God doesn’t hate humanity — He hates sin. And it’s because of His love that we can have new life, a new way. Use the tools you’ve learned along the way. Stop panicking. Don’t go back to your old ways.

A Facebook memory came up today, and tears flowed. I realized it was the last hug. The hug where you seemed okay. We — well, the ones who tried to hide your addiction from the rest, not very well I might add — were at least trying to let everyone have as much normal as possible.

What is normal? That’s a whole different topic for another day. Today my brain, my face hurt from the tears my mind tried so hard not to shed. Even though it’s been years, I still cry. The grief, the saddest parts of you are still there — the look of desperation, knowing you wanted to stop the drugs but couldn’t.

 We had so many talks. I just listened, not knowing what to say, but I saw the hurt. Desperation. That picture — the memory of the family’s love for you, no matter what happened. A little over a year and a half after that hug, drugs and addiction caused you to do things for money that I couldn’t even imagine. Until you were gone.

 So, let me ask you: what in your life are you letting addiction put a price on? Are you hurting family, friends, yourself?

Remember: you matter. Tomorrow needs you. I Need you.

Recovery is worth it.

Thanks for letting me share.

• Tammy Rose