Gratitude

My heart is full of gratitude tonight as I write this blog entry. Thank you to Health Minister Doug Currie, Opposition Leader Steven Myers, NDP Leader Mike Redmond, MLA Richard Brown and everyone else who came to the Guild tonight for the premiere of the Boys and Girls Club’s video called “Innocence Lost: Stories of Youth Addiction on PEI”. 

Having such a full house meant so much to me and the other folks in the room who are also battling this disease in one way or another. I know I speak for them when I say that we feel like our cries are finally being heard. Thank you!

I could hardly control my emotions tonight, and I was not alone. Not only was the video very powerful, your presence was too. Thank you for caring.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed in some way (media, politicians, social media users, etc.) to keeping the conversation going. Our addicted youth deserve nothing less than a chance to overcome this terrible disease that is robbing them of life. 

Thank you to the youth and families who shared their stories and to Jessica MacKenzie and the amazing group at the Boys and Girls Club for producing the video and to Health PEI for funding it. Thank you also to Lowell Productions for weaving the stories together so beautifully.

I will end this blog with my favorite poem, which really highlights the power of addiction:

PILLS

I destroy homes, tear families apart.

I take your children, and that's just the start.

I'm more costly than diamonds, more costly than gold,

the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold

If you need me, remember I'm easily found.

I live all around you, in schools and in town.

I live with the rich, I live with the poor,

I live down the street, and maybe next door.

My power is awesome; try me you'll see,

but if you do, you may never break free.

Just try me once and I might let you go,

but try me twice, and I'll own your soul.

When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie.

You do what you have to just to get high.

The crimes you'll commit, for my narcotic charms

will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in your arms.

You'll lie to your mother; you'll steal from your dad.

When you see their tears, you should feel sad.

But you'll forget your morals and how you were raised,

I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways.

I take kids from parents, and parents from kids,

I turn people from god, and separate from friends.

I'll take everything from you, your looks and your pride,

I'll be with you always, right by your side.

You'll give up everything: your family, your home,

your friends, your money, then you'll be alone.

I'll take and take, till you have nothing more to give.

When I'm finished with you you'll be lucky to live.

If you try me be warned this is no game.

If given the chance, I'll drive you insane.

I'll ravish your body; I'll control your mind.

I'll own you completely; your soul will be mine.

The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed,

the voices you'll hear from inside your head,

the sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see;

I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.

But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart,

that you are mine, and we shall not part.

You'll regret that you tried me, they always do,

but you came to me, not I to you.

You knew this would happen. Many times you were told,

but you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.

You could have said no, and just walked away,

If you could live that day over, now what would you say?

I'll be your master; you will be my slave, I'll even go with you,

when you go to your grave. Now that you have met me,

what will you do? Will you try me or not? It’s all up to you.

I can bring you more misery than words can tell.

Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell...