Never Alone

After my son died, I came across this art piece by Vlad Studio, and it resonated deeply with me.
It's a simple little picture, but it speaks volumes of how I felt then, and how I sometimes still feel.

Alone.
Barely Hanging on.
Left Behind.
Isolated.


You will most certainly feel all of those things and more when you lose a child.

You will also feel those things when you are struggling to save an addicted child.
Should I really even use the word "save?"
Yes, I suppose that is exactly what I mean to use.

In truth, you can't save anyone. Never anyone but yourself. But you will fight to the end to save your child anyway.
If you have a child struggling through addiction, you too are in the fight of your life, and though you may
feel isolated and alone... I swear, you are NOT alone.

And don't think you can do it alone either. Because you can't!!

I made so many mistakes. I thought I could do it alone, by myself.
I couldn't. And then I suffered the greatest suffering... by myself.

Please reach out to someone, some place, some person, some organization, to stand strong with you
and your child. They are there to help.
Sometimes, someone you know may surprise you with unwavering strength and support. So put shame,
guilt, doubt, and any other negative emotion that may be stopping you from reaching out for help right in the trash. That is where all of those emotions belong anyway.

Someone is waiting to fight with you, and for you and your child.
Reach out and grab those hands.......