When I had Shelby, in 1997, I had to have an emergency C-section. So, with the next two babies, I was allowed to have voluntary C-sections. I can't remember what I took for pain when Shelby was born, but I know it passed through my breast milk because he slept more than a couple of hours. Being a new mother, I didn't know much, but I knew that wasn't right. Of course, my gut feeling was to get off of the prescription painkillers and switch to Tylenol. So I did, and he slept l

Seriously?!? I usually have a lot to say about articles I post, but this one has left me utterly speechless:  http://m.wmctv.com/wmctv/db_401748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=B3vvGvnS

It is hard to believe that the police want to actually help addicts instead of just throwing them in the slammer, but it's true! All over the country, police departments are trying (and sometimes succeeding) in implementing protocol on how to deal with addicts committing crimes and overdose victims. I think Shelby County, TN is attempting to help criminal addicts, but they have a long way to go. In my experience, with my Shelby, he was sent to a state run rehab where there

We need more awareness! We need to be more socially responsible and responsive! We need laws changed! It's a choice the first time, then it becomes a disease. As with any disease epidemic we need protocols in place to help these people to heal and become rehabilitated. We cannot just sit idly by and do nothing! Opioid overdose is the leading cause of death in our country right now. What are we going to do about it? Please read and become informed: https://www.google.com/a

There are always two sides to every story. I have a good friend that went through our drug court here in Memphis and it saved her life. Yet, there are others for whom drug court only made matters worse. On the flip side, the info on the Shelby County, TN drug court site claims they have a high success rate. When my Shelby was arrested, the people pressing charges were extremely adamant about having him go through drug court. The drug court counselors contacted Shelby about jo

This is beyond my comprehension. In this modern world of limitless technology, am I to understand there's a black market on the internet? Where drugs can be sold to children? And nobody can track it?  This epidemic runs deep and wide. http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/strongdark-web-sales-glutting-us-mailboxes-with-deadly-opioids-strong/

Last week, my family and I attended camp. This particular camp was a camp for adults and children trying to cope with grief. My sweet sister, Lynn, told me about it, and from the first time we talked about it, I was so very intrigued. I think all of us were apprehensive at first, as we're all the other campers, but we quickly became friends with everyone there. There was a strange comfort in becoming friends with other people grieving. Truly a kinship of the bereaved. All of

This is dedicated to my new friends I made at Camp Bravehearts grief camp. I'll be posting about my experience soon, as well as providing contact info. Usually on weekends, when I make breakfast, I like to play music from iTunes. Today, I chose to listen to an inspirational songs playlist created by the intuitive folks at iTunes. This one song, "Rise Up," came on. It is by Andra Day. I've never heard of Andra Day, but now she's my instant favorite! This song spoke to me an