Lily's new home

An Angelic Victim of Heroin: The Short Story of L

Please understand that certain names and places have been left out of this story and full names have not been used to protect those involved

The story below is written by L’s former foster parents. 

We could tell you this story and use all the drug abuse statistics that you have probably heard before involving the huge number of people addicted to opiates and the massive ripple effects addiction has on communities, families, and the criminal justice system.  We have no doubt that you would shake your head and perhaps go back to what you were doing.  Some people may lack the insight into heroin addiction because it has not touched their life.  Others have been touched by this evil and know the depth of despair that it breeds.  Those of you who know this evil will immediately understand this story.  Either way please take the time to read this short story about one little girl.

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This story begins in August of 2013, an angel was born into circumstances beyond her control.  She could not speak and beg her mother not to use heroin and methamphetamine.  She could not kick enough inside that womb to tell her mother to stop.  She could not cry out and beg for that needle to not touch her mother’s arm or keep that pipe from her mother’s lips.  And her mother could not stop, the grip of addiction was too much. 

L was born into a world of addiction and immediately knew the evil of heroin and methamphetamine in her first days of life.  As a result, L was removed from her mother’s custody during those first few days.  And through a series of events involving her being placed with a family member who did not restrict her mother’s access to L, as was ordered by Child Services, L was placed into foster care.  We became L’s foster parents at the beginning of the summer in 2014 and we were immediately in love with L’s personality.  We endured her seemingly endless ear infections, her ear surgeries, and the time she tried to die during a mysterious infection that required multiple days of hospitalization.  For all of the sick days from work and doctors’ visits there were amazing times of her laughter, her first steps, her dancing to Elmo, and her love of cheese, fruit, and juice.  It was an experience rooted in love for baby who needed a chance at life and love.

The time flew by, a whirlwind of diapers, daycare, snacks, dirty rice, and Elmo.  One day the call came that L’s parents had met their burden in their Child Services case and L was to be returned to her parents, the day before Christmas.  It was heartbreaking but understood to be a part of being a foster parent. But the story didn’t end there.  L’s parents realized that L had a significant connection to us and allowed us to stay involved in her life.  We would continue help with transportation for L to daycare and the doctor.  We helped with baby supplies when they struggled with finances and we always offered moral support for the lifestyle changes they wanted to make.  We helped with employment, resumes, job applications, and so forth.  We wanted them to succeed which would allow L to succeed. 

But those who know addiction know what happened next.  All of the gains and successes were met with equally sized failures and losses.  As time went on the evil of heroin rose its demonic head again, only this time it was both using and selling and ultimately involved federal law enforcement and the federal court system.  Without mentioning specifics due to pending court proceedings, L was removed from the home again.    

Now to today, Child Services has moved to terminate parental rights and place L with her half-sister (R) who was previously adopted by L’s grandparents due to similar circumstances years ago.  At that time, years ago, L’s grandparents took the initiative to save R from her only known world involving general neglect and the heroin use/sales lifestyle, and raise R as their own to give her a bright future.   Now, once again, L’s grandparents are acting without hesitation to save her as well.  The actions of L’s grandparents both then and now are examples of a truly selfless commitment and are only rooted in the purest form of love for children who they believe deserve better than a future of foster care could offer.  At a time when most individuals their age are beginning to consider retirement and future plans that do not necessarily involve raising children, L’s grandparents have chosen to embrace L and, along with L’s half-sister, raise them both, together.  Words are almost not enough to express the level of love and devotion that L’s grandparent have given to raising R thus far and we have zero doubt that they will do the same for L.

The request is simple, for L to be properly and permanently placed with her half-sister, the home owned by her grandparents needs to be modified to include an added bedroom and expanded bathroom.  While they can handle a portion of this, finances are tight.  This is not luxurious remodeling.  Their home is small, even for two adults without any children, and this addition is purely utilitarian.  Taking on a second child, expanding their home, buying clothes, furnishings, and toys, as well as legal costs all add up rapidly.  We are attempting to raise $25,000 to assist with all of the above-mentioned expenses.  If everyone who views this request contributes even $5 we will make our goal quickly. 

Remember this, we know L’s story is one of hundreds if not thousands of children victimized by heroin.  We know that as much as we would like to believe, L is no different than other children trapped in the circumstances surrounding addiction.  We just ask that you please find it in your heart of make a difference in future of just one child, who, with your help, can rise above this evil, and see a bright and promising future in a drug free, loving, and supportive environment.  Together, we can save this little angel and give her the life she deserves.   Thank you in advance for your contribution.