Heroin Support Blog

2015/12/06 - Rodney Depotter - Age 27 yrs - Dixon, Illinois

Submitted by: penny depotter - Parent

Name: rodney depotter
State:  Illinois, 61021
Date of Passing: 12/6/2015
Date of Birth: 1/20/88
Age: 27 

Tell Us About Them:

my son was the sweetest teddy bear funny and I miss him so much I love you my sweet boy xo

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

over the past year he would call me and say mom come get me I don't want to die he was so full of life and loved life and his son he was everything to him may son passed with his 5 year old nexts to him I know my son did not want to die my heart is forever broken

What Made Them Smile?

his son, family, being a goofball he loved to make you smile

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

his voice smell smile hugs kisses I would give my life to have that night back

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

you took my heart from the start and I will love you forever I just want to hold you and keep you warm I miss you so much I love you my son. and I'm always going to be proud of you and never will I stop missing you mom

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/09/10 - Adam Pierce - Age 37 yrs - Cortland, Ohio

Submitted by: JoEllen Pierce - Parent

Name: Adam Pierce
State:  Ohio, 44410
Date of Passing: 9/10/15
Date of Birth: 6/28/78
Age: 37 

Tell Us About Them:

Adam was a good hearted man, anyone who needed anything, he was there for them, he just couldn't help himself. He had the prettiest blue eyes. He was a dad to 2 great kids. His daughter is 16 and his son is 14. He worked full time ag General Motors, a job he was very proud of. He always made people laugh and he was loved by many.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Adam was diagnosed ADHD at a young age and bi-polar at 21 yrs. old. He tried to find normalcey anyone he could, which led him to the wrong things. He was clean for 5 weeks and was at a sober house where he passed 1 1/2 days after being placed there.

What Made Them Smile?

His kids made him smile, but this past year, even they couldn't make him happy anymore, he was lost in his addiction.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His life was chaotic and it was hard for the family but I miss the old sparkle in his eyes and his fun sense of humor that he lost along the way.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I will always love you Adam, and I tried my best to have you love your life and the good things in it. I know you finally found the peace you so often told me you were seeking.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/04/18 - Timothy Marx - Age 23 yrs - Magnolia, New Jersey

Submitted by: Sandy Marx - Parent

Name: Timothy Marx
State:  New Jersey, 08049
Date of Passing: 04182015
Date of Birth: 01141992
Age: 23 

Tell Us About Them:

thoughtful, loving

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

he just came home from treatment. Drug of choice Percocet Died from Heroin od

What Made Them Smile?

Madison and Sophia his girlfriends daughters

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile and sense of humor

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I want you here by my side

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2013/02/08 - Denny Bristow - Age 26 yrs - Ionia, Michigan

Submitted by: Sherri Boster - Parent

Name: Denny Bristow 
State:  Michigan, 48846
Date of Passing: 02/08/2013
Date of Birth: 8/2/86
Age: 26 

Tell Us About Them:

Who was Denny Bristow? Just an addict? Absolutely not, he was so much more. 

He was a mentor, protector, and best friend to his brother Randy (my second oldest).
To his younger siblings he was a hero, teacher and giggle maker.
He was that "one" crush to so many girls that they still remember it today.
He was a friend to many which meant a friend for life.
To his best friends he was family. To their mothers he was son. 
If in need he was counted on to be there to help.
To his first love he will forever own a piece of her heart.
To his aunts he was their care taker at times, helper and like a son.
To his cousins he was the cause of fun and laughter. Always having their back.
To his grandparents he was "scooter", their fence mender, yard keeper, repair man, BBQ cook, driver to the hospital, student of hunting and the R.I.P/deer tattoo on his arm to honor his grandpa.
To the schools and the boys in blue...... Well let's just say he never let them be bored. And yes going through a house, out a window, past a underground pool and over a 8 foot privacy fence in 30 seconds can be done. Especially if a cop car pulls in the driveway 
To Tony Stewart he was his biggest fan. And Denny is who brought nascar to our whole family. 
He was a country boy for life. He wore camo loud and proud. 
To his mom he was my first born and keeper to my heart. He was a son that had a great love for me. A bond that only we knew. The one that first taught me what real unconditional love was and what real pain is. Denny taught me patience and gave me strength I didn't know I had. Denny changed my life the day he was born and again the day he died. The time in between is what matters and was filled with so many memories that keep me going today. I choose to remember all the good ones with the real Denny. The bad and painful ones were opiates not my son. Denny was, is and always will be my baby boy. 
Denny had a great love for fishing and hunting. He loved his family and friends. He loved riding dirt bikes and quads especially with his brothers. He touched many in both life and death. He lost everything due to opiate addiction which lead to his final breathe from heroin. No words could ever describe the pain of his loss. The tears haven't stopped and the hurt will not ease. The memories are plentiful and held by many hearts. Denny is loved and missed dearly. 

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

It all started with having fun with friends. Partying and the introduction to OxyContin. Addiction quickly set in before I even knew what was going on. Many run ins with the law and jail. Many rehabs. Family support and family destruction. A life of roller coaster ups and downs. Heroin was found to be cheaper with the same effect or better. He went from loving family, himself and life to hating it all. Helpless

What Made Them Smile?

Hunting, fishing, riding. Most of all his family

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything but especially his hugs with I love you mom

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I'm sorry I couldn't save you

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/10/26 - Justin Okleshen - Age 31 yrs - Schererville, Indiana

Submitted by: Kara Stasak - Other Family

Name: Justin Okleshen
State:  Indiana, 46375
Date of Passing: 10/26/2015
Date of Birth: 10/01/1984
Age: 31 

Tell Us About Them:

He was a one of a kind.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Struggled with addiction for years.

What Made Them Smile?

His girls

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Him seeing his kids

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

Why?

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2013/02/14 - Tawni Pina - Age 21 yrs - Florence, Kentucky

Submitted by: Traci Wolfe - Parent

Name: Tawni Pina
State:  Kentucky, 41042
Date of Passing: 2/14/13
Date of Birth: 10/10/91
Age: 21 

Tell Us About Them:

Tawni was my only child. She was my everything. She was very shy. She desperately wanted everyone to like her. Tawni had alot of acquaintances but not alot of real friends. The true friends she did have, all considered her to be their best friend because that's how she treated each of them. She had a huge heart. She absolutely could not pass a homeless person without giving them money. She spent her summers in high school volunteering at a camp for disabled children. She would do anything for anyone. She was also very silly and loved to laugh and make people laugh. She loved music and loved to dance but only when no one was watching lol. She was not very good at it. I could probably go on forever about all the wonderful things about her because to me, she was perfect. I miss her!!

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Tawni's struggle in life was her mental illness. She was diagnosed severe Anorexia at age 10. At age 11 she developed a heart condition caused by her eating disorder. Around age 12 or 13 she also developed OCD. Around 15 the eating disorder got better but she replaced it with cutting. She was depressed, hearing voices, obsessing over everything made multiple suicide attempts. She was diagnosed with several mental illnesses and was in and out of mental hospitals. Drugs were never a problem. In the end of 2012 she got out of a 3 yr abusive relationship. I don't think I had ever seen her so happy. She was enjoying life. At least that's what I thought. Jan 29th 2013 I was looking for something in her purse. What I found was Heroin. I was in such shock. She didn't even smoke cigarettes. I knew nothing about Heroin. I had no idea kids were even doing this drug. I confronted her. She cried and apologized. She said she wanted help. We sat and spent days calling every rehab in the area. Every single one told us the same thing. 6-9 month waiting list. Tawni didn't have 6-9 months. On February 14 2013, just 2 wks after I found it in her purse, Tawni died from a Heroin overdose. I can only guess how long she was using. My best guess is 3-5 months. Apparently she met a boy who she really liked and he was a Heroin addict. It is believed that he introduced her to it. I am changed forever and I don't think my heart will never recover from this.

What Made Them Smile?

Helping people made her smile. She just got so much joy from helping people and feeling needed.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Her smile, her hugs, her laughter, her silliness...everything!

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I love you!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2013/07/13 - Anthony Todisco - Age 25 yrs - Dracut, Massachusetts

Submitted by: Joan Todisco - Parent

Name: Anthony Todisco
State:  Massachusetts, 01826
Date of Passing: 7 23 13
Date of Birth: 1 16 88
Age: 25 

Tell Us About Them:

Tony was a son brother father husband.he was a union roofer out of boston.lived in Dracut mass till married and lived in Salem nh.he was a member of national guard till he became roofer

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He struggled all thru highscool.he quit drinking put went to perks then heroin.he went into rehab in Florida but left as he missed his wife and sons

What Made Them Smile?

His family and friends.his two boys and his love of his life his high school wife.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His personality his smile and his big blue eyes

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

To say I love you and sorry I wasn't there to save him like I have his little brothers.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2013/04/30 - Ashlie Terry - Age 21 yrs - Clinton, Utah

Submitted by: Jill Jensen - Parent

Name: Ashlie Terry
State:  Utah, 84015
Date of Passing: 04/30/2013
Date of Birth: 03/06/1992
Age: 21 

Tell Us About Them:

Ashlie believed in Peace and Love. She was the youngest of 3 children. She loved everyone and loved all animals. She was the most giving person I have ever met.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Ashlie suffered from addiction she had an addictive personality. If is wasn't drinking cough syrup she would be doing another drug to escape from what I'm not sure of..

What Made Them Smile?

Baby animals, Giving, making other people happy!

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Just everything about her! Her hugs! She always said I love you!

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I love you Ashlie! I miss you more than words can express! My heart aches for you but I know you are at peace!

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2014/03/09 - Kyle Furney - Age 30 yrs - Banner Elk, Georgia

Submitted by: Carolyn Furney - Parent

Name: Kyle Furney
State:  Georgia, 28604
Date of Passing: March 9, 2014
Date of Birth: May 17,1983
Age: 30 

Tell Us About Them:

Never met a stranger, he always wore a smile. Loved cooking. When he loved someone he did with his whole heart.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Went to several places to get clean. Never worked

What Made Them Smile?

His daughter, always smiling

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His hugs, i love you mama, his smile

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I love you unconditionally

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2015/09/07 - Samuel Chappell - Age 21 yrs - Springfield, Missouri

Submitted by: Nancy Chappell - Parent

Name: Samuel Chappell
State:  Missouri, 65810
Date of Passing: 09/07/2015
Date of Birth: 03/11/94
Age: 21 

Tell Us About Them:

Beautiful soul. Beautiful boy. Musical. Loved books, nature and animals.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Marijuana to ecstasy to pills to heroin

What Made Them Smile?

friends

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss his soft-spoken voice, his eyes, his nose, his sense of humor, his smile and the little crinkle near his eye when he grinned.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

You're beautiful and loved and so missed.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

2013/07/23 - Tony Todisco - Age 25 yrs - Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Submitted by: Joni Todisco - Parent

Name: Tony Todisco
State:  Massachusetts, 01863
Date of Passing: 7 23 13
Date of Birth: 1 16 88
Age: 25 

Tell Us About Them:

Tony was a union roofer married with two young boys.he was a son and oldest brother.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Tony had many addictions over the yrs.he drank smoked pot and went to cocaine.he started per 30 and then went to heroin.

What Made Them Smile?

His boys. His wife and family and friends

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His smile and big blue eyes

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I'd tell him I love him and miss him.id say goodbye as I didn't get to other than after autopsy.id tell him I'm sorry and if I was there I'd have saved him.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

07/25/2015 - Noah Sams - Age 18 yrs - Rock Creek, Ohio

Submitted by: Kari Rhodes - Parent

Name: Noah Sams
State:  Ohio, 44084
Date of Passing: 07/25/2015
Date of Birth: 08/31/1996
Age: 18 

Tell Us About Them:

Noah was the most loving caring person I've ever known. Noah would take the shirt off his back to help anyone. Noah was not judgemental but noah was always so sensitive and felt judged. Noah was popular with the girls and friends but never felt good enough for some reason. Noah treated all females with the upmost respect. He would open doors for them, he would stick up for anyone being picked on. Noah was active in basketball, baseball, football, wrestling and loved the water and beaches. Noah started college at Kent state University fresh out of high school. He wanted to be a detective and help others. We really started to lose noah when his 20 yr old sister deandra passed away here at home of an overdose. He was lost without her.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Noah took pain pills for back injuries, and tonsil surgery prior to his heroin use. Noah overdosed on his deceased sisters first birthday after she deceased. This was his first time using. He was saved with the use of narcam. Noah said he just wanted to understand his sisters death. We sent him straight from ICU to glenbeigh treatment center but noah had lost his will to live. Noah asked jests into his heart a month before he died. Noah was found in low income housing on a bathroom floor. The kids noah was with left him on a bathroom floor for 30 minutes before calling 911. It was too late he was lifeflighted to Cleveland and on life support for 2 weeks with no brain activity. Noah went into cardiac arrest 3 times. I made the decision to let him go and he donated 8 vital organs and saved 5 people's lives. He was a hero.

What Made Them Smile?

Noah loved sports, the beach and the water.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss everything about noah. I miss his smile, his hugs (my hugged bear) I miss his patients, tender heart, caring voice. Noah was a laid back simple man.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

Son I love you and miss you so much. I feel empty. I feel I will NEVER be whole again. I feel cheated. I will never get to see you have children or marry. I understand you not wanting to suffer anymore and I'm glad your not suffering but I thought we would make it out of this alive. I now feel dead inside but will continue on for your little sisters. I do feel you near me when I need you most so thank you and I can not wait for the day we all reunite again. I am proud of the young man you were regardless of the outcome. I will love you forever and a day my son.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

12/16/2015 - Clark Roderick - Age 31 yrs - Riverside, California

Submitted by: Liz Roderick - Sibling

Name: Clark Roderick
State:  California, 92501
Date of Passing: 12/16/2015
Date of Birth: 9/11/1984
Age: 31 

Tell Us About Them:

Clark was just so smart. He was about to graduate from UC Riverside with almost straight A's. He wanted to turn his life around. He could make anyone laugh. He loved people. He was a kind soul who only wanted to help others.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He was a heavy drinker as a teenager and young adult. He hurt his back and was giving OCs. He became addicted to pain medication and it turned into a heroin addiction. He was in and out of rehab for 3 years and went long stretches where we thought he was better. He was coming off Suboxin before the holidays and I think he went off completely and decided to just get high one more time before his trip back. He died a few hours before his flight.

What Made Them Smile?

Clark loved his family. He wanted people to be proud of him. He loved the Pittsburgh Steelers. He loved movies and tv shows that made him laugh. He loved food.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

It's only been a week but I already miss his laugh and his sense of humor. He was a gentle giant. He was always there to text or call when I was having a bad day. God I'm going to miss him.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I am so proud to be your sister. You are one of the best men I've ever met. I love you to the moon and back.  Luckily I said this often.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

01/25/2014 - Deandra Sams - Age 20 yrs - Rock Creek, Ohio

Submitted by: Kari Rhodes - Parent

Name: Deandra Sams
State:  Ohio, 44084
Date of Passing: 01/25/2014
Date of Birth: 10/05/1993
Age: 20 

Tell Us About Them:

Deandra always had a passion for art, music and children. Deandra spend a lot of time with her little sisters and her friends babies. Deandra would take her friends babies for a day just to give her friends and break. Deandra was extremely intelligent and started college at Kent state University while still being in the 11th grade high school. She was complicating but very loving. She never ended a conversation or even argument without saying "be safe and I love you." No matter how mad she was at anyone.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Deandra began to show signs of drug use at 17 yrs old right before high school graduation. She had been on pain pills for back pain and a broken wrist prior to this. Deandra attacked me in my sleep while still in her work uniform and I knew she was sick from there. I called the police in hopes they would take her to the hospital and test her. They did not test her but put her on probation and ordered her to 30 days of treatment. I sent her to Florida for treatment and hoped she would start fresh down there. She finished her 30 days and decided not to go on with their aftercare. She came home and completed 6 mths of Intensive Outpatient Program. The night she died in was out with my husband celebrating my birthday because she encouraged me to celebrate. Her 4 yr old little sister found her slumped against the wall in her bed with brown stuff running down her arm (deceased). She ran and got her 11 yr old sister and they went to the neighbors house. The coroner took her before I could make it home. That was the last I saw my baby girl. Her brother was 17 and now the struggle would begin with him as well.

What Made Them Smile?

Children, music, and friends. She was always pranking people and making jokes.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss the way she spent quality time with her little sisters and brother. I miss her smile and voice. I miss even the arguments. I miss everything.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I'm sorry I couldn't save you. I was supposed to protect you and I feel like I failed. I worked too much, went to school to much and somhow I missed something. You didn't even drink alcohol and we're deathly afraid of needles. I would have never imagined you getting involved in heroin. I love you so much forever and always. I'm happy you are no longer suffering.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

04/18/2013 - Amber Olson - Age 24 yrs - Minooka, Illinois

Submitted by: April Olson - Parent

Name: Amber Olson
State:  Please choose a state., 60447
Date of Passing: 04/18/2013
Date of Birth: February 3,1989
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Most caring person you'll ever meet, always knew how to cheer you up or make you happy

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Like any on there addiction she wanted to stop but it stopped her before she could stop it

What Made Them Smile?

Being around the people she loved most and feeling accepted by everyone and make people happy

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

I miss her big smile and her hugs and just the comfort of her being there that was my best friend and my sister we did eveything together

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

That's I love her and I forgive her for going to heaven and leaving me and I can't wait to see her soon

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

12/21/2015 - Sean Yates - Age 20 yrs - Linden, Michigan

Submitted by: Lisa Yates - Parent

Name: sean Yates
State:  Michigan, 48451
Date of Passing: 12/21/2015
Date of Birth: Dec 26 1992
Age: 20 

Tell Us About Them:

He was popular, athletic, loved people a wonderful son♥

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

He did what most kids do party & experiment things he shouldn't have. He didn't think he had a problem until the day before he died he realized he could be addicted

What Made Them Smile?

Friends and sports and unfortunately the ultimate high that leads to death.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

The son he use to be before drugs ruled although toward the end of his life he was treating us better he was working & feeling better about himself although he still had a drug problem..and I believe if he was here today..he was getting tired of the drug life & realizing he had a problem I'm thinking he may have been ready for help.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I love n miss you so much..I know you are with God and I will see you again Hugs n kisses love Mom n dad n Wayne and Tiffany

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

3-26-2011 - Jesse Kincaid - Age 19 yrs - Brownsburg, Indiana

Submitted by: Shelley Kincaid - Parent

Name: Jesse Kincaid 
State:  Indiana, 46112
Date of Passing: 3-26-2011
Date of Birth: 1-10-1992
Age: 19 

Tell Us About Them:

He was funny.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

It was ongoing.

What Made Them Smile?

His nephew.

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

His gift of gab.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I love and miss you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.

12/10/2015 - Joshua Janne Sandkuhler - Age 34 yrs - Baltimore, Maryland

Submitted by: Stephen and Linnea Sandkuhler - Parent

Name: Joshua Janne Sandkuhler
State:  Maryland, 21213
Date of Passing: 12/10/2015
Date of Birth: May 12, 1981
Age: 34 

Tell Us About Them:

Dear Family, Friends, Neighbors, Acquaintances, Co-Workers, Music Associates, and Our Heroes in “The Program,”

In the early morning of December 10, 2015, our son, Joshua, died from a heroin overdose. We believe his addiction started about 12 years ago but it’s hard to say for certain because this disease of the Devil entered our home as slowly and quietly as a snowflake hits the ground. Over time, we came to realize there was a lot of snow on the ground.

You may be wondering: Why in the world would anyone want to share such a dark family secret…expose the “Scarlet Letter?” There are several reasons.

Joshua’s life cannot and will not be defined by his addiction. Josh had this evil disease but his disease is not who he was. So, who was Josh? In his “professional” life, Josh was:

A brave firefighter and BLS technician with the BCFD
A skilled bridge inspection technician
A prolific and profound guitarist-singer-songwriter
An extremely talented engineer and producer of music for live performances and studio
A creative writer of stories
An aspiring photographer, woodworker, jewelry maker

All these things greatly impacted many people. All are now discontinued. This is WHAT addiction stole from the world.

But these things were his occupations, hobbies. Although they offer a glimpse of who Josh was, we don’t believe Josh, any addicted person, or any person, really, should be defined by their occupation. So, again, who was Josh?

A strong believer in, defender of, and evangelist for his Catholic Faith (Yes, you can have ugly faults and still remain true to your Faith.)
A loving, caring son, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin (He always ended his phone conversations with “Tell everybody I love them very much and give ‘em a big hug for me.”)
A loyal friend to many
An empathic listener to anyone
A believer that “Right” was right and “Left” was wrong (I had to steal this line.)
A gifted storyteller and always an entertainer

Those of you who knew our son could testify to this being Josh. (Many already have on social media.) All these things greatly impacted many people in a positive way. But they are all now discontinued. THIS is WHO addiction stole from the world.

People who suffer – and their suffering is unimaginable - from this evil disease are not bad people. When not recovering, they are dreadful but it’s not who they really are. They are like our Josh. They are somebody’s mother/father, son/daughter, brother/sister, uncle/aunt, niece/nephew, cousin. Those with substance addiction have a devastating disease that requires intensive medical care, tough love, and an unearthly measure of patience and understanding. It’s very hard to look into those glazed eyes and recognize there’s a breathing human being inside. We know. We have looked into the eyes of our son but couldn’t see our beautiful Joshua. But, yes, sadly, it was. And as long as any one of these suffering people is still breathing God’s air, there is Hope, Hope for recovery that the person can again be who they are, not what they do. Hope is, many times, all they have left to lose. Hope is the last line of defense.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

it was a long battle

What Made Them Smile?

family and friends

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

his sense of humorI

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

love you

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

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07/05/2015 - Amy Riggins - Age 28 yrs - Laurel, Delaware

Submitted by: Lisa Riggins - Parent

Name: Amy Riggins 
State:  Delaware, 19956
Date of Passing: 07/05/2015
Date of Birth: 9/16/1986
Age: 28 

Tell Us About Them:

Amy was a charismatic free spirited beautiful soul with a heart of gold and contagious smile. She always knew what to say or do to make you laugh or smile. Amy’s favorite character growing up was I Love Lucy maybe that’s where she developed her great sense of humor from. Amy and her sister grew up playing travel softball for many years. Her positions were 1st, pitcher, and clean-up batter. Whatever Amy did throughout her life she always gave it her all. Amy had a warm personality that always made you feel welcomed and loved. Amy had a younger sister that she always called a pain in the butt growing up but as she grew into an adult she realized that pain was so much more. It was a love only sisters can understand. Amy’s son was the light of her life. When she had her son she said mom I never knew you could love someone so much.

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Amy' life of addiction started at the age of 17 to 18. It all started with a boyfriend who introduced her to cocaine. From that point things spiraled out of control, which lead her to incarceration off and on for several years. She struggled but had many long periods of being clean. She was so proud of herself during these times she said nothing felt better than her sobriety. She injured her knee and that lead to pain pills this was a start of a whole new addiction for her the pills took a strong hold of her. She hated it so much she would say mom I am going to beat this I can do it, I could see it in her eyes how much she wanted it. She did have extended periods of sobriety in and out rehab many times. It wasn't until this year we found out she was using heroin. This demon grabbed hold of her so tightly and she couldn't let it go. We tried everything to help but it took her to a dark side that we did not know. She went to rehab on several occasions and was even incarcerated the last year of her life. My heart ached each and every day and whenever my phone would ring and I didn't realize the number my heart would sink especially when I hadn’t heard from her in a while. The day she overdosed I got that call and it was the most heartbreaking day of my life. It didn’t seem real and still doesn’t. I keep waiting to see her name come across my phone with a text saying I am alright mom don’t worry. I know she is no longer suffering and is at peace. So many people couldn't believe the news because they said when I saw her the other day she told them she was doing well and things were finally going her way. I have to believe in her heart she really did feel that way.

What Made Them Smile?

Family, friends, her sobriety, and softball made her smile. It didn’t take much to make Amy smile it came naturally. Her son was her pride and joy whom she loved with all her heart. She always said to me I love you mom and your strength amazes me. If she only knew how her strength amazed me. She said I hope to be half the mom to my son that were to me

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

We miss everything her smile, her laughter and joy she brought to everything, and her voice. Just to hear it one more time. So many beautiful memories we will hold and treasure forever.

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

Please don’t go. I love and miss you so much. I promise your son will never forget you. My heart breaks each every day and I am sorry I couldn't save you.

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

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8-21-2015 - Alexandrea McPhederain - Age 24 yrs - Buford, Georgia

Submitted by: Sabrina McPhederain - Parent

Name: Alexandrea McPhederain
State:  Georgia, 30519
Date of Passing: 8-21-2015
Date of Birth: 2-23-1991
Age: 24 

Tell Us About Them:

Alexandrea was beautiful and had a huge heart!

Tell Us About Their Struggles With Addiction:

Alex dabbled here and there , A boy she started dating shot her up and she died within a month in her sleep.

What Made Them Smile?

Her beautiful daughter !

What Do You Miss the Most About Them?

Her smile and laughter !

If You Had a Chance to Say One More Thing to Your Angel What Would It Be?

I love you, I will never let your daughter forget you !

#AskMeAboutMyAngel #HeroinMemorial #GoneToSoon

www.HeroinMemorial.org   www.HeroinSupport.org 

Click here to submit your own memorial tribute.