Submitted by: Mom
Born: 1986
Died: 2015
My Tribute: I miss my son continously, it is so unfair all the broken hearts he has left behind. Rest in peace my son, the pain of your death is unbearable, though I know you are not sick, hungry or cold and have a soft bed to sleep in. And a full belly! Love and miss you more than I can express. I LOVE and MISS YOU, Patrick!! Be happy!!
Submitted by: Donna Donovan
Born: 1986
Died: 2015
My Tribute: John Watson took the next step on this journey Nov. 24th, 2015. . John relapsed that afternoon and died instantly. From what I was told, and what I actually saw, he did not suffer. John had 9 months clean. He was the happiest and most fulfilled I had seen him in years. He shared a beautiful love with Katelyn and her daughter Kinley, he had the support of his recovery community with Broken Chains Recovery House, he had regained a relationship with his sister, Faith Marie, and was building a relationship with his older sister, Victoria Raline.
John battled his addictions for over 15 years. And as many times as I had played this scenario out in my head a thousand times over the years, nothing could have prepared me for the reality. I lost my only son and best friend that day. I understand the mind of an addict…I have one. I understand the depths of depression…I’ve swam in them all of my life. I now understand the weight of the demons my son struggled with, for although he left those when he left this world…I carry them now. It is a weight and pain unlike any other.
I have replayed in my head all the years and mistakes and what ifs. I have no words of advice for anyone. I don’t know what could or could not have been done differently. What I DO know is that I love my son and he knew that…that was all I could do.
Submitted by: Marie Latimer
Born: 1991
Died: 2015
My Tribute: My beautiful son passed away on May 16, 2015 of a heroin overdose less than a month shy of his 24th Birthday. We are a typical middle income family from a Philadelphia Suburb who were blindsided by addiction when our son was 18 and had just graduated from high school. We have a very common story these days where our child self medicated his depression, anxiety and low self esteem with pain killers which eventually led to heroin. For almost six years we were on this horrible roller coaster ride of addiction with our son, in and out of rehab followed by sober living and relapses. The relapse periods became shorter and his periods of sobriety longer. Jay had been sober for nine and a half month’s, had a job, a new apartment with a sober roommate, working the 12 step program and hadn’t sounded happier or made such strides to be self supportive and he was finally maturing. Once again we were blindsided by the dreaded knock on the door by a local police officer late that night to inform us that our son was gone. That one more time he knew could end his life did.
Growing up Jay was a sweet, loving, off the charts smart, a teachers pet, charmed adults but socially could not relate to kids his age and had a very difficult time making friends. As a teen although a bit rebellious at home he was very outgoing found his way into different social circles his age and older. He picked up a guitar that was a gift to his dad one day and taught himself to play. Playing his guitar, later singing and writing were his passion and he became amazing at it.
Through music he helped many in rehab and recovery when addicts are at such a low place. He was funny, non-judgmental, would talk to anyone and lit up a room with his smile. He helped many to a path of recovery and even out of suicide attempts.
I am very proud of him for these acts and his courage to fight time after time but I miss him every second of everyday.
Submitted by: Laura Burchell (mom)
Born: 1996
Died: 2015
My Tribute: My daughter McKenzie was an intelligent, creative, artistic, funny, caring, beautiful girl. She loved music, art, and cats. She also suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder, and addiction to opiates. We fought so hard for her, often even when she didn’t want us to. We are heartbroken. I love you so much, McKenzie. I will never stop thinking of you or saying your name. McKenzie. Mickie. Kenzles. Princess. My porkchop. Always and forever, your “momther”
Submitted by: Taylor
Born: 1994
Died: 2014
My Tribute: My boyfriend Elliott was the love of my life and meant everything to me. He struggled with addiction before I met him, but I helped him turn his life around completely and he became sober for 13 months. He was the funniest and most down to earth guy you would ever meet. We knew we were the one for each other. We planned our whole future together. We had dates when we were going to get engaged, get married, and have children. He had everything going for him. He was an electrician and finished his first semester of his apprenticeship with a 100%. He was so so smart. He had a relapse that cost him his life at the age of 20. No body really understands what it is like to be an addict and the struggles that come with it. I now have the best memories with him to cherish for the rest of my life. How I wish more than anything he was here with me, I know he is in a better place and I cant wait to see him again.
Submitted by: Angel Glynn
Born: 1982
Died: 2015
My Tribute:
Submitted by: Rhonda Denney /mom
Born: 1991
Died: 2015
My Tribute: My Nicholas went into the Army shortly after he graduated high school. He served 5 years in Infantry and deployed twice. Once to Afghanistan and once to Iraq. He decided to leave the Army in 2014 and until recently I did not know he suffered from PTSD. He masked the pain with Opiets /Heroine. I put him on a plane to visit one of his Army buddies who was no longer enlisted. On October the 1, 2015 he boarded a plane to Ohio and he overdosed on October 25, 2015. We buried him on
November 6, 2015. I went through the motions, but my heart will not accept that he’s gone. He’s the youngest of 3 sons and my heart aches daily for him.
I am heartbroken!! I am lost!!
Submitted by: Frieda Blandy
Born: 1983
Died: 2015
My Tribute: Lost the love of my life 21 Nov 2015. Love you forever stephen. a was wonderful sweet giving intelligent person. Not some waste of air like so many addicts are made out to be. He was my air , my inspiration. Loved by so many. Stayed clean for 7 years but lost the battle with one last hit. A second and everything his gone, our whole future, but he will be with me forever.
Submitted by: Kevin Westbrook
Born: 1984
Died: 2015
My Tribute: I lost my only son October 6th. I had always hoped and prayed that he would never end up this way. I loved him more than he will now know. He had an incomparable sense of humour that I will miss. I will miss all of what could have been and will never be. I have lost several others very close to me but none like this. My heart goes out to my daughter in her time of excruciating grief and pain.
I will love you forever Brad.
Dad
Submitted by: Margaret Quon
Born: 1982
Died: 2008
My Tribute: Too fragile for this world you lost your battle with addiction and we lost you. Forever missed, such fun we had through the best of life and such sadness through the worst. You gave it your best, our loss is deep, the empty chair can never be filled.
