My Journey With Health And Fitness – A Sad Loss

We went to a Celebration of Life today (more on that below). The reception was held only about 4 blocks away from us. My husband and I had opted to drop my sister off there and leave our car at home and walk to the reception. Of course, that meant we all had to walk home. I am so impressed my sister managed to walk that 4 blocks unaided! She needs to get up to 8 blocks before our cruise which is 10 weeks from now but given how well she has done in her recovery I am confident she will get there.

Today we went to the Celebration of Life for our good friend’s step son. Our friend had been in his life for 31 years, since his step son was 3. We were there because we did know the step son and it was important that we supported our friend. It was the right thing to do and none of us had any qualms about doing so.

We heard today from numerous friends and family. What we learned was this young man was so giving to everyone whether that be his family, friends or the community. It didn’t matter to him about his own issues, he just needed to help everyone. We watched as family and friends cried remembering how much he impacted their lives. The services itself was lovely and my heart broke when 3 of his siblings and his Dad spoke. His Dad in particular struggled at the loss of his son and I just wanted to leap on the stage an hug him.

Loss is sad but this one to my is even more so. He had struggle for many years with mental health issues which lead to substance abuse issues. Sadly he died from an overdose. He leaves behind not just his parents, siblings, friends but also his young daughter. I had met him many times and was well aware of his struggles but never thought there would be such a tragic ending. Still today those issues were brushed aside to remember an amazing young man.

This once again brought home how our system is failing those that need us the most. Maybe it would have helped if there was support there available for him. Maybe if there was a safe place for him to go for consumption he would not have od’d. Maybe if we found a way to help treat addiction with dignity his daughter would still have her father.

When we heard this young man had passed my husband and I were devastated for our friend and his family. It was even more so today when we realized he died on our anniversary. I plan each year as my husband and I celebrate our anniversary that we will remember this young man.

I really want all levels of government to come up with a way to support both mental health and substance abuse. No young child should ever have to lose a parent because of this again. Please let’s find a way to make this stop.