Andy
"You always reminded me that I was worthwhile and that I was more capable than I thought."
Andy writes a letter to his friend, Lee, who died due to drugs in 2020.
Every day I look out my window and I can see where you lived. It reminds me of the carry-on we used to have trying to communicate through switching our lights on and off to see if we could see each other. This was never successful Lee.
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I am thankful that I got to meet someone like you. You had a massive impact on my own recovery. You helped me to start doing drama and I’m still involved in it, even after more than 4 years. You always reminded me that I was worthwhile and that I was more capable than I thought.
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I am still pissed off at you for not reaching out to me Lee, you always encouraged me to speak about my issues and you didn’t do this yourself. The thing is I am left not knowing is if it would have made a difference.
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Your death has left me with life saving reminders that if you do not check in with others or let people know what is going on for you, that there is the possibility of relapse and or death. That if you have a talent, explore and engage as much as possible with this. I remind myself of this daily Lee, so thank you for this. I just wish you did not have to die for me to learn this.
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You are not a number or statistic
You are a son, brother, friend.
You were so talented.
And you are still in my thoughts daily
I miss you Lee.
Andy
Lee's death was preventable.
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Andy's story shows the devastating impact the loss of a life to alcohol or drugs has on the family and friends left behind.
We have the power to create change, especially when we come together to take action. You can support this work by agreeing to the "See Beyond" pledge below.
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“I pledge to be respectful and compassionate towards those affected by substance use, including the families and friends of those who have died from alcohol or drugs.
I will show respect by using kind and non-judgmental language about those affected by alcohol or drugs.
I will show compassion by reaching out to someone who has lost a loved one to alcohol or drugs and asking them how they are doing today.”
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Thank you for making a difference.
We have compiled some resources to provide support to people who are affected by someone’s drug/alcohol use as well as those impacted by the death of a loved one due to drugs/alcohol.
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