Submitted by: Auntie Karen
Born: 1995
Died: 2013
My Tribute: My niece Cassie died from an overdose of heroin, far away from home, at the apartment of a misguided relative. We will never know the truth of how this happened or the violence she suffered before her passing. Praying for peace for my sister, Cassie’s mother, as well as for all of you.
Submitted by: Sue Podein
Born: 1987
Died: 2013
My Tribute: My son Ben passed away this past labor day weekend at our home alone from an over dose of heroin. Ben was great father to his 2 year old son and was trying to over come his addition and went through rehab twice (before he even knew he had a child). He also had a job that he liked very much, his co-workers said they were all very close and like family to each other. Unfortunately, he just got pulled back to as he called it the green eyed monster. We miss him everyday, we cry a lot and are trying to make sense out of a senseless situation. Ben wrote a lot about this drug and the control it had over him. The devil took him out but God took him home.
Submitted by: Louise
Born: 1989
Died: 2013
My Tribute: My beloved son, Zachary died on July 19, 2013 from a methadone overdose. He was trying to get his life in order and had experienced 60 days of recovery prior to his passing. He was a wonderful child with a great sense of humor and a kind word for everyone. A gifted athlete, with a passion for hockey, he hurt his ankle in a high school game and a friend gave him a Percocet to ease the pain. He was immediately hooked. He graduated from Percocet to Oxy to Heroin. He tried many times to fight his addiction but more often than not would succumb to the monster within. Although I know that addiction is a terminal disease, I truly thought he would overcome it….he was such fierce and competitive warrior. I can still hear his voice though it’s only a whisper now. This pain in my heart and soul will never go away. I miss him each and every day. I will continue to fight for those who can’t and hope that I live to see the day when addiction is treated as a disease and not a moral failure. Rest in peace, my sweet prince.
Submitted by: Kathy Parker
Born: 1991
Died: 2013
My Tribute: Adam Chamberlin Parker
June 4, 1991 – July 1, 2013
Adam was an inspiration to many, his mom included. He was very loving, and had a soft spot in his heart for helping the elderly and enjoyed being in the moment spending time with children. He had this BIG grin of a smile that just lit up the room when he walked in, a great sense of humor and always made others laugh, and just feel better once they were with him. He had this very agile, strategic ability that came natural to him, both in athletic sports and in mental challenges like chess or poker. He will always be remembered for his empathy for the underdog, always took care for the ones left behind. Adam will be greatly missed by his family and large circle of close friends, and so many lives that he touched with his inspiration…yet will never be forgotten.
A sweet friend of mine told me that she sees Adam playing a much bigger part in the scheme of things here in this physical plane, than anything he could have done if he would have lived. I have always been very spiritual, but since Adam’s passing I see things spiritually in such a different perspective and strongly feel the ‘push’ or need to explore much deeper into the after-life. I also feel that through my exploration, I will find a much deeper, richer relationship with my son than ever before, or would have experienced if he was still here with me. For this realization, I feel blessed.
“Adam, my Love, your beautiful smile and warm hugs will forever be felt by me. Your immense kindness and compassion for others truly inspires me. We had a very special closeness and bond between us, that I will never forget. Your energy and spirit will always be present, and fond memories of you will forever be spoken. I will always feel your heart close to mine….I love you so so much, Honey!” ~mom
Submitted by: Sherri Bristow Boster
Born: 1986
Died: 2013
My Tribute: Denny fought his addiction hard which started with oxytocin and ended with heroin. Denny was greatly loved and is missed by many. Gone to young.
Submitted by: GC
Born: 1978
Died: 2011
My Tribute: David “DJ” Griffiths
Born: November 28, 1978
Died: February 17, 2011
Dj was my friend and father of our 7 year old son. He had a kind heart, and loved his family very much. He got hurt at work and was given Oxycontin. He became addicted, got clean, and relapsed 6 months later, never to wake the next morning. He is missed greatly everyday and words cannot express the loss we have suffered because of addiction.
Submitted by: GC
Born: 1984
Died: 2012
My Tribute: Wentzel Van Der Berg
February 23, 1984 – February 25, 2012
Age 29
Hey you guys don’t feel guilty, It was just my time to go. I can see you’re all feeling sad, I can see the tears still flow. My life’s journey ended early, … The path I chose was short. You all tried your best to change it, But in the end it was for me to sort.I know I caused you sadness, I know caused you pain, But I was captured by these demons, They wouldn’t set me free again. They took away my freedom, They took away my choice, And when they got their hooks in, You could hear it in my voice. There were times I tried to fight them, There was a time I nearly won, But they came back and overpowered me, I had nowhere left to run. I haven’t really left you guys, I am closer than you know, I will be the whisper in the wind, I will be everywhere you go. one day you will all forgive me one day you will understand and when your time on earth is done I will be waiting to take your hand.
Author; Jacqueline Grieve
Submitted by: GC
Born: 1990
Died: 2012
My Tribute: Mark Jeremy Susong
6/5/90 – 2/10/12
By his own admission, our son Mark didn’t get hooked on drugs because of some trauma in his life; he met one wrong person, tried it, and was hooked. When he died, he’d been clean 18 months, had a job, car, new girlfriend, and was 5 weeks away from completing a program that would have put an end to his legal issues. Best explanation: An “overconfident overdose,” (addict is doing well/believes he can safely control his use). Mark was kind, sensitive and quick to say, “I love you.” We’re forever changed; there will always be a hole in our family. Mark Jeremy Susong
Submitted by: GC
Born: 1989
Died: 2012
My Tribute: Sarah Sonneborn
April 18, 1989 – January 30, 2012
Age 22
My daughter Sarah passed on January 30.2012 from Oxiintoxication. Sarah fought her addiction for 4 years. 5 rehabs later she is gone If there is one thing I learned from all those meetings is once an addict always an addict. A recovering addict is just that if they follow their program. Once piece of advise given to Sarah from all of her sponsors was do not go back to your old habits. Start a new life in a new location. If you go back you will fight the old habits that brought you here. I firmly believe that. Unfortunately she went back and did not make it another year.
Submitted by: GC
Born: 1987
Died: 2010
My Tribute: Michael Francis Pelone
January 23, 1987 – August 20, 2010
Age 23
Michael fought hard against the disease of addiction that started with Oxycontin and moved on to Heroin. It was a five year battle- he was doing well, had a job, living in a sober living house and was happy. He relapsed and overdosed. I had the joy of seeing him the day before he died and the last thing he said to me was, “I love you, Mom.” I’m really grateful for that! While I miss him every day, I’m glad that he doesn’t have to face the shame, guilt and horror of this disease every day. I love you, Michael…but you already knew that.
