This is what I wish I had said to Charles.
I was so stunned when I found out he was addicted to heroin. And while I know I felt that way, I didn’t express it just like that. I needed to. Our loved ones who suffer addiction need to hear it.
What kept Charles from ending his life before were thoughts of his family.
He pinned up pictures of us wherever he went including that awful trap house place where he was staying in the end to remind him that he had a family who cared. They were reminders during those difficult and irrational moments when the suicidal thoughts would hijack his brain and take it hostage.
I want those of you whose kids are still alive, still suffering, to know what I didn’t know until after.
Charles needed to know I loved him unconditionally no matter what. And he needed to hear it out loud and often. Not just, “I love you,” but that whole “even if you never do” part, too.
“If you relapse, I love you. If you tell me you hate me, I love you.”
“And Charles, even though you are dead, I love you.”
God’s BLESSINGS on Y’ALL.If I’m not there God is.24/7/365.We all Love You.
Robert. I hope you are here. We are rooting for you and either way, you have our love and support on this site. Because we get it.
I feel ya. So many times I’ve gotten lost in that “should have said” conversation with Daniel only to be startled back into the reality he’s dead. Hate the intense disoriented wave it sends through my body each time. But that’s the way it is forever now. No available undo/redo option.
Things are preventable only if it’s on your radar. At all. It wasn’t on mine and I think at least one mental health professional could have brought it up. I did ask them early on but the just glazed over my question. That is why I went public.
❣️Of course. My mother’s heart understands completely. Sending you gentle hugs.
THank you
❣️So beautifully written, heartbreaking, and important.
I needed to tell my child that. Even if he can’t hear it as a mortal being on earth.
He took his family picture with him everywhere? He KNEW he was loved by you.
My Scott knew I loved him I matter what…but there were moments that the demons screamed louder.
Yeah. That’s true. It’s hard to overcome them. I did make an error in judgement in the end but I have to remember that I also did many things right and in that moment with no information on which to base a decision, I could hardly have made the right one. It took me three years to understand what I should do. I wasn’t going to come to that conclusion in that state of mind