Fentanyl is Stealing Our Kids
One, then another one, then two more, then another one . . . when will it end?!
I am not new to this epidemic we are experiencing; it is in my office almost every week. Another mother or father or sibling or friend, telling me yet another story of the one they lost. This week it is me.
I am overwhelmed with grief and cannot believe this is happening. How can Brodie be gone? I have known his mom for 45 years. We carried our boys together. Our kids grew up together. My son has lost his closest friend. This can’t be happening.
Why can’t we stop it?! Is anyone doing anything? Is there actually anything that can be done? So many questions, so senseless, and I feel so helpless.
When I spoke to the coroner last week, she told me that Brodie was the 12th fentanyl overdose on her caseload that week. That week. On her caseload. How many coroners and caseloads are there? She also said it spans all generations, not just the kids. The oldest person who died that week was in their 60s. It plays no favorites.
I do not have a lot of energy right now to do research and provide links, etc. However, to answer the question ‘what can we do?’, here are some thoughts:
(1) Watch this video. Five minutes long and very well done.
(2) Upcoming events that you can attend
(3) A larger BC initiative to be aware of
(4) An organization that may interest you
I guess there are things going on? I guess there are people who are trying to do something. However, when it hits so close to home, it seems like it isn’t enough.
I miss you so much, Brodie. Actually, I still can’t believe it is true. I don’t want it to be. I wrote this poem for you:
Oh, Brodie — —
I knew you before you were born.
I watched you enter this world,
The sad world from which you were torn.
I am holding on tight to the memories,
Of your smile and caring soul.
You were smart, helpful and funny,
And so, so much more.
It is the most difficult task,
To say goodbye before your time.
To not have more years to share,
Is nothing less than a crime.
I am so very sorry, Brodie,
That I failed to provide.
What you may have needed,
To eliminate this divide.
I do know this world can be cruel,
And often hard to rise above.
Your struggle has now ended,
And in its place, we all hold love.
