Stay strong

Every so often, on days like today, I like to get on Facebook and scroll through the pages of my friends who have died as a result of their addiction. Some days it’s easy to not be grateful for this life I’ve been given. Some days it’s easy to forget how far I’ve come. Some days it’s easy to forget why I’m putting in all this work. On days like today I like to look back and read their posts. I like to look at their wall and remember them and realize they had no idea that post was going to be their last. They had no idea they weren’t going to get a tomorrow. I remember them and honor them by living a better life. I share my story, my struggles, my success because I’m still here. I will remember their names and their faces forever and as long as I live I will share my story, because someone somewhere needs it. I’m going to live my best life for me, my family, my children, for the people that didn’t get the chance, and for those still fighting. So many people lost their lives without knowing how much better their lives could be. They will never get the opportunity to have children and watch them grow up, they won’t get the opportunity to grow old with the one they love most, they won’t get the opportunity to see how beautiful life can be. They lost their opportunity to live, but I will not waste mine for another moment. My heart breaks for them knowing the pain they were in and that their only escape was in death. My heart breaks for them and everyone that loved them. I look at their Facebook pages and I remember every single reason why I’m still fighting today. I’m fighting for my life, I’m fighting for my children’s lives, I’m fighting for everyone that doesn’t get the opportunity to fight anymore, and I’m fighting for everyone that’s still fighting. To anyone that needs to hear it; life does get better, you loved beyond your wildest imagination, you are powerful beyond measure, and your life has so much meaning. I love you, you can do this, and you deserve everything good and wonderful.