Moms Stop The Harm (Link) is a Canadian Network of families and allies who have been impacted by the overdose crisis. Through our organization we offer specific bereavement support to those who have experienced a loss to substance use related harms. You do not have to be a member of Moms Stop The
“An essay that balances a delicate narrative between grief writing, humour and boundary-building. The author manages a delightfully magical elixir: one that allows the reader to immerse in the world of the piece, engage with it, find its sorrow, but also chuckle at its wit.
‘How to Befriend a Crow’ not only is a triumph of a nonfiction essay, but also a field guide to the aftermath of trauma, and how to protect your own sanity in a world that insists on watching your agony. I enjoyed reading this calm, soft, and loving piece. I also learned something meaningful from it.”
Tanya Hornbuckle reflects both on her personal loss after the tragic loss of her son Joel and the collective strength of the community, while acknowledging the shared experience of loss due to the toxic drug supply.
I wanted to share some thoughts and emotions that have been on my heart since losing Nick on December 1st, 2023. It has taken me until now to find the words. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope it brings comfort to know that you are not alone. With love and in solidarity, Kristina.
Want to know how you can support a parent/friend/relative who has a child suffering with substance use disorder? STOP SHAMING. Stop calling us names and telling us what to do. STIGMA KILLS.
Our stories can be both wisdom and weapon. We can fight against society’s stigma and judgement, one story at a time. We can release our own shame, one story at a time. And if we are brave enough and unapologetic enough, we will change the world—one story at a time.
“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!” they said. That first year, and second, I heard those heartfelt wishes from my family and friends, knowing they had the best of intentions. I’d smile and say, “Thanks, you too.” That’s all I could manage. I couldn’t even say the words “merry” or “happy” without choking on them.
Devin, our only child and the centre of our lives, passed away at age 22 on Feb. 7, 2021, from what was later found to be an accidental overdose involving opioids.
