By Myra Hogan, Managing Editor
August 1, 2007 — Editor’s Note: This is week 2 in a series of first-hand accounts of lives touched by drugs here in Carter County. The names will be changed to protect identity.
I was touched by the story in the newspaper last week about the brother who was lost, and as I was walking today memories began to overwhelm me of my own story I would like to share.
The story begins with a wonderful relationship between two very close friends, first cousins to be exact. Jane was beautiful and her smile lit up as she showed love to everyone in her path. We were very close throughout our many childhood and teen years. We shared a love for helping others who were hurting.
Jane was one of those people that you couldn't wait to see when you were having a hard day. As we became older there were obstacles that sent Jane down the wrong path. I started to see her beautiful smile slowly fade as she became more and more involved with some very bad influences.
I will not tell you all of her trials that she went through, and I am sure I don't know even half of them. She became involved with a very evil driven man who had many addictions and she somehow allowed them to take control of her life as well. There were many times, many years after our childhood days, that I would try to stop in and see her but the pain and frustration of what she was going through would leave me depressed and in tears.
There was no longer a happiness that would come from her direction. All I could see was her pain as she tried to tell me she would be ok. I am so very sorry for the lost years that I could have been there for her; the hugs, kisses, and kind words that she needed. I wish I had done more, but I didn’t.
I am happy to say that after several hard years she found her happiness again, as she was in jail a minister reminded her of that smile on her face long ago, it was Jesus. She came home with her new smile and new direction and she was ready to take on the world again. We were all excited as we heard the news. Jane was back!
I thanked God several times, but never had the chance to hold her and tell her how proud I was of her. Life and distance kept me from her, and before I knew what happened she had gone on home in heaven leaving us all behind including her children. I know she knows we all miss her but the reason I want to write this story is because I know there is another Jane out there who needs to know we love her and there is still a smile available!
It is time for us to put away our selfish reasoning and go to the ones we love and show it in a way that they might remember it in there darkest hour. God bless you all who can relate to this story, there is hope.
NOTE: Those who are or have been addicted to drugs or have suffered loss due to the drug addiction of others are invited to send their story to mhogan@journal-times.com fax to 474-0013 or drop off at the Grayson or Olive Hill offices.
