I could use a kind word today....

[Blue Dawn]

....because I got a phone call that my brother’s stepson died of a drug overdose this morning. He was such a wonderful young man and we loved him. He was trying to kick his addiction. He had been to several long-term treatment programs and would be sober for a long period of time but would slip back into his addiction again. In fact, I learned today that he had just gotten out of another rehab program. I am heartbroken.

On top of that, I was lucky to get my 2nd Moderna shot yesterday, but I do feel awful today. I could not fall asleep last night. I have a fever today, my body aches terribly, I have chills, and I am terribly fatigued but cannot seem to fall asleep, no matter how hard I try. I am taking Tylenol and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. I expect these symptoms to go away soon, so I am not going to complain. I am just grateful to have had both shots!

My physical issues are nothing, though, in comparison to my broken heart.

My husband’s young stepson died last year from a drug overdose, so my grief is compounded by my memories of his death.

Life can be so sad.

Thank you for being my friends.

[NoSheep]

1. I'm so sorry for your loss (((HUGS)))

[Blue Dawn]

17. Thank you so much, NoSheep.

I appreciate your kind words...and the hugs.

[Aristus]

2. ...

[Blue Dawn]

18. Aw, thank you, Aristus.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

3. {{{Blue Dawn}}}

[Blue Dawn]

20. I love the hugs, 50 Shades of Blue.

They make me feel better....even from miles away.

[Siwsan]

4. That's how I lost my older brother. My heart goes out to you.

Life can, indeed, be very sad. I've never really healed from my brother's passing.

[Blue Dawn]

22. My condolences to you, Siwsan....

....for the loss of your brother. I am sorry we have both lost people we loved.

[underpants]

5. I'm so sorry

I lost a cousin last year to overdose. Same story, he’d been in and out of treatment. So sad.

[Blue Dawn]

24. Hi, underpants.

Addiction is so hard to overcome, isn’t it? I am very sorry that you lost your cousin.

[Maeve]

6. Right now it must feel a bit overwhelming

And there are no words that can get you thru the grief faster; you already know that. It will pass, but right now that probably isn't much comfort either. Sleep might help.

Be good to yourself and stay close to those you love.

[Blue Dawn]

26. Wonderful advice, Maeve....

I will remember what you said and try to get some good sleep and make myself eat something healthy. I will do my best to take care of myself.

I appreciate....and I needed....your words! Thank you.

[MissB]

7. I'm so sorry for the loss and the grief

I hope your physical pain is gone soon, and the grief diminishes over time.

[Blue Dawn]

27. Thank you so much, MissB.

I do hope I feel better physically very soon.

[Maraya1969]

8. I'm so sorry. I've watched drug addiction wipe out families. It's terrible.

You will heal from this.

[Blue Dawn]

31. Drug addiction is terrible, isn't it?

I know that his mother had worried about him so much and had helped him get into good treatment programs. Her first grandchild was born just a couple of weeks ago and she was overjoyed. I just keep thinking about how horrible it would be to lose a child. I hurt terribly for her.

[overleft]

9. Thinking of you today.

The pain of the shot will go away soon but the pain of losing a loved one will come only with time and prayers.

[Blue Dawn]

35. You are so right, overleft.

Physical pain can come and go but the loss of a loved one leaves a vacant place in the heart.

Thank you for your kind words. They help me so much.

[Diamond_Dog]

10. I am so sorry about your brother's stepson

Please accept my sincerest condolences.

[Blue Dawn]

37. Thank you very much, Diamond_Dog.

[soothsayer]

11. I'm sorry that happened to you and your family

Here’s something worth trying if you’re up to it

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeu95edV/

[redwitch]

12. I'm so sad for you!

It is a terrible grief when a young loved one dies from addiction. Healing light to you and all who mourn his passing.

[Blue Dawn]

38. Thank you, redwitch.

Your words are so comforting to me.

[TexLaProgressive]

13. I feel for you, Blue Dawn, this morning I read an obituary of a young man

He, too, died fighting drug addiction. I didn't know him but the write up was quite moving indicating that he was much loved and will be missed. He smile reached to his eyes in his picture. Addiction is a scourge, taking our loved ones before their time.

As to the Moderna blues, I was miserable for one day after the 2nd vaccination. Tylenol helped, I had no fever but was alternately hot and cold with generalized malaise. I am diabetic for 5 days I had problems with elevated blood glucose levels not responding properly to insulin. All better now, and I am glad I got vaccinated.

[634-5789]

14. Find peace, you will be in our prayers.

[marble falls]

15. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.

[3catwoman3]

16. I have no particular words to offer, so I will...

...send you a hug from afar -

[blueinredohio]

19. My condolences to you and your family.

[dixiechiken1]

21. So very, very sorry for your loss...

Sending you light and love.

[sarge43]

23. Words are so inadequate at times like these.

I can say you will be helped and comforted by many.
May those young men rest in light.

[alwaysinasnit]

25. ...

[Wicked Blue]

28. Holding you in my thoughts

[KatK]

29. Holding you and yours in the light. n/t

[niyad]

30. (((((((((BlueDawn))))))))) So very sorry for your sad loss. Please know that your DU family isn

here for you.

So glad you got your second shot,. I know it sucks right now, but it will get better. A friend going through similar took thera-flu and ibuprofen, and it helped greatly.l

Be kind and gentle with yourself.

[DinahMoeHum]

32. I don't know what to say or do. . .

. . .except this. . .

[sheshe2]

33. I am so sorry Blue Dawn.

[bluescribbler]

34. I'm sorry for your loss

I know that the pain never really goes away, but its impact lessens over time.

[Lonestarblue]

36. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Losing someone you love, especially someone so young, is hard. Sending lots of good thoughts your way and hoping your reaction to the Covid shot is gone by tomorrow.

[Arazi]

39. What a terrible day... I'm so sorry

[PlanetBev]

40. I hear you, Blue

My 26 year old niece is a heroin addict. Every time the phone rings, we jump ten feet. My brother and sister have dealt with this for over ten years, and paid thousands of dollars to help her. Every time she cleans up, she meets another addict boyfriend and then she’s off and running again.

Drug addiction is truly terrible. To get off it and stay off is a Herculean undertaking.

By the way, I had the same symptoms after my second Moderna shot. Lasted 24 hours, at most.

[Solly Mack]

41. I am so sorry for your pain and the pain you and your family are going through again.

No words can make it better and time seems so slow in the healing. I hope for all of you to find peace in time and to take strength and be the strength from and in each other.

[Blue Dawn]

42. My dear DU friends....

I am moved and overwhelmed by your kind words and your condolences.

I am going to reply to each and every one of you...and have already replied to some of you.

Do not think I have overlooked or forgotten you! I will come back later today and respond to you.

You have made such a difference in my life today with your comforting words. Hearing from you has lifted my spirits....thank you for that.

Again, I promise to come back and respond to you individually.

Group hug, if okay.....

[Harker]

43. Here's another.

Love.

[oasis]

44. My condolences go out to you and your family.

[irisblue]

45. 🕯️ I am so sorry

[gldstwmn]

46. I'm sorry for your loss.

So many struggle with long term recovery. Addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful.
Please be gentle with yourself.

[badhair77]

47. My heart goes out to you. Addiction steals the lives of so many. Their families struggle

to help them through the journey only to lose in the end. I wish you and your family strength and peace in your healing.

[cate94]

48. I'm very sorry.

[TNNurse]

49. Please pass on my condolences.

[Duncanpup]

50. Peace to you and your family

[Bluesaph]

51. Addiction is a terrible disease

I lost my nephew two christmases ago on Christmas Eve. I think about him every day. When you love an addict your heart is ripped to shreds every time they abuse themselves. I’m so sorry for your pain and your losses.

[LymphocyteLover]

105. it truly is-- and it's terrible how little we can do to cure it much less treat it

[demmiblue]

52. I'm so sorry your family has suffered this loss (as well as the previous loss).

We need to rethink how we address mental health/addiction issues in this country. Thankfully, there have been several high-profile names who have shared their stories more recently, helping others know that they are not alone in their struggles.

[godsentme]

53. So sorry for your loss. For symptoms try epsom salts.

First, so sorry for your loss. Addiction is so difficult to break.
May I suggest an epsom salt bath for vaccine symptoms. After my second moderna shot, I was very achy, felt awful and couldn't sleep. Neither tylenol or motrin helped. After about 16 hours of that I drug myself to the tub and took an epsom salt bath for about 15 minutes. It worked great. Some milder symptoms returned later but I was able to sleep. Not everyone has a tub or epsom salt on hand but I was lucky to have both.
My best to you.

[XanaDUer2]

54. healing light to you all

[Bettie]

55. I am so sorry

I can not imagine how awful that must be.

Peace to you and your family, even though it is hard to find in times of loss.

[calimary]

56. Many virtual hugs, Blue Dawn.

I’m so sorry all this has happened to you. Sheesh - when it rains, sometimes it actually does pour.

Just remember, as Skittles once said: “someone’s always here.” I’m glad you shared it. The more of us are aware of your struggles, the more sympathy AND empathy you’ll find. You do not mourn or suffer alone.

[blm]

57. ((Blue))

[RestoreAmerica2020]

58. Sorry for your loss. So many people have been taken from us due to drug addiction--it is a healt

..epidemic! In my family as well..we lost a nephew in Dec.only 21 was ok after high school went to service returned home; not sure what changed--he seemed ok--found a good job, then ?

Then in Jan sister in law [in her 50s] died of covid19..gad never been sick in her life only cold..one day came home from work asked her don to take her to emergency--two weeks later she was gone. Her death really shook me me..took care of things that I' ve been putting off. Had 1st moderna shot, 2nd next week.

Yes., life can be sad especially when a young life has left us--their life cut short. I'll light a candle for your loved ones.

Take care. Paz.

[SheltieLover]

59. Deepest condolences

Please take good care of yourself.

[FuzzyRabbit]

60. I'm sorry. What an awful day for you.

I wish I was there so I could give you a real hug.

There is no need for you to reply to me. Bless you and your family.

[Beacool]

61. Drug addiction and mental illness are tough on families.

My cousin's beautiful and talented daughter was bipolar. She was in and out of institutions. She would do well for a while and then relapse. She took her life by overdosing on opioids. Whether accidental or deliberate, the death of a young person is heartbreaking. My condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace.

[Carlitos Brigante]

62. .

[MontanaMama]

63. Oh my. This is so much to bear.

Please accept my condolences on this terrible loss.

[IrishAfricanAmerican]

64. Sorry for your loss...

I am on 3rd day for 2nd Moderna shot. I had it rough too but it's improving. I think tomorrow will be fine. It gets better!

[area51]

65. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Jilly_in_VA]

66. So sorry for your loss

I know how it feels to lose someone to addiction. I lost my son to PTSD, addiction, and suicide 5 years ago. It doesn't hurt any less, but it does get easier.

At least the post-vaccination ickies should go away shortly. I felt really crappy the night of, and dragged out until 6 pm or so the next day, then I was fine. But it's a great thing to be vaccinated! As @LeviFetterman says in his Twitter account, "happy congratulations Fauci ouchie"!

[SallyHemmings]

67. Hugs

[Habibi]

68. I'm so sorry to hear this.

I hope that you can take time to rest and recover from the vaccine's side effects, and that you'll in time come to recover from your grief. A big virtual hug to you.

[CaptainTruth]

69. I'm so sorry...

[smirkymonkey]

70. I am so sorry for your losses Blue Dawn.

And for the physical pain you are going through on top of that, although that will go away as quickly as it came. Your heart won't heal so quickly. Please accept my condolences and a virtual hug from afar

[Blue Owl]

71. Saddened to hear of your and your brother's loss...

Sending vibes of peace, healing, and love your way...

We all wish we knew why life can be so unfair sometimes...

[diehardblue]

72. ❤️

[skylucy]

73. I'm so very sorry, Blue Dawn. Sending hugs and love to you.

[spanone]

74. ...

[zeusdogmom]

75. Surrounding you and your family in gentle thoughts and prayers.

Hard, so hard, to loose someone close to you - especially when the person is young.

[Cha]

76. I'm so sorry, Blue Dawn..

[Warpy]

77. The kindest words I can think of are "end the drug war."

Given a clean and reliable supply of his drug of choice, he would have been given more control over his addiction, with less control given to black market gangs who tend to be sloppy when it comes to reliable dosages and purity.

We lost the drug war, the drugs won, people who want them still get them. The problem is that black market drugs kill them.

Rehab programs are too often a revolving door for drug addicts, mostly because they don't allow enough inpatient time. I've known more than one addict in recovery who has told me that a year or two was what it took for them to get their heads straight enough to start going to NA and take it seriously and prison was the only thing that gave them that. I don't think we need prison. I think we need an end to the drug war and to put the money we're wasting on it into long rehab programs that might actually work.

Nixon started the drug war and admitted on tape it was to suppress black folks and college kids who were too uppity. Nixon is dead and it's time for this part of his legacy to follow him. End it. Keep people who fall into drug use alive. Fund adequate rehab programs for them when and if they want to get off the drugs. Take the profit out of the black market and end the gangs. Close the pipeline to young kids. Just end it.

[Ligyron]

104. Thanks you!

Finally, a voice of sanity in a world often full of superstition and propaganda.

We don't understand why exactly but for whatever reason, sobriety ain't for everyone and while some overdoses are intentional, most are simply medical screw ups made especially worse by the advent of widely available fentanyl/carfentanil used to cut the low quality yet widely available black tar Heroin common in the Americas.

Given the horribly inconsistent consumer market made worse by all the above mentioned mismanagement, Methadone isn't a bad alternative until and unless things are allowed to improve.

Blue Dawn, know there is a place much better than where you are just around the corner. That second vaccination does tend to kick your ass for a day, two at the most or at least it did me.

[Warpy]

117. A huge part of the problem is that doctors are taught how to perscribe dependency

producing medications but get no education on how to wean a dependent patient off the drugs once the acute problem has passed.

They just say "you're cured" and cut the drugs off. This has never worked on anyone, sudden drug withdrawal is frightening and extremely uncomfortable. So the patients turn to street drugs.

Then they wonder why there's an opiate crisis when people start dying of fentanyl/carfentanil overdoses from street drugs with no quality control.

It's the perfect storm of institutional ignorance and moral hubris and overreach. It needs to stop.

[BobTheSubgenius]

78. I'm so sorry to hear this.

A LONG-time friend of mine, and an ex-gf, has a son who seems hopelessly addicted. She and her ex spent over 100K on various attempts at rehab, but he was back at it within a week or two after being released.

As he's moved on from heroin to carfentanyl, she is waiting for a call at any time. Even with the vast amount of information out there about the extreme danger, the problem is getting worse.

It's awful enough when any of us are exposed to one death attributed to the scourge. I can't imagine what it must be like to go through the second. I hope you can move past this both soon and completely. I'm sure your current physical condition is making it much worse, and you will soon be past that, at least.

[Demsrule86]

79. I am so sorry for your loss...a number of kids my daughter's age have overdosed...it is

so terribly sad.

[ailsagirl]

80. Oh gosh - I'm so sorry Blue Dawn

I’m sending tons of hugs to you and your family.
😢

[lunatica]

81. How incredibly heartbreaking for your family!

Hugs to (((you!)))!

And being sick just compounds how you feel. I think your memory of being sick and your loss of family will always be there. I remember when my son died it felt very raw for a long time. About a month after I ended up in the hospital with a UTI that the doctors told me could have killed me. They gave me Cipro which ruined my health and gave me tendonitis in all parts of my body. So, in my mind, the daily pain I feel is kind of wrapped up with my grief over the loss of my son.

[Tree Lady]

82. Sorry about brothers child

Hang in there with Moderna shot. I was like that too. Drink as much liquids as you can. If you aren't alone have someone get you juice popcycles helps take the fever down.

I also used a cool wash cloth along with Tylenol.

Try to sleep or listen to boring tv. Stay away from family matters until you are better.

[MLAA]

83. My heart is with you, dear Blue Dawn. What loss, what pain you are experiencing.

Sending you love. My 2nd Moderna side effects, much like yours, passed in about 30 hours or so.

[world wide wally]

84. Peace to you and your family

[Danmel]

85. I'm so sorry

It is such a heartbreaking way to lose someone. A dear friend of ours lost her 28 year old son ladt year to an overdose. He too had been in and out of rehab. He just couldn't break it. Thinking of you and your family.

[Progressive Jones]

86. So sorry for your loss. nt

[LakeArenal]

87. Please try to celebrate his life in the midst of your grief.

No one we love would want us to hurt.
Celebrate the short but meaningful life of those you love who are taken too soon.

Peace and good will to you and your family.

[Wild blueberry]

88. Love and hugs

[stillcool]

89. I'll be thinking of you...

sending some good vibes. Emotions can wreak havoc with your physical well-being as well, and vice-versa. Please be extra kind to yourself.

[Stinky The Clown]

90. You're not alone

[DesertRat]

91. I'm so sorry

[COL Mustard]

92. I'm So Sorry For Your Loss

Words can’t express our sympathy, but I’m very sorry for your loss.

[hamsterjill]

93. Sending hugs.

I have nothing better to offer to you that hasn’t already been expressed by the kind and caring DU’ers who’ve posted before me, but I wanted to simply send a hug.

I’m so sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort.

[ancianita]

94. I'm so sorry, Blue.

You'll be better by tomorrow, and you'll still grieve, but know that we're here and hope good health and love will see you through.

[PatrickforB]

95. I am sorry for your loss. May the young man have eternal rest

enclosed in the light of Divine love.

And may you recover in time from this horrible grief.

[IbogaProject]

96. So sorry

We need single payer health care with treatment on demand. All drug possession should be decriminalized and we need the cops to stand down on alk but dangerous driving and actual crimes against people or property.

[yardwork]

97. I am so very sorry for your loss.

I felt lousy for two days after my second moderna dose. I know that nothing will change the loss, but I hope that time softens the pain.

[virgdem]

98. I'm so sorry for your loss. I feel your pain. I lost my nephew to a drug overdose in 2016.

[Cafe Cat]

99. It all seems to come at once, doesn't it?

I wish you mercy, good health, and peace for you and your family. I'm so sorry.

[summer_in_TX]

100. I'm so sad for you all.

That's just tragic. Hang in there, and love on your family and friends as soon as you feel up to it.

I was feverish maybe 2 1/2 days. But the relief after that went away resulted in a real sense of well-being.

[ShazzieB]

101. Wishing you peace and healing.

[George McGovern]

102. Dawn, Shadow and I wish you a healing heart. If you were anywhere nearby she'd lick your face. Yuck

[KarenS]

103. I am so sorry,,,,

This year has been overwhelming anyway, then the tragedies of life crash in as well.

Please take care of yourself.

[LymphocyteLover]

106. my heartfelt sympathy for you and your family

[LetMyPeopleVote]

107. I am sorry for your loss

[Heartstrings]

108. May he rest peacefully in your heart forever, Blue Dawn....

[westerebus]

109. My condolences to you and your family.

[pandr32]

110. How tragic

I am so sorry to hear. Addiction is a monstrous problem in our country. My heart goes out to your family.

[seta1950]

111. I'm so sorry 😢

Please hang in there

[deek]

112. youll get thru this

life is hard and you are going thru some extremely difficult days right now. This too shall pass and you will find your peace again.

take care

[Tanuki]

113. I just now saw this and hope you are feeling better from your vaccination by now.

I am so sorry for the pain your family is going through. We had the same sorrow a couple of years ago when the son of one of my close cousins died of a heroin overdose after struggling with substance abuse since high school. He was a very sweet guy, friendly and intelligent, but addiction is relentless and deadly. You and your family are in my heart as you find your path through this painful time. May the young man rest in peace.
❤

[cilla4progress]

114. Drug addiction is such horrible, difficult health issue,

to resolve.

So sorry..holding you in my heart, Blue Dawn!

[LiberalLoner]

115. I'm so sorry for your loss. 😭

[Laurelin]

116. I'm so sorry

Be kind to yourself and hold your loved ones close. Sending you 💓 from afar...