~Sara~

[Lily]

I met Sara in my 3rd year of college. It was in January of 1985. I can remember that day we met, I was on crutches because I had turned my ankle and sprained it. She offered to carry my books to my car. How sweet!! From that day on, we became the best of friends.

We used to cruise around in my orange VW bug to all the college parties. We would do meth together on the weekends, and return to school on Monday a bit hung over, and start all over again the following weekend.

Sara was one of the sweetest people I knew. She still lived at home and her parents were both professionals and really nice. Her mom was the head of the sociology dept and Dad was the head libarian of San Diego City Libaries.
They always had the yummiest food at their house and a pool!!

We pretty much became addicts together. We started using every day and our lives both were taking a tumble. But there were still fun times that we had. I can remember we always could find one another in town. We ran into each other all the time w/ our boyfriends and would laugh saying we had our attennas up once again! We could hone in on each other!!

I became pregnant in 1988. Sara was there and supportive when I decided to have the baby. I got clean and saw less and less of her for a while.

Then I had the baby and became a Christian, but slipped back into use. I went to her house one day and a mutual friend of ours was teaching her how to shoot up. I watched, but didn't follow suit.

I got clean and entered rehab. Sara didn't.....her life kept spinning out of control until she became a prostitute. I was always there for her when she called.

In 1992 she became pregnant and wanted to abort. I prayed for her and told her to keep it. I got my whole church to pray for her and even against her parents wishes she kept the baby. I had a baby shower for her. Her baby girl was so beautiful! I was there at the birth! I wasn't going anywhere!

Sara got clean for a while. I can remember giving her her 30 day key tag. I cried. Then she relapsed. Her mom and dad got custody of her daughter who was then 3 at the time. I was relieved.

Over the next several years Sara attempted to take her life. She tried jumping from over passes, cut her wrists, was arrested for prostitution, went to jail more times than I can count. I kept loving her when she called, praying w/ and for her, and picking her up when she needed me.

I cannot remember the last time I saw Sara. I remember going home to San Diego in 2005 and she wanted to meet my 3 year old. I just didn't feel comfortable going over to her house because I didn't want my son around the drugs.

I got the call from her mom, the dreaded call on July 27, 2005, Sara had died of an overdose. She was gone forever. I had spoken to her earlier in the week by phone. I can remember she called and I was busy and told her I would call her back. I am so grateful I did call her back, even though I hated to talk with her when she was high. That was the last time I ever spoke with her.

I miss you Sara. Wish I could see you just one more time. Give you a hug and take you to an NA meeting.

I love you forever!

Your friend Sheila

Sara Ann S. Sept. 17, 1967~ July 27, 2005

Her daughter is a healthy teenager who is still living w/ Sara's folks. She is a friend of mine on my myspace. Her grandparents love her so much. She looks so much like Sara.

[indigo]

I'm so very sorry for your loss and willbe sending my prayers to you and Sara's family. May she now find the peace she didn't find on earth.:praying

[historyteach]

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sara's parents and daughter... :praying
I hope this will give you some peace during this difficult time...
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...und-world.html (Prayers for Healing from Around the World)

Shalom!

[serenityqueen]

Sheila, I thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful tribute with us. I couldn't help but think of my sister Linda when I read it. If Heaven is what I imagine it to be, Sara and Linda have found the peace and happiness that they both sought while here on earth.

At times I feel as though I am living my life today not just for me, but for Linda as well. The day we buried her was the day she was to go into treatment. I couldn't help but notice that I began my new life just two days before Sara passed away . . . July 25, 2005.

When I begin each day with my morning program, I say a Prayer for the addict who picks up for the first time that day. In the evenings when I turn in, I always thank God for another day clean and sober. May those who never made it into Recovery remind us just how truly Blessed we are for our Sobriety.

Thank you again for reminding me.
Love ya,
Judy