greeteachday

Two years ago today, my beautiful daughter Kristen lost her battle against addiction. Kristen was loved by so many and had so much to give to the world, but her addiction made her forget just how precious she was. Once she picked up heroin, things spiraled quickly and at the age of 19 she accepted that she indeed was an addict and had a serious problem. She tried hard to beat it, but she struggled with the idea of truly surrendering…perhaps ready but not totally willing. Kristen forgot that one key to recovery…Just for today, don’t pick up. On July 14, 2006 , she reached for heroin instead of a friend in recovery. It was laced with fentanyl and she died.

One of the things that has brought me comfort over these 2 years is hearing from recovering addicts who were impacted both by Kristen’s life and her death. At her grave site there are quite a few NA key chains – from 1 day to 18 months, and I hope soon, multiple years. I don’t know who leaves them…it just means so much to me.

So as I was coming home from the cemetery yesterday, I thought, what better way to acknowledge the anniversary of losing my daughter than to celebrate life.

I would like to spread the word, in memory of Kristen and of all the beautiful souls taken too soon due to this dreadful plague, Just for Today, Don’t Pick Up. If we can save one life today, if we can start one person on the road to recovery, or keep one person from going back out, than these deaths will have not been in vain.

July 14 isn’t a Hallmark moment day…but it is so much more. A day to celebrate the start of a whole new way to live life completely.

Just for today, don’t pick up

Hugs

Rowan

Thanks for sharing Kristen with us, (((greet))) - Just for Today, I will not pick up.

Kellye C

I second what Rowan just said.

God bless,
Kellye

least

I am sitting here with tears in my eyes and feeling quite fragile. I will honor your daughter by not picking up that first drink just for today. I know Kristen would be glad of that.

:praying

Time2Surrender

Im sorry for your loss. Two years isnt a very long time. I still grieve over my Girl Friend Corinna and its been 8 yrs. She lost her battle with Alcoholism on 6-25-00. I even posted a video I made for her in "Grief and loss" a couple weeks ago. Of course today is nothing like it was the first couple years. Those were rough. I think its awesome you choose to Celebrate Life today.

Anna

I have been thinking of Kristen for the past few days, and I've also been thinking of you.

I trust that Kristen has found peace and I am so grateful to have you here, showing all of us a beautiful example of how to live one's life with grace and dignity.

tommyk

Amen...

Kenny Chesney, "Who You'd Be Today"

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
Wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile, I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
Still can't believe you're gone

It ain't fair you died too young
Like a story that had just begun
The death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that I've been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you'd be today

Would you see the world?
Would you chase your dreams?
Settle down with a family?
I wonder, what would you name your babies?
Some days the sky's so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
And I know it might sound crazy

Today, Today, Today
Today, Today, Today

Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
The only thing that gives me hope
Is I know I'll see you again someday

Someday, Someday....

parentrecovers

prayers of peace and comfort, from one parent to another. k

Tazman53

Kristen will be in my heart today, for her and her memory and that of thousands of others who have passed on so that others may live I will not drink today.

Kristen did not pass in vain, her passing has led to others living today, they honor her by living today for them selfs, their families, and thier freinds.

With a lump in my throat I feel Kristen's warm smile, she is at peace.

Aysha

Thank you for sharing with us.
The reality of this being one place addiciton leads has been sinking in more and more.

cmc

Greet,
I've been thinking of you too as this day came nearer. Nothing about Kristen's life or her passing will EVER be in vain. She has left her mark on the world- especially for those who also suffer with addiction.
Her life brings more life to those who want it badly enough.
With love & prayers,
cmc

BUTTERFLY-7

I'm so Sorry 4'r -U'r Lost I could feel, & relate
with U'r pain, & lost,

I also lost two siblings
do 2 this malicious Disease, my second youngest
Brother, & my cousin, God Bless U'r strenght











_____________________________

historyteach

(((Greet)))

You remain an inspiration to me; a model of what it is I want in my own recovery...
Thank you for that.

I'm sorry to say that it's too late for me today to not pick up. I started smoking again a few days ago. But, I *do* hear your message, loud and clear. And I will think of Kristen, and you, when I stop once more.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, and all who love Kristen, during this difficult anniversary. :praying

Shalom!

SoBearish

Thank you for sharing with us - I will NOT drink today

katie44

Thankyou for sharing, prayers to you and your family.

least

Another thing Kristen's story made me feel: I don't want my loved ones telling my story like that. I don't want to hurt myself or my family. I will be sober today for the sake of Hope. Hope for something better.

:ghug3 Thank you again for sharing her story. It means a lot to me.

colagirl

I am sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing your story. I will not drink today.