9748-9798 Main St, Damascus, Maryland, 20872
Their Name
Zachary Robert Goodwin
Their Nickname
Zack
Birthday
10/23/1993
Age at Time They Passed
21
Date Passed
12/17/2014
Your First & Last Name
Alexis Commarota
Relationship to Loved One
Parent (Biological, foster,step)
Tell us what they were like before they developed a substance use disorder*
Zack was funny and outgoing, he loved movies and quoting them, he loved music and he was deeply devoted to friends, He adored being a big brother, and skateboarding. he loved football and going to the beach and playing Xbox. he loved to wear his hair long and always wore a hat so his hair would curl around it. he wore shorts in the winter, he loved the sun more than snow. He was too serious as he grew up, very sensitive about how people were treated and how the world was. He didn’t enjoy school, he wanted to learn the subjects he cared about and not waste time with the things he didn’t think mattered so he researched and read a lot, he had street smarts and strength. people were drawn to him. He could argue his case which was good or bad depending on what side you were on. He was just a great kid who was growing into an amazing young man. But he was sad and he was depressed and he felt lost as a teenager. He didn’t know how he fit in life and he was hurting. He felt discarded by some.
Tell us about their struggles with substance use disorder
He was only using heroin for a few months when he reached out for help. He knew this was his drug, he once told me that he felt nothing but peace on it and that was nice for once. He would cycle through rehab for the next two years, always wanting to be clean, truly trying hard but he would relapse.
What made them smile?
Being with his friends, watching movies, family reunions, hanging out at the beach, skateboarding
What do you miss the most about them today?
everything. every minute of every day without him is somehow less special. i miss hearing (and reading over text) I love you mama bear. i miss his infectious laugh, his smile, his deep, gorgeous blue eyes starring back at me, i miss his strong hugs, i miss our long talks about the world. i miss his voice, i miss ever milestone in life that i have with his siblings.
If you had a chance to say one more thing to today what would it be?
I love you so much and my life has been so much less than without you in it. the world is so much less without you here.I miss you every second of everyday.