This morning I went out to speak to Alex and tell him I wouldn't be having lunch with him today. He inquired why we wouldn't be having lunch together and I told him I was speaking at the high school to students about addiction. In the past my speaking and writing sometimes irritated him, especially if I was speaking to people at his former high school. So naturally I was reluctant to tell what I was doing but I was straight up with him.
His response to my speaking today was an inquiry if it would be possible for him to go with me. He wanted to talk to the kids himself about what he had been through. I was nearly speechless. Do you have any idea how huge this was.
We went for lunch and headed to the school. The sponsoring teacher was actually a teacher Alex had in school. I did my talk and Alex contributed some comments and after the main talk was finished the teacher ask Alex a couple questions and then the students opened the floodgates with questions. Alex handled everyone of them. The students were riveted to him. I just sat down at an empty desk.
I'm am telling every person that reads this blog; I cannot remember when I was so proud of my son. I was so proud I stood up in front of all of those kids and told them with my voice cracking how proud I was of him to step up to this place with me.
What a day, what a thrill.
ps.: I had invited the Superintendent of Schools for our district and he attended the talk and listened right along with the kids.
20 comments:
Hand over the tissue, I'm crying. I do know how huge this is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think my tears say it all (I hope so, I don't have any words at the moment).
That is really great Ron. I know that your heart must have been bursting. I am sure that Alex's must have been as well.
Thank you for your wonderful story. I too have a son who is a recovering heroin addict. He is 22 and has been through 3 residential rehabs., been arrested, jailed, and overdosed twice - once resulting in my husband and I giving him CPR and reviving his ashen, breathless body back to life....He is doing much, much better...life is fragile, sometimes dark, sometimes exceedingly beautiful. Glad to hear you are speaking to schools...I am a middle school teacher and my husband is a school counselor...I'd love to hear what you/ your son say to students....
Tears are flowing in this OP home. I am so proud of you and your son. You were both so brave. We need many more like the two of you in our area to spread the word and reduce our community denial! I thought about attending the event this week, but didn't know where you were speaking. Is there a way to find this out? I'd love for you to speak at more schools in the area!
Dear Anonymous,
I'd love to speak at more schools in KC area. Last year I spoke at Shawnee Mission West. Yesterday I was at Basehor Linwood. If I would have known you wanted to attend, guests are always welcome. If you have a contact at a school that wants to sponsor a talk, let's get together and make it happen. e-mail me, Ron
Simply amazing, Ron. I have goosebumps as I think about what you experienced/witnessed with Alex.
What an awesome thing Alex did. I am very close to speechless. I think I'll just go find the kleenex instead of trying to find something adequate to say here. Amazing. Just amazing. You and Alex will never know all the lives you touched today. :)
Thanks to you and your son for having the courage to tell your story. This is exactly what needs to be happening in our communities! Miracles do come when least expected.
Thank you for posting this. It truly gives me hope for my daughter.
I doesn't get any better than that!
How about doing a DVD of your talk and posting it on You Tube?
How about writing a book?
I'm sending an email to Oprah right now! :)
Congraulation and tell Alex thanks also.
VJ
I am so happy for you Ron!
I am THRILLED THRILLED to read this ! And yes...it DOES serve to give HOPE to the rest of us. I am SOOOO HAPPY for you....and most of all, for Alex ! You know, of course, this is the kind of thing that the rest of us dream of....and once it was only a dream for you too. I am just so excited that now it's a reality. Alex can do SO MUCH GOOD.....for those kids will LISTEN to him,when they won't to those of us older folks. God bless you and thanks for posting this Ron ! :)
Ron, Alex has turned the corner in his recovery. When an addict is willing to share his story in this manner, he has come full circle. Helping others understand this disease is truly therapeutic for him. I'm happy for you both.
I am crying too. I haven't been around much lately but just popped in to read for a bit...I am really so happy for you and Alex and Mom. I do fully understand how huge it is. Wow....just so happy.
WOW, a dream come true.
Alex and I had a discussion this morning about Wednesday.
His question, "Does this really help, after all I would not have listened in high school when I was using."
I told him we will not stop everyone. In fact the kids already trapped like yourself in high school, it may not help at all or maybe it will. The kids that would not use drugs in any way it is to re-inforce their beliefs and decisions. But, maybe 1,2, or 3 kids that are on the fence. Trying to fit in and are struggling with their life and where they belong. These are the kids you touched that day.
His acknowledgement and response, "Oh."
I am the teacher who was present when Alex and Ron spoke with the students. Today I spent 45 minutes talking with a student who was moved by the experience. This person had been involved with drug, and her brother is a drug addict. She said seeing Alex, and listening to him, gave her more confidence that she did the right thing getting away from the drugs and her brother. She says she is the only one in her family clean, and that she knew how much strength it must have taken to come speak with the class. She said, "Alex was amazing! I know he'll make it! I hope that he will come back and talk with other students because he made a difference in me."
When those suffering with addiction and those who love them experience so much heartache, it is impossible to imagine that anything good can come from so much pain. Today, the impossible happened! So happy for you and your family!
I am soooo happy for both you! And, so very happy for the student the teacher is referring to above. So worth it!
Hugs
Kelly
PS: This is one of my dreams for my daughter and I..
Ron, I was tearfully moved by your post. For Alex to be in a place where he chose to be a part of the work you do in this war on addiction and be able to give of himself is a true victory for him! It touches my heart...every victory, no matter how great or small is a vctory we all share with you and Alex, for each victory sustains hope for us all! Keep up the great work!!
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