I'm so sorry to hear about the death of your family member. I lost my brother last fall to medical problems from his heroin addiction. It's awful and sad, and know that you have someone in your camp. It affects so many people. My brother's visitation was littered with friends (users, former users and non users) and family who were equally as unhappy as his immediate family.
I guess his long term use gave us a long time to move through much of those fears - especially of judgment. It was a path that was sadly predictable without change, yet still sad because he left behind a then 6 year old and then 16 year old. It totally svcks. The grief is ever present, and pops up at some odd and inconvenient times. Like at a baseball game with his youngest. Anyway, the gift you can give society is to talk about it and not let fear of shame or judgment get in the way. You'd be surprised at how many people out there have a family member in the same position. It's supportive when you get used to calling the spade a spade.
However... I will not watch that show Intervention. And I find myself unable to appreciate shows featuring drug dealers or addicts. I couldn't get past season 2 of Breaking Bad... knowing my brother was one of those people who did horrible things to get his next fix was always present, and I found that it made watching not at all enjoyable. I hope my friends and family understand why I just couldn't muster my way through a series that featured characters who society cheered on?!?! I thought the acting was fantastic, but maybe too fantastic. It was hard enough loving my brother while actively disliking who he became and what he did to feed his habit.
Anyway, I just want you to know that you have a friend here. I'm sorry for your sister's loss the most. It has to be the worst thing to bury a child, no matter the reason. Ending on a positive note, I will say that his death brought my family together in a uniquely tight way. His problems ceased to exist and we all just found out that we cared about each other more knowing he had hurt all of us tremendously. And the weirder part? We all made a pact to forgive him and move forward. It's been a little weird, but healing.
Hugs, Betsey
"There are only 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
