Hello, my name is Lisa. I have a story that winds up being the most tragic thing that a mother could ever have to face. My son Derek lost his life after battling with a horrible addiction. Derek faced many trials throughout most of his life beginning at an early age when he lost his father due to a drug overdose. A few years ago Derek moved to Colorado in hopes of bettering himself and his future. Derek, his sister Jade, brother Shane and I have always been a close family with a very strong bond. His parting from us when he made this move was very difficult for all of us but we supported his decision because we wanted what was in his best interest. In the beginning it was a success. He worked very hard and made much progress, but there was one thing missing from his life.. his family. He had so much going for him yet his loneliness and longing desire to be with his family hindered his happiness. Then unfortunately someone introduced him to the drug Fentanyl and that’s when things began to spiral downward. This drug he used to cope with his loneliness turned into an addiction which only led to more problems. When he realized his whole world was crashing down on him he wanted out but he was broke and felt trapped. At first he thought suicide might be his only option, but then he reached out to us, opened up and told us his situation and how serious it was. Derek told me he didn't want to die but he'd rather be dead than to be there. All he wanted was to return home, go through detox and be in his 2 little boys lives. He said he didn't belong in Colorado, he belonged close to us & his children so I promised I'd make sure it happened. This was on Sunday, then Monday we took off heading to Colorado. We couldn't wait to see his face & give him the biggest hugs ever, then load him up and head back home. But we arrived to the worst possible news.. my baby boy had passed from fentanyl withdrawals. My heart has never felt so much pain and I'm struggling to deal with it but I'm trying hard to keep it together and get my son home just like I promised.

2/6/91-4/23/23