Submitted by: Sherry Wellmer
Born: 1994
Died: 2013
My Tribute: To our dear, sweet Richard who left us at the tender age of 18. He touched so many hearts with his kindness.
Today marks two years since that tragic morning when I found your beautiful face at peace forever. We will always love and miss you.
Love, Mom
Submitted by: Melody
Born: 1991
Died: 2015
My Tribute: This is a poem I wrote for my son for his services. As I wrote, I felt as if he was telling me exactly what to write, with tears running down my face I obliged.
I tried to fight it, but it came too hard
I would knock it down, but not that far
I tried to leave it, but it had a hold
A hold so tight that my Heart couldn’t fight
Little by little I lost my soul
The look in my mom’s eyes could no longer hold
Each and every time it came with more power
Only to leave me feeling more like a coward
My heart would ache and my love began to fade
Another day wasted, and even further away
A new day would come and I would try again,
But it would always find me and make me bend
He would send his soldiers to help me work,
Always telling me what I’m worth
I wanted to believe them with all my heart
But it would come again and whisper, “you are not that smart, you cannot fight me, you cannot win”, so there I was holding 10 more sins
The pain was so hard, my love couldn’t shine, so he took me home…….for the final time
Do not show sadness for me, for I am where I needed to be
I’m now at a place that I can finally be free
It cannot hurt me and turn my mind, because I am home and finally allowed to shine
He loves me mom, you told me did
The joy we talked about it is finally back, I can be safe now and you can relax
Love my sons as you all loved me, for I am better now happier than I could ever be
Submitted by: Michelle Principe (mom)
Born: 1983
Died: 2014
My Tribute: Joshua Nadelhoffer was someone that when he walk into a room, the whole room seemed to glow, he always had a way to make you laugh, he was so whitty!
He leaves behind a four year old little girl Ava, and so many more that loves and misses him so much, we will never be the same!
He is my Sunshine!
Submitted by: Mom (Debbie)
Born: 1991
Died: 2015
My Tribute: Two months in treatment, far from home. He had some teeth pulled and was given T3’s for pain. Seven days later he died from heroin and fentynal. He was my baby. I’m so broken and lost.
Submitted by: Mom and Dad
Born: 1984
Died: 2014
My Tribute: In Tribute to our son chrystian “For Ever In Our Hearts” Missed by his only son, brothers and Mom and Dad. Love you son so very much.. I am lost without you, but I know you are without pain now and and “ANGEL” watching over us..
Submitted by: Elise P
Born: 1980
Died: 2015
My Tribute: Tom was my boyfriend of 8+ years. He was35 years old, just bought his first house, a teacher, hockey coach. From your eyes he was sitting on top of the world. But from my perspective I saw a different story. Tom suffered severe depression and had battled with this all his life. He often self medicated himself in attempt to ease the pain. On August 3rd, he made the decision. To push the envelope once again after having a successful run of many months sober. Tom didn’t overdose from heroin, but his fatality was without a doubt a “heron related death”. While in his home and under the influence Tm passed out. He was in the kitchen and he bashed his head on the marble counter top. The slowed state of his body due to this drug and the significant head injury caused that to be his moment in this life.
My life is forever changed and I will never be same again. Heaven gained one heck of an angel this time around.
Rest in peace Tom.
Submitted by: mom
Born: 1981
Died: 2015
My Tribute: Its been one month today…and I still cant belirve hes gone. Both my sons are gone now. I lost my first son to suicide 19 years ago. I never thought anything could be so terrible in my life. Then it happened all over again. I dont think I will ever be able to be a normal person again. They both were such wonderful boys. I miss them so much !
Submitted by: sarah fleek
Born: 1958
Died: 2015
My Tribute: My dad was my hero, may 4th this year we lost him to addiction i too am an addict however i was graced with recovery my dad will not get to see his sons get married nor will he get to see his grand children grow up he was such an amazing hard working man and because of herion, coke, and fentanyl i no longer get to hug my daddy or hear his voice ever again
Submitted by: Gretchen Addison, mother
Born: 1993
Died: 2014
My Tribute: What my Son Taught me About Heroin: Myth vs. Fact
Myth: Heroin is cheap.
Fact: Heroin is not cheap. It cost my son numerous X-Boxes, Play Stations, TVs, furniture, IMacs, expensive watches, I Phones, even his beloved Charger. It cost him his dignity, his self-esteem, his self-respect. It cost him a decent apartment and all of it’s furnishings, his German Shepherd, the love of his life, and their daughter. It cost him his life at age twenty one.
Myth: You can use it once in awhile and be fine.
Fact: There is no such thing as a recreational heroin user. It is not to be confused with pot or having a beer. Once Pandora’s box is opened, less than 1% of people are able to get it closed again.
Myth: My friend gets it for me.
Fact: Your heroin dealer is not your friend, he is a heroin dealer. If he were your friend, you would be alive to talk about it. If he were your friend, you wouldn’t have gotten started in the first place because friends don’t want their friends dead.
Myth: Heroin dealers look like thugs.
Fact: They can also look like a choir boy, be well-spoken, well mannered, very charming and come from a decent home just like you did.
Myth: Heroin is the ultimate high.
Fact: While the rush lasts minutes, withdrawal symptoms are always waiting for you. They include muscle and bone pain, diarrhea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, insomnia, restlessness, runny nose, cold flashes and goosebumps, sweating, involuntary kicking motions, racing pulse, high blood pressure, increased respiratory rate, and severe anxiety.
Myth: I can handle it.
Fact: Tyler Andrew Addison 9/25/1993 – 11/03/2014.
Submitted by: Jennifer Johnson
Born: 1986
Died: 2009
My Tribute: Colin, my beautiful son, struggled with heroin addiction for four years before overdosing in our home. He was two weeks out of Rehab. If I had had Narcan available, perhaps he might still be with us.
