Feb 9, 2023
When I first heard from a listener about today’s guest, Patti,
the email included an attachment which was a copy of the obituary
that Patti wrote for her late son, Nick after he took his life
almost three years ago. To say that it was powerful would be a vast
understatement. It was beyond powerful. In fact, I feel like it is
something that each and every parent should read. Her words about
Nick’s battle with addiction can help everyone understand that no
family is immune to this disease.
Patty writes: 'Nick was robbed of his future by the disease of
addiction. No one plans to be an addict. It is a disease, not a
choice, and it has reached epidemic proportions. Nick started using
drugs to make himself feel normal, to feel accepted, to feel
worthy, because this is what the drug told him at first. What it
didn’t tell him is how it would devastate his family, take his
education, take his jobs, take his future, take and take until it
took his life. Addiction will take hold and destroy anyone in its
path including families and loved ones of those afflicted. We all
know someone who is affected by this epidemic. It isn’t a character
flaw, IT’S A DISEASE.'
Patty’s deep love for her son shines through in her words. She
reads the entire obituary in the episode, and it is truly a love
story for her son. Since Nick’s death, Patti has worked to end the
stigma of addiction. As Nick went through his 13-year battle with
addiction, he felt shame. He didn’t want people to know. That’s not
what Patti saw in Nick - Patti saw a brave young man fighting for
his life every single day because that’s exactly who Nick was, a
brave fighter.
Patty ends Nick’s obituary in this way: 'In memory of our beautiful
son, please help those that do not understand, come to the
realization that addiction is a disease and NOT a choice. I believe
more people will reach out for help early on rather than trying to
hide their disease from family and friends. Please help End the
Stigma.'