A tribute to Tony

Just yesterday I commented that the snowy and cold Midwest storms we have been experiencing have damaged my enthusiasm for holiday celebrations. The one I spoke to did not agree. In fact, he said that it just didn't matter what storm blew in, the holidays were about family being together and his were all under the same roof.

That's why the season can be so wonderful. That's why the season can be filled with overwhelming grief of loved ones lost. The weather didn't have a damn thing to do with it.

How true that was? What more could be said?

And what about losing a child.....losing a child to an insidious addiction no less and trying to carry on during this time of year? There are no words, prayers or counsel to overcome that bereaved sorrow. The excruciating pain just never stops

My cousin, Cindy Marie Hejl, lost her son Anthony, ( Tony) to a heroin overdose two years ago and since she continues to cry especially now. Anthony died November 15, 2014 from an overdose of fentanyl-laced heroin...now an epidemic where people are dying every day from using heroin and fentanyl. This is a much more potent form of heroin where even a little bit can be a deadly dose. Tony was only 25 years old.

Tony constantly fought the overpowering drug and continued to seek help with his parents never-ending support. His beautiful kindness for others was always in the forefront of his recovery as he constantly gave away toiletries that people needed during his recovery. There were addicts that had given up everything they owned for the beloved drug.

However, Tony made sure they had what they needed and in memory of Tony, his parents started Anthony's Angel's Blessing Bags. Holiday drives have been sponsored by many organizations such as Assist Communities. Volunteers line up to fill the bags with personal items for men and women and deliver the bags to those in recovery.

Sometimes I hear in the background that we have a choice to pick up that cocktail, joint or pill but I have never heard anyone say that they want to grow up being a drug addict or an alcoholic. Addiction is not a choice....it sneaks up when we are not looking, not listening, totally unaware of the destruction it can cause. And when it is there and we can see it, many have nowhere to turn, no one to trust, no money or insurance to receive the appropriate help. Just the screaming of the addiction..... to steal and accomplish its mission to no positive end.

Drug overdose is the leading cause of a accidental death in the US with 55,403 overdoses in 2015 and 12,990 deaths related to heroin and substance abuse disorder. Unfortunately, statistics keep rising rapidly with over 20 million Americans diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder in 2015, almost four times greater than in 1999.

Cindy Marie is currently an administrator for The Addicts Parent United, TAP which provides support for families that suffer from Substance Use Disorder. TAP delivers thousands of Anthony's Angels Blessing Bags to those in recovery.

Yes, once again, it is the holidays. It is the season. Maybe, as we think about our family holiday gatherings and the presents we are beginning to place under our tree, maybe we can take it one gentle step further. Do we know someone who is struggling with addiction and we can help? Can we help to fill one more of Anthony's Blessings Bags for those who are trying desperately to build a new life?

Regardless of the weather, it is the season of giving.