~My kids ~ I love them so~

Dear Momma,

So your daughter texted me a few times today telling me about dashboard confessional (me and Jon's band) and I got jealous!! Ha Ha! I was supposed to go with her...it was us against the world dammit! I'm so proud of her. She seems like shes doing well and staying positive and strong. So I wanted you to know that I'm proud of you too momma, you're a fabulous momma so don't ever think different. I love you oh so much.

And you know that I love Jonathan and "K" with all my heart too. You all will never leave me. We're family and family sticks together through whatever.

I had a dream about him a few days ago and all I remember was waking up happy. I was partially sad yet smiled and felt relieved. It was as though he was there telling me that every things good. I have a song from Mariah Carey that I dedicate to him from me. It's kinda sad and comforting at the same time...weird...but completely tells my story.
It's called Bye Bye.
READ THE LYRICS AND LISTEN TO IT AT THE SAME TIME.

I love you Vonna momma. MWUAH!
I should be back soon to give you a real hug.

::HUG::

Heath

“Good” Heroin ~vs~ "Tainted" Heroin Causing Deaths

Friday, June 27, 2008
Dr. Richard Keller ~ Blog Post

As I mentioned in my talk the other day, the movie “American Gangster” among other things, shows what happens in an area (Harlem in the 70s) when the quality/purity of heroin improves. It is somewhat easy to miss, but before the consumer base stabilizes there are a number of addicts that die because they aren’t used to the less cut heroin suddenly available on the streets. They continue to use the amount of drug that they were using and it becomes an overdose before they realize it.

Something similar is apparently happening locally, as well as elsewhere in the country. We are seeing what looks like an increase in deaths due to heroin overdose (it is a bit early in the course to call it a trend, but it looks like it). Local law enforcement initially felt the deaths were due to “tainted” heroin, i.e. heroin cut/mixed with something that was causing the deaths in these folks. We have in the past seen fentanyl, a much more lethal drug, mixed in or replacing the heroin, causing similar deaths.

It was the opinion of my office that the deaths were more likely due to purer (“stronger”) heroin. Our toxicology testing has bourn that out. There is really good heroin on our streets.

I also warned the teens the other day that that purity also makes it more tempting to try this very addicting drug. You can snort it instead of using a needle. The numbers of those addicted will take longer to surface, but I suspect that that will grow as well with the increased purity. Teens, in particular, must be educated to not try the drug, their developing brains are even more susceptible to its addictive properties.

“Good” heroin is not a good thing. It contributes to all the problems inherent in the addicted population; physical problems, social problems, problems with the law. It contributes to death. Our tools consist of law enforcement, education and awareness, and treatment. All must be brought to bear on this problem.

Yet another ~ He passed away the afternoon of June 21, 2008

R.I.P. ~ yes another group on Facebook for their friend ~

They speak of him on facebook with shock, love and memories ~ I am finding facebook to be a wonderful place for those to memorialize & grieve for their friend.

"He was probably one of the most amazing, compassionate and nicest guys I've come across with in my life. It's hard to swallow the fact that he's gone, but he is in a better place now.. a much better place now.

Although this is a heartbreaking thing to have happened, along with mourning we should celebrate. Celebrate the life the life he lead. All the good times, and the funny things he would always say and do. If you knew him, or even encountered a moment with him, you know exactly what I'm talking about."

I don't quite know how many have succumbed to this terrible tragedy in our area - but it is many this past year.

I think of all of you with love and with hope that you are healing together in what I call "heaven"

Rock on Guys ~