Rough Start

As we enter a new year, as I somewhat suspected, 2015 has gotten off to a rough start.  Later in January, Chet's young cousin, Kade, died of a heroin overdose.  Even though we have known of his addiction for years, and can pretty much predict where that road leads, it has still been so very hard on all of us.  The funeral was beautiful and we can only hope and pray that there can be some good to come of this.  That others who are struggling will learn from Kade's death and seek the help they need.  It was a beautiful funeral, filled to the very back with standing room only.  His brothers were very open about his addiction and how he died...again, hoping that some good can come from this and other lives can be saved.

We are also struggling with similar issues with my husband's brother.  He is over 53 years old, single, living with his elderly parents, and struggles to stay sober. His addictions are alcohol, pills and even harder drugs such as meth.  It has been so hard on all of us to see what he is not only doing to himself, but what he is doing to his parents, without any care in the world and no desire to change.  He lies continually, steals, has no desire to work and has drained them emotionally, physically and financially.  We have tried to step in and help, but when they refuse to kick him out and continue to enable him, it makes it very difficult to solve the problem.  Addiction is such a hard and terrible thing for everyone involved.  It not only affects the addict, but everyone else around them.  It ruins relationships and tears apart families. It is brutal, and so hard to watch.

I am so sad for the loss of Kade.  He was a wonderful person who battled a terrible demon.  At least, he is now at peace and whole again, and that brings comfort.

We love you Kade Tuff Fullmer.  Give your dad a great big hug and kiss from us!!!