Sunday, January 6, 2013

Sadness, The Monster Claims Another

Today at 1:58pm we received a call from a long time dear friend. She told us her son had been found dead this morning from a heroin overdose.

These are friends that Darlene grew up with, their back yards butted up to each other.  When Darlene and I began dating we hung out and run around together.

We could talk with them about Alex and they could talk to us, we spoke the same language. We were open about Alex but they could not find a way to be so public about Clint. No matter, neither of us cared we both had a son that danced with the monster, we needed each other.

Clint was just a little younger than Erica, our oldest. As a baby he slept in a small pine cradle I made for him and gave his mom and dad just before he was born. It is hard to think of what to say when someone so close is hurting so bad.


18 comments:

Ruby Tuesday said...

So very sorry to read this
You are right heroin is a monster
A monster that I danced with for over 6 years. I was lucky to escape relatively unscathed
I survived
I was one of the lucky ones

I will light a candle for your friend's son x

beachteacher said...

So very sorry to hear of this Ron. Sadly, it's the 2nd young man this weekend that I've heard of that's died this way. : (. I will pray for the comfort of their families.

Anonymous said...

My heart just sank as I read the title of your post. I don't even know what to say...such a horrible tragedy. My prayers to Clint, his family and to you and Darlene.

Anonymous said...

heartbreaking....
a fear one day, i will get a phone call with that same news...

Tori said...

My heart aches for your friends and for Clint. Just so incredibly sad.

Anonymous said...

Ron, I am so sorry for your friends and both you and Darlene, too. It's heartbreaking, there world has changed forever. You have my email address, give it to them if you'd like. It's been 6 1/2 months since BIlly died and I think the numbness is wearing off.
May we all find peace on our life's journey.
Lauren

Annette said...

Oh Ron, I am so sorry. There really are no words. Sometimes just standing with them so they know they aren't alone, and what better people than you and Darlene. Old friends, and fellow parents of an addicted kid. Again, I am just so very sorry.

Syd said...

So very sad and so unnecessary. No second chances on this one. So final. I am sorry that he didn't get to see the good things in life free of drugs before he died. I'm glad that you and Darlene are there for the parents. No words needed, just love.

Sheri said...

I am so sad for your friends loss. I know God is holding them in his arms right now, and their son as well. Its a blessing that they have you and Darlene to give them comfort.

Rebecca said...

So very sorry to hear this sad news. This disease is powerful and so very deadly. My heart goes out to your friends and to you and Darlene. I hate this disease of addiction! Hugs to you.

Ming said...

As said in an earlier comment, my heart sank as I read the title. I am so sorry that your friend has lost her child to this vicious monster. She has lived the fear we all live with day in and day out. My prayers are with them and Clint's soul. May he now R.I.P. away from the devastating, constant torture of this monster.

DDD said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your friend and her family and everyone affected by the loss of Clint will be in my prayers. There but for the grace of God...

Jhon@Drug Treatment Centerin FL said...

"HEROINE" is not a "hero" it is a villain that destroys our lives.

I don't know what to say because I have no plans of taking this drug in the near future.

I was just dismayed and alarmed while reading your blog. How come heroine are sold easily especially to minors and young generations specially in bars and clubs. I think there's really something wrong with that.

I am truly hurt about what has happened. Please send my prayers for the internal repose of her soul.

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Bristolvol said...

I am so sorry to hear this, Ron. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends.

Desperate Sister said...

This is so hard to read. On the news last night there was a story about 2 young boys who died from an overdose and their friend went to jail for not getting them help. I keep thinking my brother is going to be the next person I hear this happening to.

♥●• İzdihër •●♥ said...

So sad to hear that.

Suzie said...

Good Friday morning to everyone here. I am Clint's Mom and Darlene's childhood friend who not only lived in the same neighborhood, but worshiped at the same church. We both got married after high school and then had children. We both tried to raise our children to be smart and successful members of society. As Ron pointed out, I suffered and endured this pain alone for many years and lost touch with many friends in trying desperately to hide the dance with the monster. A few years ago, we had dinner with Darlene and Ron and they shared their story with my husband and I. I finally admitted to them for the first time that Clint was in trouble. It is a deep dark secret that you don't want to share with casual friends and acquaintances. You don't want anyone to know that you are struggling. You want to appear normal, happy and be proud of you children. It begins to eat away at your emotional and physical health. Each trip to the emergency room, each trip to rehab, each trip to prison for visitation. You hold on to hope by your fingernails while locking you emotions away from the public. I lost contact with my son just before Christmas. I called him on Christmas Day to invite him to the family gathering. He told me he didn't feel very Christmassy. I assumed he didn't have money to buy gifts and decided to sit out the celebration. I let it go and forgave him. The following weekend I called to ask him if he wanted to get together, but he declined and said he was tired. I knew he was working two jobs so I forgave him and let it go. Last weekend I was in front of his apartment and called to ask if he wanted company, but he said no he wasn't feeling well. I let it go and forgave him. The very next day two detectives came to my door, asked to come in, and asked me to sit down and told me my son passed away. I am so used to locking my emotions away I didn't even cry because I knew I had to contact family and arrange a funeral. I knew things had to get done. It was only when I heard my own voice telling people I love that my son passed away that it really hit me. I couldn't speak. I was hanging on to sanity with my fingernails while being swallowed in a deep pain in my heart and soul that almost took away any hope I had left. I put that aside and began to contact the funeral home, apartment manager, cleaned out the apartment, stayed busy until the funeral was over. And now all I feel is silence, numbness, and the pain in my heart and soul for my only son that I can never hug and kiss again and his birthday is tomorrow. I am fortunate to have a job and people who love me. I am thankful that I can go back to work on Monday and once again lock away the emotions that are tormenting me. Staying busy is the only way I know how to survive. Stay busy and don't think about it. I want to thank God for Darlene and Ron, for being there for me. I want to wish anyone who reads this to know that you are not alone. You don't have to be alone. We can get through this together. Inch by inch anything is a cinch. Mile by mile it takes awhile. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward.