Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. Recognition. Prevention. Treatment
20/20 Parenting. Recognizing and mitigating early vulnerabilities and risk factors.
Kerry’s Journal
Reflections, Experiences, Shared Vision
December 23, 2005
On November 29th I had the great honor of sharing with the organizers and attendees of the Oceanside Crystal Meth Task Force at their public forum held in Parkesville B.C. I had been asked to give the community a presentation on early prevention as I see it, from the perspective of a mom who has learned too little too late to save her only child. As I shared, several nodding heads indicated a connection and the silence in the room revealed just how desperately we want to understand.
Close to the front sat a group of youths, several currently struggling with meth, I was later told. Though the event had been advertised as for adults only, I hoped they might learn something more of what their own underlying vulnerabilities may have been when they began to use this horrid drug, hoping this would be a help to them. I admired them for being there and wish them a very speedy recovery.
The following day the family I stayed with gave me the royal tour of their lovely home town Qualicum Beach, and Parkesville. I have always wanted a closer look at this area of our beautiful province as I had heard for years of the warmth of the residents and peaceful beauty of its scenery. It was everything I had ever imagined and more. I hope to revisit one day when the circumstances can be more pleasant.
It deeply saddens me to know that our youths in many equally lovely communities around the world are so easily falling into drugs and alcohol. My experience with my own son's life has led me to work at finding the solutions for true prevention. As I see it crystal meth is only a symptom of much deeper and longer-term troubles in our youth's lives and in our society at large.
I am excited about the work we are doing at 20/20 Parenting as we develop this website behind the scenes. And thanks to the professionals who are writing articles for us I am learning, at long last, what I needed to know often times, many years ago.
As for Christmas, it has become bitter sweet for me. I have many wonderful memories of sharing the season with Ryan. Now I also have the sad memories of our last day together on Boxing Day 2001... the day when he gave me his cryptic goodbyes and thank yous and his last "I love you mom"... the "suicide note" I wasn't to fully recognize as such until three weeks later when he freed himself from his seemingly hopeless life of torment after one more failed attempt at regaining the life he'd known before meth.
And, I can't help but think of all the families who are currently having their Christmas darkened by meth, and other drugs and alcohol. If your family is among them, words cannot express how much I wish I could wave a magic wand and take it all away for you. I wish you much love and support from family and community in the days to come. I wish you a successful outcome for your precious youth and family.
I am truly grateful for the lessons Ryan's life has taught me and for the opportunity to share them with others through our upcoming resource centre website and through personal presentations. It has been a wonderful year for me in that respect and I thank you all for your attentiveness and support.
May you all have a Happy Christmas and a Very Successful 2006 and beyond.
Kerry Jackson
