A Mom’s Heartbreaking Response…
I received this email response an hour after sending out The Power of Her Story.
I am honored that this mother took the time to tell me her “why”. Even more so, I deeply respect her introducing me to her late son through the beautiful memories she shared. I share this with the mother’s permission.
Dear Erin,
Thank you so much for this email. I loved the article and connected with the importance of storytelling. My son lost his battle with addiction four years ago.
He was such a great kid. He was my miracle baby following two miscarriages. With lots of coaxing and medical help, he came at just the right time. I remember those first 16 years with such fondness. He was larger than life. I volunteered at his school, and once, word got back to me that he had been in a tussle with another boy.He told me the boy said something disrespectful about me.He would leave me notes and hack my Facebook to tell me he loved me. If I needed a plus one for an event he would dress up and walk proudly into any room with me.
At 16, things started to change.He began to spend a lot of time alone in his room. A couple of times, I came home to him curled up in a corner fighting through a panic attack. One time, following an episode, he told me that his mind never stops; it is constantly in a state of anxiety, fear, and darkness.
He would have great days too. On some of those days, we would dance in the kitchen or go fishing at the lake down the street.
We tried things to help with the depression and anxiety, but he didn’t like how the medication made him feel.
He started to self-medicate, to get his brain to slow down and to sleep. After a while, by all appearances, he was just an addict, choosing his next high over everything else. He tried to get sober at in patient programs, but once back in every day life he would struggle. He moved a couple of times to get away from the temptation, but the cruel thing about addiction is it goes with you.
I moved to Florida a couple of years after he died. One day, a neighbor invited me to sit at her table for your luncheon. I went. I signed up for a tour, asked all the questions, and began giving and volunteering at Harvest House. I can see your diligence in making sure that your clients have the tools needed to heal. Addressing the addiction part and the root behind their addiction whether that’s mental illness, trauma or anything else. I see how you foster a community or a village so they can build back support, tools and healthy relationships. Community was one of the most important things that my son’s addiction stole.
I tell you all of this for two reasons. I want to share the story of a wonderful young man. He wasn’t just an addict; he was my son. He was a beautiful soul, so full of light and life. At each luncheon and through monthly emails, I have seen you humanize sons and daughters and help them find their way back.
Secondly, I wanted to share with you the reason why I care so deeply, donate, and invite others to the luncheon or tour. Participating, even in a small way, has helped me understand better my son’s journey and also aided me in my healing process.
I appreciate all you do, telling stories and working hard to create a place where wounded individuals can find community, tools, friends, and hope.
Sincerely,
I shared this with the mother’s permission.Stories are powerful tools for both the storyteller and the story-keeper. They create new perspectives on the people that Harvest House serves and its impact on the families and the community.
I was delighted to hear her “why,” I would like to listen to yours if you want to share. I will not email or share it. Seeing others’ viewpoint on the importance of what Harvest House, its volunteers, and donors give their time, energy, and resources to is essential in ensuring that Harvest House never loses the heartbeat of who we are.
Thank you for taking the time to read this mom’s story,
Erin E. Minor
Chief Executive Officer
