The Town Herald - Again

 The 'opioid crisis' has its roots in the 1990's according to some sources. Opioid use has been with us for centuries - the first 'opium dens' had their roots in the Far East, Afghanistan or Pakistan, and eventually made their way to China, and then the West. Opioids do have their place - pain relief - which helps some, and destroys other.

Senator Chuck Schumer is at it again, but this time, instead of just mouthing platitudes, may be on track to start meaningful sanctions against the two biggest producers and exporters of synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, car-fentanyl, ketamine, etc., Mexico and China! (The State Department advises against travels to these countries - there is no surprise!)

We are in a war, a war for the lives of our children. Leigh and I fought hard and long for our son, Mark. Opioids, cheap opioids like synthetic fentanyl, were the victors - this time! It is about time our Federal Government takes the first meaningful steps to stop the import of these deadly drugs.

Economic sanctions should not be the only steps taken - these may prove ineffective. A war is not won with sanctions or appeasement alone - ask Prime Minister Chamberlain. There are times when real patriots must take their stand - stand their ground and defend their loved ones!

The Senator's proposal has passed the Senate, and the House should take up this bill. It is about time! Here are links to the news - https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/schumer-urges-house-to-take-up-bill-that-imposes-sanctions-on-countries-that-fail-to-crack-down-on-synthetic-opioid-production/ and a Western New York/Orleans County perspective.

Please pray these measures are enacted into law, and that they are effective. It is time to take the fight to the exporters of these poisons!

The Price of the Gold Standard

 The medical Gold Standard for treating opioid addiction is with the use of medications, like Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone). Cash prices for this prescription medicine range from $87 to $209 CASH, after having paid for a doctor's visit to a doctor who is qualified to dispense Suboxone. 

Do you think maybe the doctor charges extra for this service as extra training is required? For the love of Pete (whoever he is!) - what extra training? 

Oh yes - another Government mandate - there are too many of these boondoggles!

Folks with an addiction who want to change their lifestyle and habits, all too often find it less expensive to continue using. It is not a matter of will power, personality, or any other factor - money, money, money. 

Cash to pay the doctor. Cash to buy the medicine. Cash for a repeat visit. Cash! Cash! Cash! And then cash to buy more dope.

So much money has been allocated over the years, and is spent continually each year through law enforcement funding, attorney general funding (AG James and Narco Ring), local attorneys, etc. etc. etc. to combat the OPIOD CRISIS. (The Real Cost). $5.5 Billion in the Federal budget last year, $1.5 billion this year.

Using GOODRX.com, $1.5 billion would provide 44,117,647 doses of Suboxone each year - FREE. This number does not include the monies spent at the state level each year as noted previously.

Isn't it about time that someone in charge takes harm reduction through medicine to the next real level?

How many more need to die!

Has it been that long?

June 1, 2019

Has it really been that long since you have been gone? It seems just like yesterday. We shared this the other night as we lay together in bed. How long has it been? The pain and grief has not diminished - not one bit - still aching, burning. 

Some days are somewhat okay, others are just plain horrible. We pray for peace and comfort, only finding grace in the promise of a joyful reunion in the future.

Has it really been that long?

 

Suffering for God

 

The saints, true saints, have a different perspective on suffering than us 'mere mortal' Christians. Saint Padre Pio said that only through suffering can our soul say with certainty that we do love God.

Does any one of us truly seek suffering? Suffering comes our way in living our life with all the bad moments. Some suffering continues for years, especially with the loss of a loved one to addiction or disease. 

It could be that saints are given a gift of more tolerance for suffering. When trials come which cause suffering, this may be God's chosen method to prepare us to become more like the saints and martyrs.

A Joyful Reunion!!

 

From Martha Hickman's _Healing After Loss_ for August 5. This speaks to all of us.

"My wife of 57 years was buried today beside our son, who died in 1941 as a result of a truck accident when he was hitchhiking to take a job. She has longed for him all these years, and now she is with him. I know they are embraced in happiness." Terry Kay

"... none of dies alone - that our loved ones come to greet us, to welcome us to the other side."

"It is a hope I cherish - to rejoin my loved ones."

Amen and Amen!

Grief Goes On And On

Leigh wrote this as a post on Facebook. 

"This and more just never stops! We miss our Mark Kinsey so much! I thought I was stronger than this! Yes, I am having a pity party and I'm mad! Thank goodness I have Jesus and He comforts me, but this time of year is so very hard. My husband, children and grandchildren are my life. There is nothing more precious than this, but when you lose a child and grandchild it sneaks up on you every. single. day! Doesn't matter what time of day or night or where you are, it just happens. Then I'm down on my knees praying to our Father and He never fails to assure me my loved ones are with Him. For that I am grateful! There are several other Moms out there who live with this every day. Know you and yours are being prayed for and that our Lord will comfort you also."

Chuck:  The grief pit of despair seems bottomless on many days. Without faith, how would we survive? It is more than just putting one foot in front of the other; surviving grief means looking to an outside source for strength and encouragement.

Family Pictures

We had a family gathering last weekend to celebrate birthdays - our grandson's 13th, and my 70th. It was a very special day. Cake, ice cream, family gathered and sharing, guitar music - we couldn't ask for a more special day. Our daughter from Albany surprised us with a visit - this made us both cry!

And ... we took many pictures to capture the day, and a special one of four of our smiling, loving, happy children together.

It hit me again this morning!

No Mark. He wasn't here. He should be there with his sister and brothers, laughing and smiling. He wasn't there. Stupid damn drugs!

Stupid drugs, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana took him away from his loving family. 

Stupid people who sold him drugs as a living, stupid drugs misused and mass produced to make money.

He needed help. So many need help. 

The government preaches 'OPIOID CRISIS'; their money is not where there mouth is! Too many are caught and need help. Our voices must rise up together to transform inaction!!

We have to hope, and believe we will see him again when we pass from this earth. Maybe the pain will lessen.