My local drug task force–Project Live–is sponsoring a memorial to overdose victims tonight.
This is part of an article I wrote for the local paper about grieving family members and friends.
Stereotyping addiction serves no purpose except to make it easier to ignore.
Bob and Winnie Houk’s son, Joseph, fatally overdosed less than a year ago, just shy of his 25th birthday.
“He was filled with a contagious kindness and had an overwhelming smile. He also had an unusual sense of humor that is sorely missed. He had a great deal of pride in serving his country and was extremely proud of working on the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County,” wrote his mother who has joined Project Live as a member of the Prevention and Education Committee.
Dana and Jane King lost son Mitchell in February.
“Our son once dreamed of going to Harvard, having his own business, a family, a house and a pet dog. He hated his addiction and fought hard to overcome it for many years. At one point, he had nearly four years clean.”
Chris Hollister, 26, overdosed in May. On the day of his death, Chris had been preparing for a Memorial Day trip to Knoebels with his wife and three children.
“Losing Chris was the the most difficult thing I have gone through,” offered his father Frank. “Today, I realize how fortunate I was to have Chris as my son. Chris was happy, fun- loving, caring, warm, organized, generous and hardworking. He loved being a dad.”
The memorial events will begin with a gathering at 5:30 on or near the high school’s Memorial Field parking lot on Walt Rd. Local officials and Project Live members will be in attendance.
Project Live wants to help stave off more tragedy by educating the community and by aiding families and friends caught in the maze of active addiction.
“I would say never give up on your loved one. Hope for a better day,” advised Winnie Houk. “What works for one family may not work for you. Don’t be afraid to try a variety of things, just keep trying, and savor the little victories, the good day, the smile, the love.”
Jane King related the heartbreak of Mitchell’s struggles. “Six months before he died at age 28, he told me how tired he was of fighting. ‘I’m trying so hard, mom,’ he said, ‘I don’t know if I can make it. But I’m gonna try.’ He got right to work, went back to rehab, got back on his medications, and was the happiest we had seen him since elementary school.
“He was staying clean, enjoying life, taking his medications, attending therapy, and working full-time at a job he absolutely loved when he suddenly relapsed and died. The heroin he purchased was laced with fentanyl.”
Frank Hollister is also dealing with another active addiction. A family member had to be revived with Narcan less than two months after Chris’ death.
His advice: “Don’t get discouraged and/or lose hope; there will be so many obstacles that you will encounter. Control their money and don’t give out any allowances or money to go to the movies, dinner etc; they will shift the blame to you and tell you it’s your fault. Always be there for them. It’s a lonely place; depression, anger and behavior problems will surface, and they need your support.”
Winnie Houk sums up the task for all dealing with addiction. “What we have come to find is that our new reality is to adjust, accept, and endure.”
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