Funeral costs for my son

"In West Virginia, a resident dies from an overdose every 10 hours." 

[My son, Mike (left) and youngest daughter Kayla (right)]

I'm Irene, and early this morning, September 15, 2020, this fact went from just another statistic to life altering. 

My first and only son, Mikie, passed away from an overdose this morning. 

[Mike (left) with his nephew, Daniel, (right)]

Earlier this year, I buried my mother, Charlotte Chandler. Now, I have to bury my oldest son. No parent should ever have to bury their child. 

I have COPD. And my husband had to retire early because of chronic back and knee injuries from years of manual labor. We know our story is all too similar to other West Virginians..

All of this plus the pandemic has created a perfect storm - we simply don't have the money to bury our only son.  Just like all 'good' West Virginians we hate asking for help or handouts. But this time and at this moment we just don't know what else to do. "The average funeral costs between $7,000 and $12,000. This includes viewing and burial, basic service fees, transporting remains to a funeral home, a casket, embalming, and other preparation." 

Mike knew how to tell you what he wanted, but he also knew how to have a good time. He was generally the life of a get-together and always cracking everyone up.  Maggie, his most loyal sidekick, brought him so much joy and laughter, even during his harder days. 

[Mike with his "sweet heart miss Maggie"]

Mikie loved his friends. He loved his family. He loved his only son, Steven. He loved his dog. He loved the outdoors, he loved 4 wheelers and trucks, and voicing his opinions. He was the best son we could have ever asked for, and we are so grateful for the 33 years that we were lucky enough to spend raising. loving, and supporting him. 

[Mike (left), and his son, Steven, (right)]

Mikie was bold, he was opinionated, and he was fiercely loyal to his family. I can't quite yet imagine a world where my only son isn't grinning widely at a camera alongside his family. 

He loved his family, no matter what. And his family loved him, no matter what. 

[From left to right: my oldest son (Mike), Me (Irene), my youngest daughter (Kayla), my husband (Ernie), and my oldest daughter (Susan)]