Dear Anonymous,
He has lived experience of addiction. And recovery. And all the messy territory that lives between these two shores. He has sustained deep personal loss. One of his brothers died from a fatal overdose. Recently. She, as well, recently lost a boyfriend to the same path. They are both employed. Live in a lovely apartment. They choose to visit.
I am just sitting with how that was yesterday to have them hand out packs to folks on the street in his brother's memory. Reflecting on the conversations. How impossible it can feel to make any change. Just how difficult it is to do so. Just how diminished thinking can become out here. Desperation. Urgency. Drama. Being overwhelmed is the norm. Mental illness partners with substance abuse. Trauma is leaking everywhere. Everyone talks at once. No one listening. No one realizing they are talking over someone else. Triggers. Triggers. What's the plan? I need a drink. I need a fix. I need boxers.
For these two to simply arrive. Stand with us. Be kind. Offer something without needing anything. Good medicine. Thank you.