Thursday, October 30, 2014

Turning Grief into Action

Last spring, I heard a young friend died from a heroin overdose. It shook me up and opened my eyes to the problem that was all around me -- I just didn't know about it. Dylan's death caused me to reach out and learn more. I became involved with the SEMO Anti-Heroin group, which works to educate people in our small town about the dangers of heroin, methamphetamine, and other drugs. The group was started by Darla Carey, a woman who lost her own two daughters to heroin.

One thing I do for the group is keep track of the names for the Southeast Missouri heroin memorial quilt. There are about 950 names on the quilt -- all people who died due to heroin or other opiate/opioids.

For Coffin Hop this year, I wrote Riding the Black Horse, a story about the horrors of heroin...and what it does to a young woman and her family. I hope you'll take the time to read it.

Although it was tragedy that brought me to the group, I am thankful. Hopefully my involvement will help some kids make the decision NOT to take that first step on the pathway to death.


It's Thankful Thursday? What are you thankful for? Join the blog hop.

3 comments:

  1. PepiSmartDog: excellent post! Thank you for bringing such an important subject to our blog hop. its tragic that your friend lost their life to heroin but very good that you are honouring them by trying to help others not to travel the same path.
    I hope many people read your story - I am going to read it and share it as much as possible.
    Thank you for joining our Thankful Thursday Weekly Blog Hop.
    Great to have you back on-board,
    (((HUGS))
    Hope to see you in the hop next week too. *waves paw* :=o)

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  2. Thanks, Pepi! It's great to be back in the blog hop. Hopefully this week too.

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  3. I'm swinging by again...keep joining the blog op and eventually comments will start coming in. Took forever to get comments and I host the blog hop. BOL!!
    So glad you can join us again and I look forward to your posts. (((HUGS))) xoxox

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