are again in our loving arms. Remember we created warriors because WE ARE WARRIORS! Sending hugs and love. ”

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