A Statement to the Community–Eighty-Nine People Have Spoken
Eighty-nine people wrote the names of loved ones lost to addiction or accidental overdoses on ornaments and hung them on our foundation’s tree at Rotary Lights in La Crosse, Wisconsin. See the link to the TV news story here.
This is an impactful statement to the community. People hung the ornaments in a 30-day time period. Some cried; many took photos of the tree after they hung the ornament that honored their loved one’s life. It was a small, silent gesture that carried an emotional impact. Some said they felt some healing.
Everyone who’s lost someone to a drug overdose or the result of substance abuse carries the often-overwhelming sorrow with them every single day. There is no way to reverse what happened or take back time. The loved one who was lost is missed beyond measure.
We had to take the decorations down yesterday, January 1st. We didn’t want to; it felt almost like a desecration of something sacred. We will keep the ornaments, though, and use them in our presentations. They–along with the names and faces they represent–will be treasured and honored throughout the years to come. In a sense, they are the people they represent–beautiful lives that died needlessly and way too early. May they rest in peace and know that we will fight in their honor as long as we have breath.
For any of you who took the time to honor your loved one–thank you. Countless people who drove or walked through the park noticed. Your sorrow does not go unnoticed. We stand with you!
Selah.
