"Parents Talk Heroin and Kids and Death"

Once again my thanks go out to Dave Whiting of The Orange County Register.  After writing last week's article Dave was deeply touched by the stories he heard and realized the need to get the word out in our area.  I've told him his articles may save lives.  I wish I would have known I was not alone back in 2008 when I first discovered Keven was using.  Eventually I met the parents who read here and without you, well, I honestly don't know how I would have made it through.

I hope that some parents in OC find my blog and introduce themselves, I would love to connect with them.  

Welcome to anyone from OC!

I am quoted in the article (you can read it here), and he also posted this photo.  It was taken when Keven was being let out of jail for the first time and his PO was coming over to inspect his room.  I had already searched his room and thrown out all the other paraphernalia (that's why there are no spoons in this photo) so ALL OF THIS was what he had hidden so deep I could not find it until he told me where to pull up the carpet, which pockets to look in, and a few other hidden places!!!

Sorry, I know this photo hurts to look at for some of you.  I still feel uncomfortable when I see an empty balloon or any type of foil. Click to make photo larger.


Peace, Hope and Love, Barbara

Thank You, David Whiting!

Photo:  
PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER


I was ecstatic to open (online) my local newspaper and find a front page article on how opiates are killing the youth of  South Orange County.  FINALLY someone in the media is taking notice and spreading the word.

Of course we all know this is happening across the entire USA, but where I come from, a very clean, safe, upper middle-class (mostly) area, its one of those things "nice families" think their children are immune to.  Its so important for parents to understand what is going on and that heroin is not like other drugs.

I know the photo will be upsetting for many of you to see.  I still cringe when I see a roll of foil and a laundry list of other household items that are now associated with heroin.

I've mentioned before that I've wanted to write a book, and so has Keven.  I took a class on self-publishing yesterday and think I am going to go for it.  I want to share what I've learned.  I don't have all the answers but I sure know a lot more now than I did in 2008 when this nightmare started.  Its become a passion of mine to help other parents.  Do you think anyone would actually buy the book?????  I'm open to any and all input from the other "experts" who read here.

Thanks.

Peace, Hope and Love, Barbara

Three Day Stay at the Hotel OCJ !

Keven will be enjoying the next three days, meals included, in the luxurious OC Jail.

He'll be supplied with a cute gold jumpsuit, gray (formerly white) socks and orange shoes, all of which are monogrammed "OCJ" in black Sharpie.

During the day there will time for socializing and communing with others - sharing stories and toilets - a bonding experience.

Meals are served in a large dining room and prepared by experienced cooks.

There's a lovely view - if you like looking at other men in cages wearing gold jumpsuits.

There will be multi-cultural experiences learning about various gangs groups. He will be able to brush up on his Spanish and ASL (American Sign Language). He is sure to be a minority among his peers as well as one of the youngest guests there, which can prove to be intimidating interesting.

One hour a day is spent outside in the glorious fresh air, on top of a ten story building that has a lovely view of several gray concrete buildings.

The best part of this three day get-away is the time provided for reflection and meditation.

I wish him the best and hope that he returns refreshed and motivated with a new outlook on life.

In seriousness - I DO think this is positive. The court he is involved with is called "Opportunity Court" and they strive to help people - not just punish them. Keven deserved this and is lucky to be part of such an excellent program. If you've read here for long you've probably seen my posts bragging about all the positive things the judge has said about Keven in the past. Now he has disappointed her AND pissed her off, but she still wants what's best for him, that's why she let him out yesterday to attend a class!

Finally, the Message is Getting Out Around Here

I've known about the "heroin epidemic" in Orange Country for a few years now, before Keven ever took his first syringe full.  I would talk to people about it but unless they were directly affected they looked at me like I was nuts -

"Teen Heroin Addicts?  In upper/middle class "perfect"

Orange County families???  No way!" 

Yes, its sad but true.  Spend a day in Courtroom H-2 at Newport Harbor Superior Court and you'll see kid after kid, mostly from South Orange County (Mission Viejo, Irvine, San Clemente, Lake Forest...)

The Cal State Fullerton newpaper "Titan"  has an excellent article in their newspaper today.  It states the basics, what every parent hear needs to be aware of it they like it or not.

Its not something we want to know about, denial is so much easier than those ugly words, "my kid is a junkie".   I literally felt my heart aching thinking about these young people's lives, their parents, my boys..wondering if it will continue to be a growing problem or if our government would stop turning its back on the fact that all of it is imported and its affecting an entire generation across our country.

Introspect: Heroin addiction sweeping through Orange County
by Jennifer Karmarkar