Our beloved Madelyn Ellen Linsenmeir died on Sunday, October 7. While her death was unexpected, Madelyn suffered from drug addiction, and for years we feared her addiction would claim her life. We are grateful that when she died, she was safe and she was with her family.
Maddie was born on March 31, 1988, in Burlington, Vt., where she grew up and lived on and off throughout her adult life; she also spent time in Sarasota, Fla.; Keene, N.H.; and Boulder, Colo.
Madelyn was a born performer and had a singing voice so beautiful it would stop people on the street. Whether she was onstage in a musical or around the kitchen table with her family, when she shared her voice, she shared her light. She was a member of FolKids of Vermont, a dance and musical troupe that toured the world. Maddie visited Russia and Thailand with the group and, as part of their exchange program, hosted kids from other countries at home in Vermont. She loved to ski and snowboard, and she swam on the YMCA swim team, winning medals at the New England regionals.
When she was 16, she moved with her parents from Vermont to Florida to attend a performing arts high school. Soon after she tried OxyContin for the first time at a high school party, and so began a relationship with opiates that would dominate the rest of her life.
It is impossible to capture a person in an obituary, and especially someone whose adult life was largely defined by drug addiction. To some, Maddie was just a junkie — when they saw her addiction, they stopped seeing her. And what a loss for them. Because Maddie was hilarious, and warm, and fearless, and resilient. She could and would talk to anyone, and when you were in her company you wanted to stay. In a system that seems to have hardened itself against addicts and is failing them every day, she befriended and delighted cops, social workers, public defenders and doctors, who advocated for and believed in her ’til the end. She was adored as a daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend and mother, and being loved by Madelyn was a constantly astonishing gift.
Maddie loved her family and the world. But more than anyone else, she loved her son, Ayden, who was born in 2014. She transformed her life to mother him. Every afternoon in all kinds of weather, she would put him in a backpack and take him for a walk. She sang rather than spoke to him, filling his life with song. Like his mom, Ayden loves to swim; together they would spend hours in the lake or pool. And she so loved to snuggle him up, surrounding him with her love.
After having Ayden, Maddie tried harder and more relentlessly to stay sober than we have ever seen anyone try at anything. But she relapsed and ultimately lost custody of her son, a loss that was unbearable.
During the past two years especially, her disease brought her to places of incredible darkness, and this darkness compounded on itself, as each unspeakable thing that happened to her and each horrible thing she did in the name of her disease exponentially increased her pain and shame. For 12 days this summer, she was home, and for most of that time she was sober. For those 12 wonderful days, full of swimming and Disney movies and family dinners, we believed as we always did that she would overcome her disease and make the life for herself we knew she deserved. We believed this until the moment she took her last breath. But her addiction stalked her and stole her once again. Though we would have paid any ransom to have her back, any price in the world, this disease would not let her go until she was gone.
Maddie is survived by her son, Ayden; her parents, Maureen Linsenmeir and Mark Linsenmeir; her sister Kate O’Neill and Kate’s partner, Marshall Fong; her sister Maura O’Neill and Maura’s partner, Tim Painting; her aunts Beth Dow and Susan Dow and Beth’s partner, Charlie Allison; her beloved cousin Sloan Collins; and many other aunts, uncles and cousins, including the Conants, Cahills and Camisas. She is predeceased by her grandparents, Madelyn and Roland Keenan, Mary Ellen and Herman Dow, and Reginald Linsenmeir.
Please join us for a memorial service honoring Maddie’s life on Sunday, October 21, at 2 p.m., at the First Unitarian Universalist Society sanctuary at 152 Pearl Street in Burlington. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Turning Point Center, a place where Maddie spent time and felt supported. Donations can be made via its website, turningpointcentervt.org.
If you yourself are struggling from addiction, know that every breath is a fresh start. Know that hundreds of thousands of families who have lost someone to this disease are praying and rooting for you. Know that we believe with all our hearts that you can and will make it. It is never too late.
If you are reading this with judgment, educate yourself about this disease, because that is what it is. It is not a choice or a weakness. And chances are very good that someone you know is struggling with it, and that person needs and deserves your empathy and support.
If you work in one of the many institutions through which addicts often pass — rehabs, hospitals, jails, courts — and treat them with the compassion and respect they deserve, thank you. If instead you see a junkie or thief or liar in front of you rather than a human being in need of help, consider a new profession.
We take comfort in knowing that Maddie is surrounded by light, free from the struggle that haunted her. We would have given anything for her to experience that freedom in this lifetime. Our grief over losing her is infinite. And now so is she.
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This article appears in Oct 10-16, 2018.
I want to say I don’t know this woman but I know what she went through cause I myself for well over ten years addicted to drugs but I have been clean for three years and I fight every day to stay clean I’m very sorry for your loss I wish she would have been free from drugs but drugs take hold and don’t let go but I thank God every day that I was able to free myself for my kids my family and most of all me and I wanted to tell u thank u for seeing us as people not junkies cause a lot of people don’t have a heart like u guys so thank u and again in very sorry for your loss I’m sure she was a great person
I am so sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing Maddie’s story, I know it will be of help to those who still suffer.
Stunning description of a magical, loving, struggling young woman. I have seldom read anything quite so moving. This will stay with me.
Thank you, Kate, for sharing this. So sorry to have lost Maddie.
I’m so sorry for your unimaginable loss. The monster finally took my son after persecuting him relentlessly. Bailey Kuk, 7/14/88-2/6/17.
I understand your broken heart.
I’m so sorry for your loss of lovely Maddie. The monster also finally took my son after torturing him for years. Bailey Kuk, 7/14/88-2/6/17. I understand your broken heart.
What a very moving authentic writing. I only wish I had met your Dear Madelyn. May God give you the strength necessary to get your family through this difficult time
I’m sitting in my car in a gas station parking lot sobbing right now and though I don’t know Maddie I know the same struggle that she had all too well… But thank you from the bottom of my heart for your very perfectly put words of wisdom and truth… No drug addict ever wakes up one day and says that’s what I want to be… A drug addict…its no little girls dream! And you are a wonderful person for being so open-minded and forgiving and understanding of how we as addicts may feel…. Thank you so much for sharing and my heart hurts for your family and I pray for peace for u all!!!
Perhaps one of the most beautiful tributes I have ever read to a PERSON who happened to be an addict. May all your memories be good ones down the road and thank you for sharing.
Only a beautiful person can touch someone in a way that allows them the strength and passion to write something so amazing. As a therapist I pray that someday the world we see this awful disease for what it is and make treatment more effective, available and the world less judgmental.
This tribute to Maddie was profoundly written, articulate and capturing. She was beautiful, smart, adventurous, loving and full of life. But that wasn’t enough to savevhrr from “the demon”. As the mother of an addict…I know all to well her struggles and yours. I have felt every possible emotion on this roller coaster ride from hell. I feel everyday my son is alive…is a gift. When my friends lose children to this disease, I not only feel deep sadness but also guilt. I wonder why it wasn’t “my son” this time. I know that sounds crazy… or maybe each time I hear of a loss, I feel I will be next. I can’t make any sense of this epidemic and so many young lives lost. I cannot imagine ypur grief. But I do believe your Maddie is free from the torment, guilt, sadness and helplessness her disease caused her. And I know you find comfort in knowing she has eternal peace. Thank you for sharing her story..her legacy. God Bless…
I don’t know Maddie But what a honest and heartfelt message to all. Thank you for your honesty and in sharing your story you may prevent one more person from losing their life. As a result Maggie is helping more people. My heart goes out to you and your family and I will share this story to hopefully help one more person. My prayers go out to you and hope you find peace and what a beautiful way to remember Maggie!
Thank you for the honesty here. People need to know this.
I Have a son who is struggling with the same. God’s Blessing for your family. Enternal rest grant unto her oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.
As a recovering person I thank you for this honest, heart felt obituary. This is a disease, not a weakness. I’m sorry Maddie lost the battle but grateful she had such a loving family & that she is now free of her pain and struggle. With love, JoAnn C. St Louis, MO
It’s heartbreaking to see the pain you are all going through at the loss of a beautiful young woman. God give you the strength to cope with it. Maddie is now at peace, the brightest star in the heavens looking down at you.. RIP
My heart goes out to you for losing your daughter. I thank you for humanizing this terrible disease.
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for humanizing this terrible disease.
I lost my brother to the same disease 16 years ago. My heart goes out to you all and take comfort in the fact that she is now free from all the darkness that surrounded her with her addiction. God Bless
My heart goes out to you and your family..I have never felt so Not Alone as I do now. Your words touched my heart and my Hurt I struggle everyday and I feel my familys pain always. Memory Eternal Maddie
thank you I live with bi polar in the home …one word help
Your obituary for your beautiful daughter is heartbreaking and lovely. She sounds so much like my own girl, Maddie, also born in 1988. We have escaped the torture of addiction, and I am so sorry that you have lost Maddie. I have nothing but compassion and love to send you.
My sorrow for your family is huge. I lost my mother to addiction back in 1972. I was 11. I’ve lived my life believing that your words here are the kind that others would have said about her. If their paths cross in the light, your Maddie and my Mother will be fast friends. She’ll share with Maddie how much she loved the world and all of its glories. I’ve been told she’s my Guardian Angel. Your Maddie will guide her son too. I hope he feels her hand on his shoulders and her songs in his heart always.
My heart goes out to you it really does..I am going through this with my gorgeous son Kyle, he is a special .light and a wonderful sweet boy who is constantly fighting demons too…. I hope that Maddie finds the peace and happiness in the next life and I pray that you keep her memory alive in her gorgeous little boy.. His presence will mean that there will always be a part of her with you and I hope this brings some comfort to you during this heartbreaking time. Hugs… Lisa xx
This is the most beautiful obituary I have ever read. You so adeptly captured the struggle of addiction, and yet portrayed Maddie in her own light. She was blessed to have such a wonderful family surrounding her. May she rest now at peace.
Your celebration of Maddie was so moving, I donated to Turning Point… It is just an anonymous donation, please know that even strangers, are pulling for those struggling with addiction.
She IS infinite..
I am so sorry for your loss. My daughter, now 35, now In florida for the last two years, is still struggling. She has lost her two kids. Sounds like the same story. I have not given up on her and tried to see her last time I was there, and it never happened. She can light up a room as well. Prayers to you and your family, for my worst fear has become your reality. So very very sorry for your struggle and your loss.
I’m very saddened and sorry for your loss. But I am happy to know you were all aware of the disease of addiction and didn’t treat her differently because of it. You saw through that and knew the person that she really was. A lot of families out there don’t understand it and don’t try to understand it and just shun the addict away. I myself have struggled with addiction due to having a chronic painful illness. I started taking opiates because of the excruciating pain I was in everyday. I became addicted and after years of taking the pain medications I found myself in situations and doing things I would never do ordinarily. I struggled with pain pills for over 10 years. I haven’t taken pain medication for over 4 years now. I do take Suboxone once a day now. Some people don’t agree with this but I can tell you it saved my life it gave me back my life. It treats my pain and keeps me away from all of the other drugs and opiates out there I was taking and spending money I didn’t have. Now I have control over my life everyday. I’m not in as much pain anymore. And I feel like I can finally breathe. I feel quote like a normal person now. What ever that is? This story is so sad and true. For Year’s my family didn’t understand what I was going through dealing with the I was I was in, trying to work and be a single parent etc etc. I am so sorry 4 the loss of your daughter. And I hope more people in this world will educate themselves about this disease. Much love and respect for your family and your daughter.
Thank you for your brave, kind and honest remembrance of your beloved one. I have no doubt that your honesty and courage, somewhere, somehow, with someone, will do a world of good. Sincere sympathy and gratitude.
My most sincere condolences go out to her family and friends I myself have struggle with this disease for years it is not an easy place to be in if u are bond to this disease those that have never experience having to go through what an addict goes through well god bless you and always pray that it doesn’t touch ur life because it is the worst thing that can happen to anyone I don’t wish this on my enemies because I know what it is to struggle with this disease it does not discriminate it can happen to anyone today im sober I take it a day at a time but I struggle everyday to stay clean it is not easy but it is possible with prayer and a great support system u can overcome this disease so sorry that maddie lost her battle with this horrible addiction may she RIP.
I’m so sorry for your loss. How horrible to lose a child. Thank you for sharing her and your story. It is a wonderful example of the love of a parent.
I read with sadness and admiration your tribute to Maddie, and I thank you for sharing with us your love for her, your comments about what is indeed a disease, and your call for compassion rather than judgment.
May we all be changed by this epidemic, I hope indeed we are changed, and that we collectively become more empathetic and mature in how we hold and help all of these human beings who suffer addiction.
Thank you too for your convenient link to Turning Point Center.
There are so many layers to any life and you did a beautiful job of sharing the complexity of Maddie’s. My heart aches for her tortured soul and the pain she must have felt. I hope that she can rest in peace now. Remember her often to Ayden and I hope she visits you all in your dreams.
I’m so sorry.
My friend lost her only child to addiction.(June 28th)
One week, after his release from long term rehab.
He was a gentle,kind,appreciative,and private soul.
He left no children.
Keep speaking!!!
I am so sorry for this tragic loss. My beautiful Kelly pass away almost 1 year ago. She passed away from a cocaine/fentany overdose in Victoria, BC. She was 41. . While her family lived in fear of this we never really believed it would happen. She had many gifts, just like your Maddie – she was warm loving,hysterically funny, made everyone she met feel special and people just were drawn to her whereve she went. She was beautiful, hardworking, smart and the sparkle in her eyes could light up a room. She was also an addict who tried over and over again the free herself from it. She didnt start the drugs until she was 30. She eas a hiker, snowboarder skiier but I know it was hard for people to put the addiction piece in a small corner and let the other pieces of her shine brightly. Sometimes it was hard for me…….. Your obituary was so beautifully written with such great heart and love. I am so, so sorry for this great loss you have suffered and continue to suffer. I used to think the grief might get smaller but it remains and you build your life around it. It ill calm somewhat though. I am still alive a year later and wasnt sure I would be. Your pain will ease somewhat and become more bearable. Love to you and your family. You are a beautiful mother. . Hazel
I don’t know this woman but I wanted to say she was so lucky to have been loved so much, and you all were lucky to have a beautiful soul like Madelyn in your lives. This was beautifully written. I’m sure she’s very honoured. RIP Madelyn
God bless your family. What a beautiful and honest tribute to Maddie. I will pray for your entire family to find peace and to continue sharing Maddies story so that others can learn and understand what addiction is about.
i have angel bumps all over. Maddie died from addiction, so did my son. It took him over so fast, I still have not caught my breath. That is how deadly Opiates are. The demon of addiction. The shame, the blame, the heartbreak of watching that person become possessed by a pill….Let’s all thank the drug companies that made billions manufacturing them. let’s applaud our US Congress for doing the minimum and lets not forget Insurance companies who have no clue about this tragic epidemic and the long term treatment required to pray they get sober. It’s a war out there.. unless you have lived in it and through it, noone gives a damn.
I will miss my boy forever and one more day and I will silently curse the ignorant system we live in.
Thank you. Many people have posted this far and wide and I hope the fact that this obituary is doing so much good brings you some small solace. T
So sad, my heart breaks for all of these lovely people who struggle with addiction, and for their families who have to cope with struggles to stay clean. I have been given OxyContin prescriptions twice for surgery pain, and fortunately after just 1 pill I knew this stuff was not for me. It ripped my stomach up something awful. My body was definitely rejecting it. I already have a high pain tolerance and only needed 2 of my arthritis acetaminophen a day to deal with the pain, one in a.m., and one in p.m. I hope the grandparents have her sweet little boy and he is being raised by loving family members. So sorry that this talented young ladys light was put out by these drugs. Sending love and condolences to the family.
This obituary was so profoundly written. You wrote such honest words, with such love and grace. She sounded like an amazing woman, I am so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter, sister , mother, friend….Addiction is so hard…hard on all of us…. I can only imagine the darkest hours for those addicted….it must be hell. I am hopeful that someday we will be able to help combat addiction as we have only scratched the surface of this disease. I also truly believe that as we educate and become more educated we will master new ways to help those who need us so……thank you for your honesty and love …<3
Prayers for the family and love. Without love there is nothing. I blame society and the government for this. I personally fight this battle everyday. I keep in my mind that God has a greater plan not only for myself but for Madelyn too.
Thank you for your courage and your honesty. As a recovering addict with 21 years clean, I am intimately aware that every day clean is a battle won. Maddie sounds like a truly awesome woman who will be sorely missed… she had a disease that killed her, not a moral failing. My heart goes out to you.
What a terribly sad loss. I truly hope that the sentiments so lovingly and eloquently expressed here will impact others lives for the positive. I am so sorry for your loss.
I wish I had known Maddie. What an absolutely beautiful tribute to a beautiful young woman. I was brought to tears. This awful demon that haunts them is so horrible. As an RN I have treated so many young drug addicts after overdoses and I pray hard my one little girl never follows the devil and gets overtaken. My heart breaks for her family. Prayers and love..her struggle has ended she is resting with the Angel’s and her grandparents. I pray that God helps ease the grief after losing such a beautiful person. Thanks for this beautiful write up that sheds light on the serious issue we have to help solve so more beautiful people do not lose their lives. Xxoo Maddie is now your angel in heaven always watching over you.
Im so sorry,this lady I would say has a huge heart and no one knows her sadness,condolences to her beautiful family from Australia
Im very sorry for the pain and loss all of you are going through.
Its a beautiful thing that you can still see a person for all they really are, not just what the drug addiction has made some people see.
My condolences.
I am so sorry for the loss of Maddie. My thoughts are with all who loved her. Thank you to her family for sharing this beautifully written account of her life, and thank you for helping to educate others about addiction. Please know you have moved me to support the Turning Point Center, and you have forever changed the way I think about addiction and the people who are afflicted by it. My greatest sympathies to you.
I am so sorry for the pain of her leaving your family. She sounds wonderful.
I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sure she was a lovely person. Life is hard and addiction is harder. God Bless.
My god this made me cry for your loss but also for the love you showed her even in her darkest moments, I myself am an addict of nearly 8 years and currently Im sober but I know the struggle to stay sober is one that some may not be lucky enough to receive so I work everyday at it, Im just so glad you her family were there for her till the end and my thoughts and prayers go out to
You guys <3
May she and her memories Rest In Peace.
This came through my Twitter feed… that’s how widespread her story is, and how many people your writing is reaching.
Her story without your words is just another obit of a drug addict who left too soon.
Her story WITH your words is palpable, relatable even for non addicts, heart warming and in the end, heart breaking.
My sincere and deep condolences to you, her family/friends/loved ones who mourn her passing.
I absolutely love your honesty and your beautiful story of Maddie, I am so very sorry for your heartbreak. I lost my son 19 months ago and this is something that no parent should endure. I hope you find peace, hug Ayden tight. Much love
I have to commend you for supporting your daughter until her last breath was taken. Too many parents, family members and those of society, shun people with this illness. And that is just what it is, an illness. No one knows more than you what she felt. The rest of the world can only guess. But with your writing this obituary, I pray that some can come to at least a sense of understanding. No one wants to be an addict and most have no idea where to turn. This gives all of us in the world a direction if nothing else.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. If I can help you in any way, please contact me. I would love to photograph her journey in a special way if you would care to collaborate with me on that. Don’t stop here with your message!! It is one that needs to be heard world wide.
Sincerely Yours,
Kendall Boxall
240-877-4689
Infocusbykendall@gmail.com
I do not know the struggle but I do know that you never give up on your child. I thank you for sharing your story with us and I can only imagine the pain and struggles you had with trying to do everything possible to make life better for your child. Stay strong and please continue to educate and help others. I believe God has chosen you to do so. I hope you find some peace in helping others! Thank you again for sharing your story with us. It certainly brought tears to my eyes for all of you. Paulette xoxo
I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot even begin to imagine what everyone is going through right now. I read the obituary and it is beautiful. With your permission, I would like to read it to my teenage daughters. Not because they are bad, they are excellent daughters, but I want to show them that even good people like them can fall victims of the monster called drugs. I pray for your pain to ease fast. With love from Goodyear, Arizona.
This touched my heart and very close to home, for I also lost my daughter to an overdose and left two beautiful children. Addiction knows no boundaries. My prayers go out to this family.
I am deeply touched by your words of memorial . As a journalist for an international broadcaster I have seen addiction from nearly every vantage point . As a man walking though life in a difficult world,I have been touched by addiction in my own family . Addictions are much more common than most people imagine . Some folks simply function better and longer in a world that makes some allowences , but not many . I am sorry for your loss .
I’m so terribly sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to young Ayden. May his life be filled with surrogates who smother him with motherly love and affection. You are so brave to share Maddie’s stuggle with the world, and I commend you for writing a story that shows that her life was more than the circumstances of her death; that she was more than her addiction. Peace to you.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. As a mother, I know that your loss is unbearable and your pain intolerable. You may not realize what you have done for the many families who suffer as we do, but you have done a brave and noble act in posting this obituary for your beautiful child. Thank you.
Mr. And Mrs. Linsenmeir,
What a beautiful gift you have given Maddie by honoring her so in this obituary. I commend your strength and courage. I am sorry for your loss and I can only offer the sympathy of a stranger. There but for the grace of God go I.
Mary M.
Maddie’s obituary deeply touched me. What stuck out the most, was the way you described her as the real Maddie, a person with attributes that shine. Maggie’s soul was described not the addict. And that is beautiful. Most times loved ones of an addict only remember the bad and ugliness of the deasese. As a recovering addict, I feel only the bad is remembered by the ones who I love the most. And it brought me to tears to know that you saw her as she truly was. My heart is heavy with my past, but you’ve given me hope to find a better way of living. Thank you. I am sorry for the loss you and your family are experiencing. My heart goes out to you all. And again thank you for the hope you have installed in me.
Thank you for sharing such an intimate portrait of Maddie, her loss must be devastating. I am so sorry.
Your obituary is incredible, and it is my sincere belief that it will help someone reachout. It has been shared across the country and probably around the world. Maddie is making a difference. Her struggles matter. Your words matter, and your love most certainly matters.
Lovely words, well said. Maddie reads like a wonderful human being. I’m so sorry for your loss. Stay strong. Love from London xx
I am in tears. What a tribute to this beautiful girl. I wish I would have had the honor of knowing her. Thank you for sharing her life with us.
I didnt know Maddie but I wanted to say that this is one of the most beautifully written obituaries that Ive ever read. Im so very sorry for your loss.
I learned this news in a completely unexpected way about ten minutes ago, and I am shattered beyond words. I went to high school with Maddie and am having trouble processing this. I remember her as being funny and warm, and she indeed had such a lovely voice. She was a truly beautiful person left such an impression on me that I even think about her from time to time, I even did the other day, although I haven’t seen her in 15 years. I also live with addiction and I know as well as anyone the depths that it can take you to, which makes this feel all the more personal for me. I know too many people who have lost their lives to this disease, but this just hurts very bad. Prayers of healing to your loved ones and especially Ayden, my heart breaks for him just as much. I won’t ever forget you Maddie. Rest in peace.
This brought tears for someone I have never met but, was introduced to through this writing of her life. What a wonderful loving soul Maddie must have been. How amazing it had to be to have her be a part of your life, even if as an adult addict. How I would give the world to have a family with unconditional love for each other. She knew a love and acceptance like most never know exists. Addiction can creep up on you so easily after an injury and once depression follows suite, it has its hold on you and it wont let go. We have it in our Family and it has hurt many ~ unintentionally. Addicts need that fix to stop the pain that addiction has started. They dont see how it affects and hurts their family and friends. They have blinders on with a goal of just stopping the pain.
You showed your pain but, at the same time, you showed your unconditional love for a daughter, mother, sister, niece, cousin. Friend. Thank you for loving your Maddie like you did. You showed the world how it shoul be done. May God wrap you all in peace, love and comfort. There is no more pain.
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your Madelyn. Your tribute to her is honest and loving and beautiful. I wish I could’ve met her. Our family has suffered the loss of a beautiful sister to addiction and I so wish that she had been given an obituary like this one. Instead we all suffered silently and uncomfortably because the truth was not spoken. I hope you are feeling the love and support from others because of your courage to honor Madelyn with the honesty and compassion that she deserves. Sending love from California.
This obituary is a masterpiece, it allows us to really have an understanding of who Maddie was and how difficult her life was (Parents included). It was beautifully written!
What scares me the most is the moment when Maddie first tried oxycontin at 16. All of us as parents fear the moment when their child tries some form of drug for the 1st time. This beautiful woman, mother , sister , daughter should serve as a warning to all of us. Know your child’s personality! Realize that the addictive personality will love it and most likely continue to use them. Intervene quickly before that addiction becomes the lifestyle.
I’m so sorry for your loss. No parent should ever lose their child.
Maddies soul and spirit will live on through Ayden now.
Love and hugs from Windsor, England xxx
May you finally find the peace of spirit and well being which really was your quest …..you were you are now! R.I.P.
This is a deeply touching memorial. I cannot begin to understand what this family has gone through. I pray for Maddie, Ayden, and Lisenmeir family.
Godspeed Maddie …. and my prayers and love are with all who loved her. A beautiful tribute that touches me deeply
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have never read an obituary that was so true about the monster so many of us battle. I too have battled this disease, and for almost 4 years now, I have been the victor. I just want to add that I owe a lot of people for the support I was given, but most of all God has been my strength. Without Him I would lose the battle today.
While I didn’t personally know Maddie or your family, I do know how terrible substance and alcohol abuse can be and how the addiction tears apart families; taking beautiful souls long before their time. Just remember, never give up on them, they’re still themselves, only with an extra layer of padding that we all need to work to keep a connection open that’s never allowed to close. Blessings to you and your family as the days of loss only compound, yet her light will always find its way through the darkness.
We lost our son to this terrible affliction last year. It’s so nice to see someone else say they’re more than just another junkie. Our wonderful son was so much more than his addiction, which put him in his own personal prison/hell. He struggled for years. 32 is way too young to die. Maddie was even younger. Such tragic losses. My heart goes out to her family, sadly, I know all too well their pain.
My name is Jeanette and I am an alcoholic. On november 3rd I will celebrate 2 years of sobriety from alcohol. My heart is aching for you all and your loss. And I understand completely the hopelessness that Maddie felt. Please know how all encompassing addiction is. To not care about anything but that next drink was what my life was reduced to. Homeless hopeless and helpless I prayed very day to die. It is purely by God’s grace I live free today. My heart is with you all and please know how
much she loved you but this demon is so powerful not even love can break thru sometimes. I am so very sorry for your loss.
I was very touched by your love for Maddie and understanding. I too have a “Maddie” in my life. My 40 year old son the father of 4 children and a wife has turned to opiods/meth to deal with the pain of cancer. He has been using for over 2 years now and it has torn our family apart. His children miss the fun times he spent with them and only wish they could have their dad back.
God bless you and your family and may Maddie rest in peace.
Condolences to your family in this time of grief. May the best and brightest parts of Madelyn’s spirit forever shine in your hearts. Gratitude to you for this honest, heartfelt, and inspiring tribute that undoubtedly will help many others by lifting up with hope those who need it, and expanding the hearts of those who didn’t know they needed it.
Love and light to you all.
I am so sorry for your loss, and I am sending you love and prayers. No judgement. Just love. This can, and absolutely does happen to all kinds of families. I will especially pray for Ayden, that he grow up knowing about the deep and abiding love his Mommy had for him, and how, even in her struggles, she never gave up trying to get healthy for him. Hugs.
What a tragedy as with anyone struggling to find their self worth that would give them the strength to overcome the need to be numb in life. Life sure as hell isn’t easy for most and the faster we live the more we give up on humanity,
What an amazing tribute! I am sorry for your loss. I lost my sweet, funny, brilliant brother to addiction and it is a horrible disease to have and a horrible one to watch. Every person who loves and who is loved has fulfilled their destiny and, by this standard, she was a great success. May you find peace knowing she has, love, knowing she did and hope for your new normal without your dear one.
Im so sorry for your loss. I lost my wife to narcotic addiction in 2002, and I miss her every day.
What a beautiful testament to the love you hold for your daughter. I thank you for sharing. I send you and your family peace, love, light and prayers. I know your story. My daughter was 46 when she had her last overdose. Her children will continue to carry her in their hearts as will we all. My heart goes out to you. Maybe they will meet up on the other side. <3
thank you for sharing your story. You are brave and this makes a difference.
Peace, love and joy to your family.
My daughter Sarah died 4 years ago and her story is very much the same. She tried Oxycontin at 19 and spent the rest of her life struggling until she died at 28 (1985-2014). She left two beautiful children behind who are now 8 and 10. I feel that Sarah is also free from suffering and in the light now. She also fought hard and suffered the humiliation and shame that is heaped on those with drug addictions. One of the hardest things for her was losing her good name and reputation as she spiraled downward. She was dignified and responsible and always had a job or was looking for one. Sarah took care of her children until the very end when she brought them to me. And then one day she just slipped away, right thru my fingers and was gone. One of the hardest things for a parent is the inability to protect a child with a dangerous addiction. It is truly heartbreaking to watch and live through.
Im sending all my love to your brave, wonderful family. Please know so many of us are thinking of you and Maddie with kindness in our hearts. Thank you for sharing this story.
I am a recovering alcoholic and dope fiend. I pray for her. sometimes no matter how hard someone tries they just can’t kick the habits. If you’re using please go to rehab and then hit AA or NA or whatever affliction you have. REhab is easy….it’s being on the outside that’s hard. stay within the AA or NA community. nobody wants a dope fiend or alcoholic like AA or NA does. stay around them, do service and I pray you will lives a better life. I have 25 years clean and sober. and yes I still go to meetings. If I don’t …I’ll go back out and I’ll die.
My prayers for you and your family. And for those brothers & sisters of mine….one day at a time……please reach out.
I didn’t know her but sounds like she was someone very special….Me, myself being a recovering addict my heart goes out to your family and especially her son… I also appreciate your understanding of this epidemic and you knowledge to know we are not just junkies and view us as people with a disease. I greatly appreciate that. I also am in awe of the writing of her obituary; Extremely powerful and very well written. Thank you again. I have a 6 year old son and even the love I have for him didn’t get me sober. And people thought I was crazy because I couldn’t get sober after having a child but it wasn’t him it was ME!! With 2 years sober and almost off of methadone, which everyone has their own opinion about, but it saved my life! My next place would’ve been jail or death… So my last resort after trying suboxone; I tried the methadone. Luckily it kept meclean as well as attending weekly groups there, giving me the coping skills and how to deal with cravings and urges to still use early on in my road to recovery. God Bless Maddie, Ayden, and her family and friends as well.
Sending love and prayers to everyone. Would never judge. Until you walk in someones shoes, you have no idea what theyre going through.
Oh my God I came across this of Maddie because a family member of mine shared it I can not tell you how beautiful everything you wrote It’s amazing my brother was also a user and passed away 26 years ago at the age of 36 with AIDS, beautiful most families would share that in an obituary I hope you help lots of people with everything you put in there if just one person it’s a beautiful thing but it’s so beautiful I hope it helps more God bless you and your family with the loss of this lovely woman and thank you for sharing your story cuz it will help people that are having problems with addiction but it also helps those who have lost people from addiction…….
I’m so sorry for your tragic loss. I myself am an addict. Although I’m recovering from opiates it’s the methamphetamines that have now been trying to kill me. This battle us no joke and judging does nothing to help an addict. God Bless u
Prayers for the family. Maddie sounds like a beautiful soul!
Absolutely beautiful! I would have loved Maddie, for sure! My daughter passed almost exactly 6 years ago. She fought addiction with all that she had. She was in a car accident. “Local authorities” insisted on an autopsy because she had been known to have an opiate addiction. The autopsy came back clean. However, the judgment and stigma of some friends, family, and neighbors will never be forgotten. Her first experience with opiates was when a local man who is known by all in a tiny town, paid her with pills to babysit his 8 year old daughter, telling her she’d feel great. He is still free to live his life and has been busted several times, small towns protect it’s people from large families. My daughter was also referred to as a “junkie” from a close friend that I love like a sister. You found such an eloquent way to honor your daughter. I honor her too. She fought a valiant fight with a monster that most people are so afraid of that they put all the blame on the victim. Our daughters are truly free from the apathy of so many in society now, an apathy that makes recovery even more difficult. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Godspeed.
This is so beautifully written, you and your family are in my prayers. I am a person in recovery from addiction. And I truly thank you for sharing her battle with addiction because I know this will help others see the reality of the disease of Addiction
My deepest condolences to her family. She sounded like a beautiful kind and loving young lady. May she rest in peace.
I am so sorry for the loss of Maddie. Your absolutely beautiful obituary is making the rounds on Twitter, which brought me here. Your words will educate more people about addiction and the human beings it affects. I wish there was some magic way we readers could help shoulder your grief, except to express our sorrow and tears. God bless your family and most especially, Ayden.
This is beautiful so very sorry for your loss… In life we don’t understand some things and why they happen but i know maddie is a beautiful angel in a much better place then this cold cold world, if you are not an addict or a family member of its very hard to comprehend an addict…. Prayers going up for this family
My dad deliberately (to the extent that can be said) took his life by rifle because of addiction to opioids. He too, was a vibrant and charming human, full of goodness and so many beautiful characteristics other than addict. I am sending all of my love and good thoughts to the family during this incredibly difficult time.
Heartfelt condolences on your loss. It sounds like Maddie was truly a shining light in this often dark, cold world. Unfortunately being an addict myself I know the deep wounds of addiction. Im glad to hear your family stuck by her during all the ups and downs.
Ill def keep your family and her son in my thoughts during this tragic time.
I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was an amazing woman suffering from the evil that stole her life. Thank you so much for sharing her story. Again MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES
My heart goes out to Maddie’s family. I am a Mom who has lost two sons suddenly, one to an opiate overdose. My Matthew had many good qualities and it was heartbreaking that he could not know how much the world needed him. He was about Maddie’s age when he died in 2014…he was 28. Yours is a beautfully written obit.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May Maddie Rest In Peace and may Ayden thrive on all of the love that surrounds him. My heart truly breaks for your family. May Maddie’s story inspire those in need to seek help before it’s too late. God bless
God bless her, her darling little boy, mom, dad, everyone who loved her. My heart aches for all involved. Too soon, gone too soon…..
I dont know you or yout family, but I lost my childs father to addiction almost 2 years ago, so your pain is familiar. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your honest, heartfelt, and inspiring obituary. I can imagine it wasnt easy to write but it was HONEST and lends a hand to ending the stigma surrounding addiction. I only wish my childs fathers family had the courage to write such a truthful obituary. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time.
Thank-you for writing that. May she Rest In Peace.
My son was an addict. Sadly hes ended up incacerated. But this has also saved him. My only wish is he stays drug free and learns his self worth as the amazing human he is. Sadly its come at a huge cost. Im so sorry your beautiful girl didnt make it. Hoping shes pain free and you all find a way to live with this tragic loss from a disease that is no different to cancer or any medical disease. When it grips you its evil. Love and light to you all xxx
I feel like I know your Maddie just from this beautufully written story of her life! I have not personally been thru her struggle but I have seen it in my brother. I am so so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for Maddies family and most of all her son. I know you will all keep her spirit alive thru your stories and pictures for him. You must do that for him so he can know how special and perfect she is. Love and peace!
So terribly sorry your beautiful love, Maddie lost her life to the most horrible, chronic, progressive disease. Your love shines through the pain of her death. Thank you so much for sharing her story. I work with people who suffer with mental illness & addiction every day. They are wonderful people who want to be well. The brain is irrational when it comes to addiction. Recovery is fleeting for many. My heart hurts for people who suffer from addiction. I pray for Maddie’s family to find peace as they share there love for her.
My family has been haunted for many years by the same tragic loss that you are sharing with us…the passing of your beloved Madelyn. So many conflicting emotions surround the loss of someone who succumbs to drug addiction. We felt blame, frustration, anger, pain, sorrow and so many other emotions when we lost my brother. Even though heartbroken at the loss of someone we loved so much the feeling of relief that he was finally free from the stranglehold of drugs rose to the fore. For this we felt so much guilt, but only someone who watches the day to day yo-yo existence of an addicted loved one would understand this kind of freeing relief. May you find peace and know that there was nothing more you could have done to have broken the vicious hold that drugs had on your loved one.
I am very sorry for your loss. There are kindred souls out here if you need assistance – grief groups on Facebook: GRASP and Heroin Memorial are two good ones. Children Left Behind is a group on Facebook for those of us left to raise the children of our children who suffered this terrible disease. You are welcome to join.
Maureen Sharib
no words. love courage and deep thanks. This fractured world needs you and those like you.
bless ur hearts ….i know ur pain too well…my son is an addict…i pray everyday the LORD gives him strength to get the devil off his shoulders……thank u for your insight….may u all find ur comfort and may Maddie rest easy ….finally…….
Thank you for sharing as it must have been the second most difficult thing you’ve had to do regarding your Maddie. I myself am in recovery and it’s a daily struggle even with allmost 20 years. I am now a social worker working in a skid row area and my heart breaks everytime we lose another community member, those we provide housinng for and those still on the street trying to manage. Prayers to you and yours, God will meet your needs, where you need in these very difficult times and in the days, weeks years…. and more to come.
My deepest sympathies to the Linsenmeir family. Ive been sober for six years and currently live in a recovery house in PA with 8 other men. About 20 minutes ago, I read Maddies obituary to our entire group. You could have heard a pin drop. There was silence for about a minute after I finished. It was so powerful. At the end of the group, we said a prayer for her and your entire family. Rest In Peace, dear Maddie.
Such a beautiful obituary. You said it all.
I am so so sorry for the family…her poor baby prayers and hope for peace and happiness somehow
Thank you for putting into words Madelines struggles in a way I could’nt for My daughter Alyssa Morse. Alyssa died in my arms this summer having relapsed upon returning home after a few weeks.
Madeline and Alyssa’s story is so similar to so many others struggling
With this horrible disease. Thank you.
My mother, Jana Gurgon, also passed away from opioid addiction on May 14, 2014. It was also a life long battle for her. I just want to say thank you to Maddies family for writing this obituary. You captured, so eloquently, the life of someone with this disease while shining a glimpse of light on what its like for their family members who love them so deeply. I hope that you all, especially Ayden, remember her for the person she was and not who the disease made her. May you all find comfort in knowing that Maddie is no longer fighting, she is at peace.
I am so sorry for your loss. I truly think this story will touch so many. Wow, just wow, such beautiful loving words. There but for the grave of God go I. Everyone needs to read this. #StompOutStigma
I didnt know Maddie and I do t know the person who shared this post…. however, this is the strongest epitaph Ive ever read! I wish Id known her and her family because it takes incredible love and courage to write such an authentically honest memorial to her and her disease.
I wish more families would be so willing to share so honestly, as this type of honesty helps to dispel the stigma of addiction.
Clearly, she was truly loved and I pray for God to give you all peace throughout your journey of pain. I pray that her precious son will be able to feel her love through you all, as her family. That he will know his mothers love for him and know her doease took her and that her only wish was to be an amazing mother to him!
So sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you and your family.
I lost my nephew to this horrible addiction,
My daughter was also addicted to opiates. Thank God she is clean and married with two beautiful sons.
Thank you for sharing and I pray more people become aware.
God bless.
God be with this family.
Thank you for writing such a beautiful heartfelt piece about your daughter too many times addicts aren’t seen as human.i lost my brother to opioids, he also was a kind generous and funny soul. I miss him terribly.
Thank you so much for writing this. As an addict, I feel like it is hard for others to see my peers and I as anything other than “junkies” when we are so much more than that. Much like Maddie, I am a sister, a daughter, and an aunt, amomgst many other things. Thank you for taking the time to realize that your daughter was more than her addiction and thank you for being brave enough to write such and honest and open obituary for your amazing girl. I know that nothing will replace her, but I hope you can take solace in knowing that you gave this “junky” just a little piece of hope in a sometimes bleak and overwhelming world. Thank you and my heart goes out to you.
I came across the link for this obit on Facebook. While I did not know your beloved Maddie, I understand what youre facing. I lost my older brother this year to an overdose. He was only 35. Some days I wake up and forget that he is gone and then that wave of grief hits me like a ton of bricks in a Mack truck being tossed off of the Empire State Building, meaning it hurts, a lot. The struggle of losing someone so young to addiction is hard to reconcile. Some days Im mad at him and ignore my grief because he took himself away from us. Other days I try to find someone else to blame. I certainly hope your family can be there for one another like mine has. Love each other and try your best to educate those that judge and refer to people like Maddie and my brother, Seth, as junkies, waste of space, criminal, liar, etc. Everybody is somebodys somebody. Addicts deserve to live just like everyone else.
I am honored to have had the chance to read of your lovely Maddie, to learn of her beauty and strength and now to weep with you at her loss. From here in Canada, I send you peace. I am so very sorry for your loss.
First and foremost, I want to send my condolences. Second, I want to thank you for conveying so beautifully what a remarkable person Maddie was and that she was not in any way defined by the disease that ultimately took her life. Finally, I want to thank you for your efforts to destigmatize addiction. I am a neuroscientist and we are working hard to identify the neurobiological processes that allow drugs to take control of ones life. I truly hope that we can figure this out soon for you, Maddie and Ayden. Sincerely, Shelly Flagel
A heartbreaking and beautiful tribute
Drug companies need to be held accountable for this horrific epidemic. Where is the political will to make that happen?
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.vox.com/platform/amp/science-and-health/2018/5/15/17355722/opioid-epidemic-doctor-pharma-insys
I am so very sorry for your loss. And I have to say that I am a very fortunate grandparent of an almost 19 yr old grandson. At 17 he got involved with the wrong crowd and started down the horrible road of drug addiction. He was eventually arrested which forced him into re hab and I am so very happy and blessed to say that in November he will have been sober for a yr. Your tribute to Maddie was so wonderful and I hope you will continue to speak out, even if it only saves one life, then Maddies story will be responsible for saving that life. God Bless you, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers in the difficult times to come. Fly high sweet girl!
God only knows that I my self have been a Drunk on and off for 8 to 9 years active hold a job the whole time..however I lost my mother 8 years ago my rock then I had a baby and boy the stores and tears if she could remember them I’d be worried..and I have a 16 year old as well both are my life no matter what so the fact that someone took her son her rock from her the reason for living and changing her life cham on you….as for her loved ones god Bless and i.m so sorry
I don’t know your beautiful daughter, sister, mother, friend… but am deeply moved by the love you show written her on this page, and that you feel in your heats! I will pray for her, and all those who love her, and for all those suffering from this horrible disease.
Rest in peace beautiful girl!!
I am so sorry for the loss of this vibrant soul from your world. Your beautiful words about her have gone viral for a reason, and Maddie’s death will not be in vain. The world needs more families like yours.
Your tribute to Maddie was so beautiful. I lost my son, Tim, to the same disease on September 29th. I love him so and I am grateful for the people in his life that saw beyond his disease. My heart used to break knowing that people couldnt see past his addiction. Your message was so eloquent and accurate….there are no words to thank you enough for sharing your love and grief for Maddie.
I want to say thank you for your beautiful words it was just a few short years ago my oldest Son was a struggling addict, he robbed me blind, I didn’t stop loving him, I had to call the police on him several times, I didn’t stop loving him, I had to have him put in jail, I didn’t stop loving him, I had to cut him off from the family, I didn’t stop loving him. The only thing I hated was the various drugs he had tried but the worst was what became the love of his life, heroin. I was terrified but the steps I had taken were paying off, he got involved in drug court and was the Judge’s star. He has been clean for 5 years and is back with his family and on the Dean’s list in college. But, things could have played out very differently and I would be writing an obituary. I am sorry things didn’t work out for your beautiful daughter but God must have had the need for a special angel.
My Love&Blessings go out to all those affected by such a loss. Unfortunateley my family is suffering a somewhat similar heartbreaking experience. We all have lost a beautiful person, recently as well. Addictions do kill and I feel all people near and far need support.May comfort be found especially without blame & shame. Many thanks for much needed courageous sharing and caring.
This is beautiful! I stumbled upon this on Facebook, & Im very glad I read it. I work in a hospital & on an ambulance as an EMT, & no matter how a patient presents to me, I feel like I do a good job of being compassionate, & remembering that there is a person in there, who like every other person just wants to be heard, accepted, & loved. I will undoubtedly think of your Maddie from now on when I encounter those who struggle with addiction. She was a beautiful girl. She is also very lucky to have such a loving & understanding, supportive family. Im very sorry for your loss. Peace be with you.
The knowing smile on Ayden’s face told me all that I needed to know about his love for his mom. I hope that his family helps him to remember her in the years ahead. Maddie sounds like a beautiful soul. Thanks for posting this tribute to her.
Maddys story ripped a hole through my heart because it reminded me so very much of my own son Dannys story. We lost him 13 years ago and the pain remains the same. I have learned to live around it but the memories of his struggle with his addictoon will haunt me forever. How hard he tried to stop and how much he hated the pain in the eyes of the ones who suffered because of his addiction. They never meant to leave us. They never meant to hurt us. Thank you for sharing Maddys story. To her Mom… I pray for God to heal your broken heart. He did mine … when I finally let him. RIP Maddy
This was so beautifully written. I understand every thoughtfully written word,as I lost my beautiful,kind,warm and intelligent son one year ago to this same horrible and relentless disease. There are no words to express my sympathies to you and your family. I pray that she,like my son are at peace.
Thank you for sharing Maddie with us. She will forever live in the hearts of all those that knew her personally and those who were privileged to read her story. You are not alone.
I do not know Maddie but I’m terribly sorry for your loss. I also have the same demons as your beautiful daughter but have been sober for almost one year but the addiction never really goes away. It’s a constant fight and a conscience decision to get out of bed and live life every day for my 2 boys. It’s the most horrible and darkest of places I hate going to and never want to go back! I’ll be praying for you and your family in the days and years to come! This hurts my soul, I can’t imagine what you must be going through. Erin, Loveland, CO
I just want to say to the family Im so sorry for your loss I understand Im in addict to Ive been clean for a number of years but is the hardest thing I ever did I cried for your daughter today I understand her depths of pain and sorrow and Im sorry that she succumbed to the disease of addiction. May God be with that little boy and may God be with you God bless you!
Im so sorry for your loss what a beautiful tribute to your daughter, friend, family member I so wish for you that she wouldve overcome this terrible addiction this disease God bless you and your family and God bless that little boy so sorry for your loss
I’m so very very sorry. Spot on.
What a beautiful tribute. And with such real words about addiction and the insidious diesease. So sorry for your loss
Your words are so eloquently written and express your unwavering love and support for your daughter. While my heart goes out to you, your strength is encouraging. Im a social worker, in the mental health field, and work daily with children and their parents, who face this horrible demon we call addiction. It warms my heart when a parent passes a drug screen. Makes me want to fist bump them and high five them! Recovery is possible. I see it happening, daily, one day at a time. Thank you for sharing.
I’m confused at the Dislikes…
My Deepest Sympathy and Respect to the Family and Friends . ..Although Maddie was fighting one of the most horrible diseases,she was so Fortunate and Richer than so Many….She was given unconditional Love, Compassion and Support…What a Beautiful Family Maddie Had…Your Loving and Compassionate write up will certainly touch the Hearts of many and will hopefully give Hope and Courage to some…Thank You for allowing me to be a part of your Love, Compassion, and Understanding for a brief Moment….May Maddie Soar High with the Angels and May Her Beautiful Soul Rest In Peace . ..
I didnt know Maddie, but she sounds like a beautiful, exuberant woman. Our loved ones who suffer from the disease of addiction must be remembered as the true souls they were – and that onus falls on us as their family. Sending you love and light.
Ive never been an addict, but have friends in recovery. More recently, I dated an addict and he tried to destroy me. For some time, I felt resentment towards addicts because of his actions. It took me leaving after the abuse became unbearable to realize that he had many more demons than addiction alone. I had to understand that one bad person doesnt reflect the souls of others.
I am so proud of you for sharing her beautiful life with all of us. I am sorry to hear of your daughters passing. She is my age. 1988. It breaks my heart. She sounds beautiful, inside and out. She was blessed to have such great parents and support. I hope her story inspires and saves others.
I live in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. A woman named Michelle Schwartzmier lost her daughter, Casey Schwartzmier, to addiction and her obituary went viral also. Michelle now advocates and shares her daughters story. Maybe the two of you could meet. You and your family/friends are in my prayers. May she live forever in your hearts.
So sorry for your lost may God comfort you in your time of loss and your words were beautiful and really let us see addiction happens to anyone my heart and prayers go out to you all
I did not know your daughter, nor do I know you, but I hear love in your words. My sympathies to you
I’m so sorry for your loss.What a beautiful daughter and mother she was. I happen to work in one of those fields you describe. I tell all my clients that addiction is not a 6 month or 12 month program but a lifetime commitment. You can only take it one day at a time. Will you backslide ? Maybe but it’s not the times you fall that count but the times you get back up and fight another day ! For you who are reading this fighting addiction know that there is people who care and want to be here for you when you start to fall to help catch you.Please know that you are loved and you can do anything you put your mind to.To those who have been cleaned for a day,week or few years congratulations keep going I’m so proud of you. God bless to all who reads this.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all in the loss of your beautiful daughter. I thank you for sharing her life with all the beauty and struggles that she and her family went through. Addiction is a horrible disease that I pray can be Healed.
My condolences to you and your family. Your daughter no doubt knew the love you have for her, may you find comfort in knowing that.
That was beautiful as was your daughter. Shes free now. So sorry for your loss
Thank you. Just this morning I was listening to a podcast with Martin Kipp – he’s recovering – he says its important when addiction or mental agony kills to talk about it. Most obits say “she died at home” or “he died suddenly but peacefully” … It’s not helping. Everyone knows a 30-something doesn’t just die for no reason. Refusal to discuss the cause of death implies shame or a need for secrecy. This beautiful obituary should serve as an example. Many of us would cut off an arm, gouge out an eye, empty our bank accounts, sacrifice every possession, travel any distance… in order to be free from addiction or related demons. Many of us work and fight tirelessly for freedom. When we get nowhere and can’t figure out why, we sink deeper into the darkness, the cycle, because of the shame. Some of us won’t stop fighting, trying, hoping until we breathe our last breath. Thank you for recognizing that. Your life, Maddie, was not wasted. You loved and were loved. Therefore, you lived.
This was a beautiful tribute to your beautiful daughter. Although I didn’t know your Maddie, you describe what is most important. Thank you for sharing who she was and our love goes with you. Her disease didn’t define her, of course. Thank you for expressing her humanness. I hope that everyone can remember this.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, Maddie sounds like she was an absolutely amazing light in this world. Thank you for having the courage to advocate for those who can’t. My heart breaks for your family and her son. I work with individuals struggling with addiction ever day, and I watch as the world judges and turns it back on them. We need more people to prove to the world that these “addicts” are more than their disease. Thank you for your transparency and your strength. This WILL inspire someone to seek help, or change their mindset.
So sorry for your loss. Such a beautiful tribute to your daughter. My heart breaks for you and your family. Thank You for allowing us to view this. I lost my 38 year old son this June to cancer. He had an addiction problem for years, on and off on and off. Meth was his last drug of choice. I still wonder if the drugs didn’t have something to do with the ugly cancer that took his young life. He too lost the rights to his youngest daughter due to his drug use. Which in turn our family lost our rights also. I have no idea where this merry go round of addiction ends but I hope I live long enough to see it. God Bless You
My ex husband is an alcoholic, I know he didn’t chose that life I know he loved me but he nearly destroyed me,bless this family
Written so beautifully, and so honestly. Through your heart we can see the magical presence that was, and always will be, Maddie.
So very sorry for your family’s loss. She looks like a beautiful person. Cherish the good memories and continue to share her story as it may help save someone else. Her addiction doesn’t define her, it was just one part of who she was. Prescription drug addiction is an epidemic that many are choosing to ignore thinking that it just happens to others. That it’s a sign of weakness. That couldn’t be further from the truth. She tried to stay clean but the pull of the addiction can be overpowering. Thank you for sharing your very personal story. It resonates with me as I almost lost a loved one. I’m grateful every day that he’s still with us.
My son is addicted to opiates, he was arrested and spent two years in jail. and six months in rehab after jail. As far as I know he is still sober going on three years. I thank God he was arrested, I am still raising his two sons, he says he is not ready to take over their care. I have never abused drugs but recently had surgery and was given Fentanyl and I can see how easy it would be to become addicted.
I can tell you loved her very much I am so sorry for your loss
So beautifully written and what a beautiful tribute. I walked that path with my daughter. She is currently clean and pregnant. Im scared as I know the disease can steal her back anytime.
My prayers are with you. I am crying. My son is currently in recovery from this awful disease, which started in much the same way as your beautiful Maddies did. Thank you for shedding light on her as the woman God created her to be, a woman who, in spite of her suffering, shined a light in the world. May God comfort and strengthen you. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute.
Wow beautifully written I am so sorry for your loss she sounds like a beautiful soul may she rest in heaven and finally find her peace
My heartfelt condolences to your family. To Ayden, especially. I, too, am an addict. I have just over 2 1/2 years clean now. I relapsed after almost 14 years of being clean .so this disease knows no time limit. It is ever vigilant. Since I have been clean, I have watched so many of my friends and family die. My heart never stops hurting for those suffering. I will never stop fighting for those who lose their voice, the families who cannot find theirs yet and will forever educate the professionals who continue to see the junkies before them instead of the sick individuals seeking peaceful help. Thank you for sharing a part of your family member with us. Silence is the voice of complicity with this hideous disease. I still take it one minute, one hour, and when I am super lucky…one day at a time. Blessings…Forever grateful Molly Farady-Sultze
I don’t know you or Maddie, but thought this was a beautiful, well-written tribute. So many people shy away from mentioning that a loved one’s death was related to addiction. Then people gossip about it or feel awkward. I love how you were open about it while still honoring the true person behind the struggles and trials. I’m not sure why I even clicked to read this, but am glad I did. I am a teacher, and hope you won’t mind if I use this in my classroom. I want my students to stand firm against experimenting with drugs and to embrace people who have been sucked into dependency – or at least give them a fair chance. Thank you for sharing.
I am so sorry for your loss. Each word you wrote resonates deeply with me. I lost my son to this dieseasr in April. My heart goes out to you and your family. I wish with all my heart that one more bright loving person doesnt die from this diseas but gets the help they need to beat this diseas. God bless you in this terrible time.
Cindy
I am so sorry, it breaks my heart & I didn’t know her. I know she was a wonderful person the way you described her. What wonderful memories you all have of her.
God Bless You ALL!
Jaclyn I am so very sorry for your and Maddie’s family’s loss.
This hurts. My heart is with all of you, with Maddie and with Ayden. What a poignant love letter to a life now gone.
My heartbreak for all of you, it’s a horrible disease, my son is fighting this, and it’s so heartbreaking for all involved. God bless and praying for you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing as I feel certain it will help others to understand better and perhaps be kinder and maybe some will seek help.
I’m so sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing and thank you for understanding the struggle addicts go through…
This is a strikingly compassionate and beautiful tribute – i hope your words will impress upon those who read them and encourage those people to second-guess their own quick judgment of the many afflicted people in this world.
There but for the grace of random circumstance go we all.
Thank you for sharing your daughter’s story….what a blessing you had in your life and she in hers. This needs to be told….over and over and over. My deepest condolences to you and her son.
You are a blessing to the human race. So bittersweet, so beautiful, so heartbreaking, so real. Thank you. I hope many read this and understand the insight and compassion you share, even in the midst of your pain. If I could take away your infinite grief I would.
Thank you for sharing your powerful and touching story.
Tears. Running down my face….
What a beautiful, heartfelt,commpassionate obituary it touched me. I wish i had a chance to have met your daughter she sounds like a truly beautiful soul. May she find peace and rest from her battle. And may you find comfort and peace. I am truly sorry for your loss. A fellow addict in recovery Lisa
bittersweet
Sorry for your loss,,what a beautiful testimony,god bless you all
I am so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing part of her story.
I can relate with what you are going through as I am a recovering addict….Maddie was lucky to have a family filled with so much compassion. You have left a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman who left a beautiful little boy as her legacy. May God comfort you & yours and all of Maddie’s friends during this difficult time and may Maddie Rest in Peace.
Prayers going up for you and your family. A loss such as this is made more difficult by the ridicule I am sure you have and will receive, but it is also made more poignant by the love and light Maddie brought you and that you shared with all who read her obituary. She is surely at peace now, and I hope that you find your peace in her memory. Blessings, Love and Light.
Brenda H., Federal Heights, CO
I lost my son in 2013 and not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. I struggled so long with judgement and pride, but I have learned that he would forgive me and not want me to be so sad all the time. It is such a weight and I hope to give his daughter and son the life he didn’t get to live. Rest in Peace my beautiful son Josh. Rest in Peace Maddie. You were a shining light in the dark.
What a beautiful and loving tribute to a beautiful and loving soul. May she rest in peace.
I do not know Maddie at all, but do understand addiction. People are always quick to judge and unless youve suffered from addiction yourself, you really dont know what someone is going through. Drugs and alcohol help people not feel which can take away pain. Most people would rather feel nothing, then deal with the pain. Ive been here and I thank god for giving me the strength to get sober. Addiction is such a sad disease. Your words were beautiful! God bless your family!
Jist like Tara said. This is sooo beautifully written! It captured a beautiful soul, it captured me. I am touched by this womens beauty. God bless her family with love in these days
I am so sorry for your loss but please know that she lives on in her beautiful son and in the memories you shared…it sounds like you have shared many wonderful ones. Don’t let her addiction define her!
I am so sorry for the lose of your precious daughter I lost a very precious boy to drugs also they took hold of him and he lost his battle.i feel your pain and I’m so glad you shared this it’s so beautiful but heart breaking.there are cruel people out there they call people drug heads and put them down but I worked at a ambulance service and saw it Dailey and it broke my heart to see it and some of my co workers had cruel words to say and I totally can’t stand that at all to me that was someone’s child maybe a father and I hope you can find peace in knowing Maddie is a shining star in heaven may God bless you today and in the days to come and thank you for sharing your story and tribute of her.
A powerful way to reach others who are suffering. May she rest in peace and the family continue to love her and her beautiful son.
This is my story. Which scares the hell out of me because of the ending…my heart goes out to her family. What a beautiful and powerful tribute to her though…it’s a rare occurrence for an obit to be so transparent and poetic at the same time. Prayers and love!
What a beautiful and loving tribute to your beloved Maddie. Addiction IS a disease and so many are unwilling to accept that thinking it is a lack of self-discipline. How blessed was Maddie that you understood her plight and never gave up on her or loved her less. May she Rest In Peace. And may your words travel far and wide to educate those who do not understand the struggles of those with addictions. God bless you for you unwavering love and compassion for Maddie.
Addiction is a disease, a chronic disease that no one should suffer.
I am so sorry for your loss. You gave a wonderful remembrance of your beloved Maddie. I too, lost a loved one to drug addiction. She is my daughter Emily. She lived from
6-22-1988 to 8-18-2017. I still cry and grieve for her every day. My thought prayers are with you and all her family. Thank you for sharing.
My prayers are with your family and Maddie. I want to thank you for painting such a beautiful and honest picture of the most baffling powerful and cunning disease. The disease of addiction comes in many forms even before the drug is encountered but people with OCD, eating disorders, or gambling addictions are not judged like that of an addict. That judgement only complies the amount of shame and guilt that an addict must overcome to fight for 1 single day clean. Your words are so touching, and heartfelt as all I hear is understanding and compassion and empathy for the war that so many battle every day. Most people experiment with the first one, but for an addict 1is too many and 1000 never enough. No where in the definition of addiction does choice appear. No one is untouched by this disease, however as a society we still view a drug addict as a junkie. Something has to change, and I think Maddies story has and will reach many. Thank you for having the courage to speak so freely.
I am sorry. I understand it takes the absolute best people and is heartbreaking. I was addicted for 20 years to opiates first given to me by someone in church when I was a Sunday school teacher, mother of a 2 and 4 year old. I LOVED my children. I was a fun, kind, loving good person… But I was in pain and made an aweful choice. 20 years later after homelessness and severe addiction, I met a woman who gave me hope again that there could be freedom. That I could get clean. She had done it. That older woman has since passed away and I am living clean 8 yrs. I am a grandma of 4 beautiful children. I am restored. I wish so badly this for your daughter. I am so sorry. I promise I will share with those still suffering how I did it and help them in memory of your daughter and others who did not get this chance. My sincere condolences to you, precious mom and dad.
wow – don’t know her but a friend posted on FB and I thought I’d read. Who ever wrote this is totally amazing and really gets it! I wanted to send love to the parents. and bless them with love and hope they can stay connected to her spirit and joy. we all have different ways of experiencing life. there is no right way. blessings to this beautiful woman that is now an angel for us all. zan
This is absolutely beautiful. I appreciate, so much, that you gave her an obit worthy of her. Addiction is truly a disease and truly does stalk and hold those captive that we love. Most people don’t understand that it only takes one use, in some cases, for that hold to be so swift and severe that it feels impossible to overcome. I’m so sorry for your loss and for her son and I’m especially sorry for Maddie. May she be in peace while you rebuild your family and remember her for everything that she was to you and not for her choices. Thank God for people like you. Keep fighting the fight for those addicted.
I too can relate to this because for the last 15 years one of my family members had been dealing with his addiction and I have had to go down many dark roads not knowing sometimes if he would walk through the door if he was alive if I had not heard from him in a couple of days it is without a doubt one of the hardest things to deal with and the sad part you can get them to go to rehab a 100 times but until they are ready nothing helps and jail is one of the worse places that they could go I feel for every addict and family member because it is pure hell but if you truly love the person that is addicted you will never turn your back on them because that only makes it worse because then they may do more than ever looking for comfort in the drugs love them always love them
WOW!
So incredibly written. This obituary is what every parent, or loved one fears to have to do, but I must say I felt the love, compassion, sadness and courage it had to take to share. Thank you.
RIP To a girl I never knew but feel I do. 🙁
Thank you for sharing your daughter’s story, I work as a Drug treatment court coordinator. You have inspired me to continue the good and heartfelt work I do every day, with others just like Maddie. I will print her obituary and place it in my office, as a daily reminder to myself and others in my office. Clients and staff alike, about the importance of the work we do and for people just like your daughter and your family who deserve every bit of compassion and caring we can provide to them to support them in thier journey to recovery. Our thoughts are with you. Keep up the good work advocating for those affected by this sad angry monster that lurks in the lives of those least expecting it.
Thanks so much for your letter .it was very touching and made me cry .I have a friend who is only 30 and c ..as nb get away from drugs .
She is now in prison and only the lord knows her next step.
I am sending a heart full of motherlove to this lovely souls family. This honest and beautiful obituary is just what the world needs to hear.
So very sorry for your loss praying for you’s and her little guy xx
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Maddie with us. Take comfort in knowing she is free of addiction now. May the memories you share warm your hearts until you meet again. God Bless.
This touched me deeply. I, too, have lost a family member to addiction. On Oct. 6, my beautiful niece suffered a major stroke due to meth and heroin addiction. She was rushed to the hospital and kept on life support for three days, until her parents made the difficult decision to disconnect her. My niece was a gorgeous, smart, funny girl who suffered from anorexia and a constant fear of being fat. When she died, she only weighed 98 pounds…way too thin for a girl who stood 6 tall. My niece could have been a successful model…she was that beautiful. She was only 33. Her husband predeceased her by a year and a half…from opioid addiction. They leave their 6 year old daughter to be raised by her parents. Drug addiction is a serious problem affecting thousands of families. We are heartbroken for all those who mourn the loss of a loved one to this insidious disease.
Thank you for sharing her beauty, and also your pain. I grieve with you.
Wow..what an open, honest and raw account of this young soul. Without knowing Maddie but after reading this obituary, you can’t help but feel that you do know her. My condolences to the family and friends of this young woman. She has now found peace on another journey. If this obituary affects and saves just 1 young life, then this woman’s death will have achieved a greater purpose. RIP
I pray for you all to have peace and thank I pray for each parent and child who are going through with your beautiful daughter. I have gone through the same with my two strong beautiful son’s. It breaks my heart that your Maddie didn’t make it out of her struggles. It breaks my heart every day to worry that mine may not either. I pray that your story will make a difference in the lives of others.
I am so sorry for your loss. A hard one to swallow. This was also a lovely tribute to your daughters life. She sounds like an amazing young lady. No person suffering from addiction should ever be defined by this disease. She will be able to forever be Aydens angel.
Too many young people are losing life to the tragedy of opiates and we all need to do our parts to help in any way we can.
Our thoughts go out to all of you.
All addict’s are people some good and some bad but they are human. This is a great story of a life struggle so many are facing today in this world. It’s heartbreaking to hear yet so surreal. I love the honesty in which this was written it brought tears to my eyes. I know the pain of loosing someone to addiction. I understand addiction and have struggled with several myself. I am so sorry for your loss. It is such a helpless feeling. I know you would have done anything to free her of her addiction but she is free now. God bless all her family. May she rest in peace. May God’s hand be upon her son to be a strong courageous, and God fearing.
God Bless you and your family. We did not know your daughter. But now we feel that we do. She was an amazing young lady. Thank you for sharing her life. I know that it will help someone who is going through their own addiction. What ever that may be. I wish more people had your courage and strength in such times. You are in our thoughts & prayers. The Hensley family.
This is a beautiful but heartbreaking obituary. I came across this in a forum & am glad I read it. I am very sorry for your loss, Madelyn sounds like she was a beautiful person. Addiction is a devastating disease. As a country, as family members, as friends, as people, we need to do more. I’m an addict, a very lucky one that has 16 months clean. I’ve, also, lost many family members and friends to this disease, while watching many more still struggle. The 4th to the last paragraph was very touching. Thank you for being so honest, I really believe it helps. You are all in my thoughts & I wish you the best.
This is a very honest article, and so very true about being a disease. Ive been an RN for 25+ years and spent much of my career, whether in the ER or public health/school health helping those and those families affected by this demon. We all need to educate ourselves on Co-occurring disorder as this is currently so prominent! Affecting thousands and thousands! No more sweeping it under the carpet…educate yourself people. This beautiful girl whos story was shared by her loving mother is priceless. Sh will always be watching over her angel little Ayden. Thank-you for sharing Maddies precious qualities and much too short of life. This is so important for so many to realize that this is not a choice….or she would still be with us today. We as a society need to learn the facts so we can health ourselves and other near and dear ~
Please accept my sympathies. I am the daughter of an addict and I’ve lived this pain. You’ve done a wonderful thing in memorializing Maddie in this manner. There is comfort in knowing you’re not alone in your struggles.
Sherry in NC
First, let me express deepest condolences to all of Maddies friends and family. I too, have an addict who sounds very much like Maddie. He is such a fantastic person, as was Maddie. He will be getting out of jail next week and I am dreading it already. When my time comes to write his obituary, it will be truthful as was yours. I worked in substance abuse for 7 years and saw all the signs of drug addiction. However my husband refused to believe it and it was essentially ended that marriage. It is so hurtful when people say hes just a junkie. He is so much more than that. Hang on to the good memories. Maddie is at peace now and hopefully you can find peace through the grieving.
Im so sorry for your loss, prayers for family and friends.
I just read this on Facebook and my heart breaks for your family, my eyes are filled with tears. I cannot imagine the pain you have gone through and continue to go through. Your sweet, beautiful girl is at peace, I know that probably does not bring you much comfort at the moment. Grief is infinite, it does not get easier, you just learn how to live with it. There is no time limit, there are no set rules on grieving, please do not let anyone judge you or make you defend yourselves, ever, for however long they see you crying over your tremendous loss. She sounds like such a wonderful, beautiful, sweet, precious young lady I would have loved to have known and I cannot tell you how sorry I am for your incredible loss.
Thought I should add what Co-occurring disorder is….mental illness with drug addiction. Most have a tendency to self medicate due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. In Maddies case, the OxyContin made her feel better, but in the end had lost what meant to her the most, thus her life was over. Again, education is needed for many more so we can stop judgements of those with addiction!!
Im so sorry for your loss. Revelation 21: 4 says that Jehovah God, will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. You have the prospect of being reunited with your loved one, Madelyn, right here on earth under perfect conditions. Thank you for sharing something very personal to help others. <3
Wow! What beautiful words! I lost my husband the same way in 2012. Not everybody knew of his addiction, so when he passed it shocked a lot of people. I felt, I don’t know if you want to say ashamed, but I didn’t want to tell people..but I did. Now I want people to know the dangers of trying just one pill…or one hit. What you have said here is going to touch A LOT of people…and possibly have saved some lives! What a great person you are to honor her the way you did here! Beautiful!!
I’m so sorry for your lost. She is (and imo will always be) a bright shining light of love. This will be a horribly lost time for you all, her family. I hope and pray Godcreatorlovewhatever you want to call “it” holds you through this time.
Lord Jesus put your loving arm’s around… this family & any n all including myself … guide Us n protect Us in Jesus Precious name Amen
Maddie was so lucky to have such a loving family wish I would of met her it’s very sad what addiction does to people how much it can change a person ur loving words brought tears to my eyes I have lost so many friends and loved one to this disease but all u can do is live day by day and hope that tomorow will be that day that ur loved ones are the ones u remember but NEVER GIVE UP…
The author truly created a work of art when composing this obituary. I’m so sorry things ended so badly for you’ve lost a bright light in your life and not many things can ever compare to the depth of losing your child. I’ve been coping with losing my son to leukemia for 6 years now and it’s a constant effort to remind myself to keep looking forward instead of dwelling on all the what ifs and so much life left undone. My heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing her story. Love to you and your family.
Thank you for sharing this story. I am sorry for your loss. Glad that you were with her. She no longer has to suffer and struggle to get through life. Her little boy is so beautiful and got to spend time with her and help her. Sending prayers.
Thank you for your honesty! Thank you for loving your child enough to share! I pray everyday for our children lost to this horrible affliction.. my son included. May you find peace and love in your Grandchild
Im sorry for your loss, I also thank God that he spared my life. My addiction had me by the throat and pretty sure there wasnt much time left, but Jesus sent me an Angel. CPS my life in transforming. Through Narcotics Anonymous and Faith in God Im taking the steps necessary to not pick up, one day at a time. Going on 10 months no poison!
So sorry for your loss, the words so eloquently expressed here provide insight to many who truly do not understand the struggle for individuals and their families. The hope is that one day those that are suffering will find relief. Maddie’s beauty show’s through the love of you all, may these coming days bring you all together and share the love that clearly is within you all.
hi, just read this, so very sorry for your loss. My sister and brother both suffer from addiction ( one drugs and one gambling ) both are bad, tho my sister has been sober for about 15vyrs, tho she lost custody of her son , at 3yrs old, but I adopted him, he just turned 18 on June 4th. I personally don’t believe addiction is a disease , per say, but is a awful illness. Praying for all addicts out there, there is hope…also for Maddy’s family and son,
So very sad…a friend at work just lost his 24 ur. Old son from addition….so very sorry…
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful, loving & honest thoughts of your beloved Maddie & the struggles she endured fighting the awful disease of addiction. I too am an addict & alcoholic who has by Gods grace, one day at a time, managed to put together a life of sobriety. As I read your words & wiped my tears, I am reminded of how precious life is & how grateful I am each day I wake to a new day. I am so sorry for your loss & send prayers for all of you during the sad & lonely days. Blessings to you!!
WOW, that was unexpectedly amazing. I hope someone will take the time, the love and the care to write something as personal and beautiful as this in my honor. It awards people with a glimpse into this persons life. Who they were, what was important to them, the love and family support system, through the good, to the bad and onto the ugly.
Very lovely.
I am honored and humbled by this beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. My very best to all who loved her. My heartfelt hopes that her wonderful son will come to know his mother through the love for her which persists in spite of her mortality. Addiction is indeed a disease that deserves our understanding and compassion. Thank you for sharing Maddie’s story.
Im so sorry for your loss. Im sorry about her addiction struggles. I foster children with the hope of reunification everytime, because its mostly addiction in our region. We hold the space for these children that their parents are sick and suffering, not just a willful high. So many people will never understand. Im so sorry. I hope you find peace.
Thank you for sharing this story. She was beautiful and her baby too. I can relate. I have been clean for 16 years. It never completely fades. Its a life long battle and you either win or loose. With that being said I am struggling with an addict son knowing that there is nothing I can do except pray. Like you when I look at my son I still see my beautiful child in there under that beaten and worn down shell that he wears today. I just pray that he wins his battle but he continues to talk about his struggle with drugs has taken over his life. I refuse to believe that. If I can get clean, anyone can get clean.
I pray that she has a beautiful funeral. I will pray for the family to stay strong through this. She knew she was loved and now she no longer carries that burden. God bless
As I read this I am so saddened by your despair and actually want to ball my eyes out. Your daughter was the same age as I am, but I was blessed enough to have found recovery. 3 years strong. In that time I also had a son who has helped save me. I too am on a mission to redefine how we look at Addiction and stomp the stigma which slanders so many. I pray for your family and I hope you can find peace. Madelyn sounds like she was a magical person.
A small offering … On Sunday at 2PM, I shall play / pray for Maddie’s beautiful soul … The hollow flute allows God’s essence to create the emergent sound and music. A song of Maddie for Maddie. May peace and love and light surround her sacred journey and support her transition. Blessings to All. In solidarity, in memory, Rev. Dr. Katharine Unger.
I myself do not know her. But I pray she is at peace finally. May your family find peace in this painful time. Thank you for sharing her story. I pray that it will help others see how this disease affects the family and the addict. Im sure she is liking over you and will continue to do so till you are together again.
Thank you so much for sharing Madelyn with us! Sending love, light and prayers to your whole family and to all who are still suffering inside and outside the rooms! There Is A Solution pg. 25 Big Book
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. I have worked with addicts in my profession and I can tell you that each one is precious and loved and sometimes lost to this horrible illness. Thank you for sharing her story. Many blessing to you all.
I’ve seen the needle and the damage done. This is especially well written, and a painful joy to read. Y’all take care of each other. xo
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have been clean and sober for one year now and my family thought the samething for me . Thank you for sharing this I’m in Hope’s it will help someone else out there and touch their hearts to change. Once again I’m so very sorry for your loss.
a wonderful tribute to a wonderful person. i wish i’d known her, heard her sing. Ayden will have the sound of Maddie’s voice forever in his memories, and that’s a great thing for him to go through his life with. may i suggest Capsula Mundi? it’s a burial service (i intend to use it myself) that plants a person’s body in a biodegradable pod, and on top of that a chosen sapling. it would be a place of peace and comfort for Ayden, for Maddie’s large family, and, yes, for Maddie. what tree would/should she be? where should she be planted and grow to an ancient span that she didn’t have the chance to reach on her own? just. not. Florida. i live in Florida, and what with climate change, we won’t be above water for much longer. perhaps New England …
No judgement. Thank you for sharing her life story. Too many wonderful people are over taken by addiction. We need to all see that this is something that is prefilent and could happen to anyone’s family and friends. Thank you and so very sorry for your loss.
Enternal rest grant unto her oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.
God Bless hands across the world…
Susan R!
May she RIP. I do not know her but have read this story I understand that drug addiction is a disease for some but it makes it hard on people like me who take oxycotin for severe daily pain. I hope that her son and family can find peace because I do understand this is a daily struggle for so many.
.peace and strength to, and my thanks for a glimpse into a life of love.
Drugs are bad but no one normally stops to think what lead them to this path how can we help her and then their are the people that try to help and beg you to get clean then there are the people that have never been in that situation but their trying to understand…I can tell you this if you havent been there you will never understand… not everyone makes it out alive I thank god everyday I made it out alive but I do truely feel for the addicts that didnt make it out alive… I had to do it on my own at my own time… I had to catch myself but not everyone can do that.. Rest in Paradise Madelyn my heart goes out to her loved ones
the disease of addiction has many victims but God saw her pain and said now you must rest. Think of her often she is but a breath away. Remember her soul and her laughter… do not cry she is where she needs to be right now she is probably helping someone into heaven who died of an overdose today and is waking up to her gentle hand. I am in recovery and I helped many along the struggle, it was between her and God and he will have his own, he is the hound of heaven and he watched her suffer too long. My son died at ten days old while I was clean, I know that it is unatural to bury a child but I also know who to look for when I get to where he has gone God Willing. Be brave!!!!
I am so sorry for your loss. Your writing is so honest and beautiful. I didnt know Maddie. I work as s nurse in Canada. I really appreciate your well written tribute. I think reading it will make a big difference to a lot of people. Thank you
We lost our young sister nearly exactly how you lost your dear Maddie. Its a hell of a horrible ride for the whole family. Me as her brother never gave up and always thought she would over come and perceiver. Just like Maddie, our sister enjoyed long sections of clean and sober. Especially the end, perfect visit for several weeks, clean and sober for 4 months then gone. I had just spoke to her two days before. She called for a recipe, Im a chef, I was really busy but I stopped and gave her all my time as usual. She was my kid sister and my best friend. We were a team until about the time she was 16 starered drinking then drugs and after her 1st son was killed by a neighbor she started using Oxycodone after foot surgery and never stopped. She worked the doctors to death getting those pills and they gave them, over and over. I absolutely blame the doctors, 100%.
She got alcolism acknowledged and worked her program daily with AA. But the pills she could not kick. If she couldnt get them she would grind up over the counter garbage and snort it. After 4 months of clean and sober for over a year she snorted ground up over the counter pills and had a heartache and died.
Worst day of my life, driving to another nearby City to tell my other sisters and the pinnacle of worst of all, ( tears streaming) telling our mom.
Do not know who wrote this obituary for Maddie but Im very sorry for your loss, she beautifully reminds me of our Wendy.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your lovely Madelyn here. May she find the peace that eluded her here, and may the memory of her smile and laughter bring you comfort and solace.
Brave, brave, brave family. My heart goes out. Makes me want just one more day! Maddie sounds like a great person. My condolences. From Philly.
Thank you for sharing Maddies story I do not know her family or Maddie personally My deepest condolences I know how infinite grief is because I lost my son I am in recovery and I work in the treatment field I am sorry our industry failed Maddie I plan on using Maddies story today as a treatment tool for both staff and patients
Celebrate that life on Oct 21st because she was someone special I have a feeling her story will save lives weather directly or indirectly RIP Maddie Gods Speed My hope is that the people who love her find comfort in the arms of family and friends
Blessed Be
I work in detox withdrawal management and many different crisis stabilization units in boulder and Denver across the front range and have 20 years sober with aa. I sobbed reading about Maddie. Thank you for posting her story..yes theres hope..theres help..youre not alone. Gods peace and love be with you always – Maddie and family
I would like to say that I am so very sorry for the great loss of your beautiful and strong daughter. You have been through so much as a family and as Parents and sibling seen struggles to break free from the clutches of addiction which have refused to let go of it’s vicel like grip. Your lovely and brave Maddie who is now free from the darkness now is finally in peace and has to fight no more. Please accept our sincere condolences…. even though we are strangers from the UK reading this lovely tribute to your strong, brave beautiful daughter. Our thoughts are very much with you all.
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing such truth in her obit we can only hope it opens up the uneducated eye. Rip Maddie
Rip Maddie
Thank you for this beautiful story. Im so sorry for your loss. She sounds like another fantastic person stolen from the world.
I am so sorry for your loss, that said, after seeing her and Ayden’s photo and hearing her story I am filled with the love you obviously share as a family. I wish Madelyn peace in the arms of the angels. I pray that from your family, Ayden will know her as the loving, joyful person she was and that he will know how hard she fought the beast for him as long as she could.
As a nurse, I believe we are failing those who suffer with addiction but mostly out of fear and lack of understanding. I try to always try to lead with compassion, to listen and not judge, however, it is not always easy as you know.
Sincerely,
Patricia
I am so sorry for you and your family my son is in jail for selling I Thank God for him getting busted at least he is still alive in which I know deep down he would not be here today by heart goes out to you and all families going threw this addiction Prayers to all
This was BEAUTIFUL tribute…as I sit here in tears.. what an awesome way to share the love of a family memeber lost in such a way.. I dont know Maddie or the family but what I got from this was so much LOVE and understanding … Maddie seems like a beautiful person to me.. were all not perfect and thanks for educating those that might believe her addiction can take that beauty from her..because IT CAN’T .. I will keep you all in my prayers.. im so sorry for your loss.. this was just beautiful
I suffer now in silence. I don’t think anyone knows I’ve hid this from everyone. I’ve suffered from addiction for many years starting with my first drink at 13 years old. It started when I had my first flashback PTSD of abuse I endured as a child. Anyway, I just want to say I’m so sorry for your loss. And thank you for sharing Maddie’s story.
Yes addiction is a true disease. So sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful person. Sharing her story may save others!! Prayers to you all!!
Thank you…for your bravery, your love of your daughter that dominates all. I lost my son Matthew last year to a Fentanyl overdose. Encouraging people to become educated is necessary for all of us. I am so sorry for the loss of Maddie and so happy to see how much she was loved and appreciated for all her strengths, as Matthew was. I send you strength. Love Matt’s Mom
I did not know Maddie but my heart after reading this tribute makes me feel as if I did. Her soul lives on in the hearts of all who read this obituary. I want you to know that I read it to my two twin 12-year-old daughters. I cried as I read her story of struggle and triumph. Drug addiction has touched so many of our lives often leading to a sad ending. Your selfless reflection upon Maddie’s life was real for them. They are just 4 years younger than your daughter was when she tried Oxi. Know that your post is making a difference for them. Bless you and her memory lives on in your hearts.
Thank you for sharing this amazing womans life . Our country has to get a handle on this huge problem . It steals lives and impacts so many beyond the addict . The addiction once trying these opioids is tyoicallybwithin a couple of weeks and then it has its hold on you and re wires your brain .I have read there are some new advances in neuro therapy . So many families are impacted by addiction .
We need to start treating addiction as a medical condition instead of as a criminal problem. It would save so many lives. RIP Madelyn
I am sorry for your loss. Maddie’s tribute is a great way to spread the word about the struggles of addiction. Those who fight their demons on a daily basis are our grandparents, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. They all need our help and support. If this post saves at least one life, it will make a difference. Thank you for sharing your daughter with us.
Michelle Faraci
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I too have a daughter that struggles with addiction who also lost custody of her 2 beautiful children. Not a day goes by that I don’t fear the call that my only daughter who I would give my own life if it would save her, is gone. I can only pray & try & overcome my own sadness as a mother because I cannot fix this. Only she can do this. My heart breaks to see her sadness & pain each & every day that goes by. If only our daughters could see themselves & the rest of the does, I think things would be so different. Unfortunately, they battle their own personal demons that cause their self hatred & lack of self edteem, self worth & self love. I pray for you & yiur family, for Ayden & for Maddie and hope she can rest in peace. Thank you for sharing this beautuful for your daughter & for helping to spread awareness of this horrible disease & it’s affliction on entire families not just the individuals who are still struggling & for those that have lost their struggle. Prayers & love, Debbie
Again this ugly monster raises it’s head and zaps the life of someone so beautiful. I lost my hubby to addiction (alcohol) and it doesn’t get any better. My hubby lost his life due to an ulcer in his stomach that couldn’t take another drop of alcohol; at age 51. He was in the home when he passed and until this day will never forget the great times we had and how much he taught me in life. What people need to do is educate themselves on this addictive disease and understand that sometimes without it they will die anyway if not under supervised care. I now only have a note book where he wrote that he would not let this monster have its way with him….but the monster won. He was a Structural Engineer and Certified Flight Instructor with Multi-engine ratings. It can happen to anyone…it’s our world epidemic. Pray for the families who have to endure and have to say goodbye to their loved ones this way….May God Bless You All.
I looked at the picture and it broke my heart. I am sorry for the loss of your daughter, it sounds like she had alot of gifts to offer the world thank you for sharing your story it was very heartfelt, honest, and very true of the torture each person has with these highly addictive drugs. May your daughter rest in peace. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers
So saddened to hear of your loss. Thank you for writing a beautiful memorial piece for Maddie. How blessed and loved she was here. Thank you for sharing her story and I pray it helps one person in some way. Praying for all of you in your time of need. Patty
Thank you so much for your support and openness to the disease of addiction. Your daughter is MY STORY, except I got sober when I had my son December 24, 2014. Needless to say I had some struggles, but ultimately overcame them with the help and support of my family and loved ones. I am so sorry for your loss, my mom read your article and messaged it to me with incredible gratitude for the breath I take today. Just because I have a sobriety date (8:13:14) doesnt mean I dont struggle on a daily basis to keep those demons off my back. Theres poem that I read over and over again, its called A poem about drugs It keeps it green, it taught me that this disease does not discriminate and most importantly it keeps me grateful.
Prayers for you and your family. You seem just like my mom, one who never gave up
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. Fly high, Maddie, fly high. Prayers for you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss of Madelyn. The picture you painted was one of a beautiful young woman who had struggles that were unspeakable. I will keep her story with me. As a nurse I see many patients come through our clinic who also struggle with addiction. I also see many other colleagues who have become hardened to drug seekers. Sometimes they are easy to identify, sometimes not. But I promise you Ill remember Madelyn whenever I talk with or touch one of my fellow human beings who were unlucky enough to get trapped in the net of addiction. Thank you for reminding us all to be kind and see past the surface and remember there is a lost soul in there. Rest In Peace Madelyn.
nWow this has me in tears… To know she was so loved n at the same time was so lost… I myself have been struggling with addiction for about 15yrs and I’m only 32… I know my family believes as hers did n does… I will have 20months sober tomorrow the 18th of October… I’m blessed with being able to start over bc at one point I was so lost I thought I would never find my way… I hate the word junkie we r human beings struggling every second of everyday to stay alive but to others we r trash… If only ppl would take 2mins n hear us out… We aren’t as bad as u may think… In most cases this isn’t the life we woulda chosen for ourselves… We never woke up in the morning hoping to wake up dope sick the next day… I had dreams n plans n was supposed to do so much with my life… But now I’m clean n sober n have new hopes n dreams… Rather than the doctor I always wanted to be I dream of the counselor that touches lives everyday… If my story n experiences can even help 1 person that’s 1 life completely changed n then imagine what they could become… All we can do is 1 day at a time but that 1 day can be fulfilled with absolute miracles!!! RIP MADDIE~ may ur beautiful voice fill the heavens with amazing sound!!!
A tribute of love. Sharing Madelyn’s story will help so many people I am sure, thank you.
I’m so sorry for loss. I too have lost a daughter to drugs when she was 19. That was 5 years ago. It is a long road and the hole in your heart will never heal. My strength comes from the Lord Jesus Christ, he helps carry the burden.i was close to losing my mind with pain after she passed away . There is no other relief out there, I tried everything…blogs for grieving families, books, nothing helped until I got on my knees and asked God to help me, instantly i felt the weight lifted off me and I knew everything was going to be ok. The pain is still there, but i now how a peace of mind . I pray for your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I had a brother who was an addict and as a result, contracted AIDS. He did become clean but ended up with lymphoma(a side effect from all the anti-viral drugs they suspected). My family went through all the same but he was still our brother, my parent’s son, his boy’s Dad, a friend to so many. This Christmas he will be gone 23 years but his legacy of helping his peers combating addiction, living with HIV/AIDS and homelessness lives on. May you find peace in knowing many people are better because of Maddie. God Bless you all.
Thank you for sharing so openly your pain as well as Maddie’s. I’m sure it will help many families also dealing with loss. I pray for you and your family, for healing and comfort as you continue on your grieving journey. I cannot begin to imagine what you’re going through. Hug that adorable little boy and never stop telling him stories about how brave his Mom was, fighting against that dragon until her last breath, until she couldn’t fight anymore. Seek Jesus. He will save you. Just ask Him for the gift of salvation.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Maddie’s story and struggle. I hope it helps others understand that this disease is not picky, it does not discriminate and it will take ANYONE it can get regardless of age, race, sex or socioeconomic status. Some of my coworkers are quick to judge and I hope they never have to learn these lessons with a loved one.
I want to extend my sympathy for your loss of someone so special. I, too, have endured the loss of my oldest son losing the addiction battle just this past May. It is so hard for “outsiders” to understand the crushing blow it is to lose our beautiful loved ones to opiods. They are not junkies in dark alleys but wonderful, tender souls that just couldn’t overcome the deep hooks of addiction. God bless you all to find peace and thank you for telling the world about your Madelyn.
What a wonderful tribute to your daughter. I hope that by sharing her story you are helping even just one addict and their family. There are many broken things in our society today. Addiction and mental health are two of the big ones. God bless you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Such a beautiful tribute for obviously a beautiful person. I didn’t know Maddie, but I feel I do now. God has blessed you.
This time last year we said goodbye to my 30 year old nephew Derrick after many years of struggling with addiction. I had the difficult job of writing his obituary, and like your family, we also decided to speak the truth about his death, as well. I believe that if more families spoke the truth that it would send a message, however I know that with the truth comes embarrassment, which is something that we struggled with, too. In the end, the outpouring of love and appreciation that our family received, solidified that we did the right thing. Derrick, like Maddie, didn’t die in vain and hopefully someone dealing with the same struggles will read their stories and make the choice to fight the addiction and get clean. God Bless your family during this difficult time.
I have a son her age, I cant even imagine the pain you feel. I thank God for my sons everyday. If people think addiction cant or wont affect them in someway, theyre so wrong! This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful life, we all need to try and help someone suffering from this horrible epidemic! May you find comfort knowing you did what you could!
Beautiful tribute to your daughter I definitely believe by sharing this it can help even just one person understand there is help out there and people do care! I’m very sorry for your loss! I’m sending my thoughts and prayers to your entire family
Thanks to Maddie’s family for sharing. Addiction affects everyone, every family. Either directly, or indirectly. While it’s an extremely sad situation, I know that Maddie has no more pain and suffering. I, too, am a recovering addict. Even though I have been sober/straight for almost 40 years; the horrifying pull of addiction and its tendencies, sometimes grip me. My prayer is that people don’t judge addicts too harshly. Education changes outlooks. I found peace and solace through Jesus Christ. RIP Maddie.
I may not have met Maddie, but I knew her, and many women and men like her. I was her, I still am her. By the grace of God and much struggle, I have 8 years clean from opioids, and 3 1/2 years from all other drugs. Some days I wonder why me, why did I make it out?? then I see, some people are meant to be on this earth to help drag others out, and some with their story are meant to show others the light… I currently work in a treatment facility with recovering addicts, and have never felt more at peace with my addiction as I do today. If I went through this to help just one addict get clean and live, then Ive served my purpose. My heart goes out to Maddies family. May you find peace and comfort in memories of your girl, and please know, her story will help others. Xo Tracey
This monster we call Drug Addiction does not let go. Does not know compassion. Your story breaks my heart. Articles such as this are coming at us far too often. Love your family and friends while you can. Dont judge people, that is for the Lord to do. Just take a few moments to help or listen to someone that is stuck in this monsters grip. I wish I had the opportunity to meet Maddie, she sounds like a wonderful young lady.
Divine Mercy has intervened with everlasting Peace and perfection….
As a person who has worked with addicts, thank you.
As a mother, thank you.
As a teacher thank you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Madelyn was so lucky to have a family like yours. Her son will be surrounded by love.
Though never meeting you nor Maddie, I thank you for sharing Maddie’s life with all of us.
Such beautiful and honest words capturing a person’s life, someone multi-dimensional, fragile and strong, challenged and trying, loving her child and being her strongest for him.
Your describing her gift of song and her singing to him moved my heart. Her love of swimming made me smile,as she shared that joy with him ,also. I,too, swim and it is a gift learned from my mother decades ago…and gives me great peace and enjoyment.
What pushed me to jot this note was your advice to healers, law enforcement, judges and all …to look beyond what they see…..and to those who can’t, move on.
My heart goes out to you and all who have been touched by addiction….so many kinds…so many people.
Godspeed, Maddie.
Peace be with you.
She has already touched someone’s life for the better
I dont know you all but your honesty and transparency is humbling. I have shared your obituary on my fb page because if it helps one other family, Maddies life wasnt in vein. You showed the world that addicts are human beings deserving of our love and not our criticism. My cousin has been sober for 3 years this week. Our family never stopped loving her. By the grace of God her life has been spared through all the years. She too has a son whos now a grown man with his own son. So I know all too well the importance of family support and love. I thank you for asking the world to do the same. Addicts need support from strangers. What really pierced my soul is to know she started on opioid at age 16. Our children are being preyed upon. We have to figure this out as a community….as a society and it must be done sooner rather than later. Im praying for your family and her son. Thats another thing leave the babies with their mother and help her to be a mom. When you take their only reason to live away from them, they usually cant get better. Im going through this with a friend of mine. Its not helping the child. Every child wants their mother and they dont care what you say is wrong with them. Stop breaking up families. I digressed. You all are in my prayers.
I lost my beautiful wife Carla, and my (2) children lost their loving, caring mother on 08-31-2018 from an overdose. She’d been fighting the addiction for years and simply could not overcome the grip of prescription drug addiction which strange as it may sound doesn’t require a prescription to obtain. The internet can get an addict anything they need and up until a week ago…weeks after her passing…she was getting texts from overseas pharmacy’s offering “25% off!” Ms. O’Neill and family, thank you for the strength and courage to share this story which unfortunately affects so many “normal” lives every day. As for my wife, and children’s mother, we miss her dearly, but hope now she is at peace.
I do not know Maddie, but this obituary could have just as easily been written about my own daughter Jessica who lost her battle on july 28th. The only peace i will ever get from this experience is that she is no longer in pain, no longer feels the shame put on her because of her disease and its stigma. She is wrapped in gods loving arms and peaceful and free. My hope is that Maddie already has a friend waiting there on the other side, my sweet girl. They would be kindred souls. I offer you peace and comfort amd love.
Dear parents of this wonderful woman, my heart breaks for you. Your daughter is amazing. She accomplished more in her life than most people do. Your daughter is now with mine in Heaven. As i read about your sweet daughter it was as if you were speaking of my sweet Cassie whom we lost last year at the age of 26. She too was such a bright light in our lives. She died of an accidental overdose of air duster.That was her drug of choice. So incredibly sad.The pain of losing a child is beyond comprehension unless you have experienced it. Your obituary honoring the life of your daughter was beautiful and inspiring. My heart aches for you. I pray you feel her love. I know we will see our sweet daughters again when we too leave this world. May our loving Father in Heaven hold you and comfort you until you meet again.
First, may I share how very sorry I am for your loss and deepest sympathies for Maddies family. I didnt know her, but a friend of hers shared this obituary on Facebook. Immediately, I felt close to Maddie, her family, the devastating circumstances she struggled with and her incredible love for others. While that love was overshadowed by the chemicals, it clearly was a light in the hearts of all that knew her. Thank you for such a poignant message, call to action, and outreach for others. May the beautiful memories you share lift your hearts in love.
May Madelyn find the peace in death she struggled to find in life. Thoughts and prayers for those who loved her.
What a moving tribute to a beautiful soul. May Maddie RIP.
I lost my son to the God aweful addiction on May 27, 2018 I am so sorry for your loss and the trying days ahead of you, Sending my love to you even though I dont know you but know what your going thru and it is absolutely heart wrenching, May she rest and peace free from the demons that took over her life, My thoughts and prayers are with you
I did not know her but her story is so relatable I am a young mother (26) to a 8 year old and because of addiction i lost the first 3 -4 years of his life. Addiction stole everything from me and stripped me down to bones penniless, and after almost 4 years I’m still in recovery and i hope i stay in recovery and never slip back into the hands of addiction. In addiction you never think it’s going to be you that does it would never happen to you, but addiction takes away the best of people and death is around the corner when using.It sounds her family was amazing and more in all it sounds like she was an amazing person. My heart melts for her family. Addiction is real and I hope her story will open someone’s eyes to reach out and receive the help they need and believe me no one will judge you by asking for help. Remember. Accepting your an addict is the first step to recovery. God bless Madelyns family and child.
What an honest and important obituary–about how drug addiction is a disease that can devour. Here’s to her brave parents who told Maddie’s story from the heart and with truth. People who struggle with addiction are people, just like us–we need to help them and stand by them. I wish I had met Maddie, she seems like a wonderful person. Bess O’Brien
I just read this on Facebook. I lost my daughter from a heroin overdose in 2015, she was 25, she too left a son Syrus begins, he was 1 at the time. Heroin took her while she was here and in death. She fought, but these drugs are bigger than our children. My heartfelt condolences are with you. Maybe our daughters can be friends in heaven and talk about their sons. Peace is finally with them. I believe our children will always be with us, just because you dont see them, doesnt mean they arent here.
This is literally the most beautiful and honest obituary Ive ever read. My brother died in June from his addiction and every part of this spoke to me. I loved him more than anything but I hated his addiction and what it made him do and be. It wasnt him and he was different when he was high. I also know the struggle because Im an alcoholic and have been sober now for almost five years. The struggle is real. I was a terrible person when I drank. I also know that my daughter saved my life. If I hadnt gotten pregnant Id probably be dead now. My brother loves my daughter so much and he held on for more years I think because of her but I think it finally took him because he just couldnt fight it anymore. Those drugs are no joke. I dont know what could have saved him but I know that he was the most amazing person Ive ever known.
Your obit is a gift to the world. Thank you for your honesty and for sharing your daughter’s journey with all of us. My sincere condolences.
I cry tears for your pain and loss. I too have a child with a similar journey. Thank you for making your daughters journey public. Its time we all stand together and support each other.
She sounded like a fighter…The arms of the angels will embrace her,and
keep her safe. You will no longer have to worry and feel afraid for her, as she is now at peace. You and your family gave more to her than some. You gave her unconditional love…..Gob Bless.
I am so sorry for this senseless loss. I know your pain all to well. My beautiful daughter passed when she was 30 years old and left behind a 10 year old little girl who I am raising. I was fighting for years to go up against the drug companies that make this poison but no one is big enough to take the major drug companies on. I know your struggle and pain for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I think it’s the most talented, and compassionate people who become victims of the addiction. Thank God you have her precious son to keep her memory alive. My prayers are with your family and hope that one day they will find a cure for addiction.
Pam
Thank you for sharing Maddies story with such love and sorrow. My thoughts are with your entire family and all who loved her.
Why would anyone dislike ANY of the comments here???? What type of person are you to go and dislike what these people are saying, whether its condolences to this family, or sharing their own experiences with this disease of drug addiction??? One day you too will be dealing with this very same issue, I pray not, but the odds are you will. I know its only a dislike button, but that one dislike could be the reason someone who needs help, wont ask for it. Personally, I dont care if people dislike what I say, but some people may take it to heart, so please, try to have some compassion for others, and if you cant, then just move along. My heart goes out to this family, especially to this little boy who no longer has his mom. Drug addiction is a scary disease, but just because you fall, once, twice, multiple times, dont ever give up the fight, you CAN get better.
Rest In Peace Maddie.
As someone who has had copious amounts of narcotics prescribed for me following 18 major surgeries, I can relate to this beautiful young womans plight. After a while its like a switch gets flipped in your brain. That plastic bottle of pills constantly beckons you. Soon it becomes impossible to ignore. Willpower is non existent. Reason and the ability to choose evaporates and becomes your most distant capability. An otherwise well adjusted person becomes a captive to the craving. I lost a brother at age 47 to a horrible addiction. I personally have done many things to obtain more drugs after I could no longer get refills. Ive endured a number of withdrawals. I need a big back surgery as a result of a serious car wreck. Im thinking of forgoing it because I dont want another round of the downward spiral I know will result. After a time, no human beings physiology can withstand becoming drug dependent. Extremely saddened for your loss. The world lost a truly gifted person.
I don’t know this beautiful girl..but i can relate to her struggle I to am an addict who struggles at times to remain clean an sober..its a dam struggle everyday! This disease is ugly an relentless! Support is everything along with compassion..to maddies parents you are the best an I sense u raised an awesome child! I’m so sorry for your pain you are enduring..god bless you an my your daughter be a light in your heart forever!
I am a recovering Percocet addict. I am so touched by your story of Maddie. May God grant her peace and may you all experience the peace of love and understanding.
So sad and tragic on many levels Although I didnt know this young woman, just reading this she clearly had a heart of love and touched many people. Praying that some good can rise out of this heartbreak, and this drug epidemic that has taken so many can be wiped away. RIP dear Maddie
I am so truley sorry for your loss of such an amazing, beautiful human being. It’s truly sad, my heart feels for you, In December of 2017, we loss my niece to this horrific drug epidemic. Peace be with you, cherish your memories and hold them in your heart. Peace Madelyn to you Angel of god.
Thank you. Our son is eerily following the exact same path. He is now 28. He has again relapsed and we confronted him about our inability to provide him any resources (eg, money) that can support his addiction. Is this still the correct approach. This obituary seems to advocate compassion vice tough love. Thanks
God bless and keep
You. She was loved and loved life. She has already impacted the world more than most and her son is proof that love wins.
As the Mother of a recovering addict my heart breaks for you. My daughter has been sober for over a year and is now a Mother to a beautiful baby girl. She battles the demon that is addiction every day. Many people see them as a plague on society but don’t see the disease. I see my daughter and though I know she could slip at any time I cherish every day that she stays clean and see her not the disease. We as a society need to educate and have compassion for our sons and daughters instead of keeping addiction in the shadows like a dirty secret. Thank you for sharing her story.
I didnt,know Maddie but from your exceptional writing & learning about her through you she was a phenomenal woman. I have never been a drug addict & I read every day what oxy does to a person. I am a firm believer that if they didn’t take her pride & joy little boy away she would have made it. My heart goes put to all of you & if you’re still in contact with her baby keep his mother alive through the good times & yes the bad ones too. I really do wish I could have met her she sounds like a really great person. I’m so very sorry. As i write this with tears in my eyes….much love to all of you….
please accept my my heart to yours.Reading this brings back memorys of others who are gone but loved.Your Maddie was taken from you and she should not be,she should be with you getting hug,s and kisses from your family and freinds.This demon addiction takes so many live,s and leaves the person taken still loved forever.Maybe she is a star at night when you look up.My beleif is Maddie will always be with you as you cant take the family,s thoughts about the great times you had with Maddie.I love anybody who has been taken away by addiction and open my heart to all that have.
I lost my sister this year to the very same demons. She started out using marijuana, moved to prescription pills then on to herion. She was funny and very talented. But she could not beat it. Sadly her only son wanted to be like his mother and now my nephew is also fighting it all. May God bless you all and those trying to get through it!
My heart goes out to this family I lost my brother to this disease. Virgil 9/15/2017 he fought so hard to be sober and to live a normal life. There isn’t a day that goes by i don’t think of him. I’m so sorry for your lost. I pray one day people who are fighting find the light they need.
So sorry for your loss! Thank you for sharing your story. Much love from Colorado,
Christine
I am so sorry for the loss of a beautiful soul Maddie. I hope she is singing in heaven with a choir of Angels. May her son only know love and compassion in his life. Maddie fought a tough battle. She was courageous until the end.
I am like Maddie in many ways. Started with a serious motorcycle accident. Crushed spleen and 1/3 pancreas. Have even had open heart surgery at 42 yrs old. 14 major operations so I know about taking pain pills to get through day. Looking forward to joining Maddie where I will be judged only once more. I have faith that God still loves me even tho am not a perfect human! Blessing to Maddie’s baby and family!
I tried all the pain clinics and mostly what they taught is breathing and stretching exercising. oh, and bio feedback. What a joke. I pray for all of Maddie’s family, more so for her son who will grow up without a mom. My heart goes out to all who knew her, loved her and think about her! I too am called Maddy. God Bless us all!
I also lost my son to this hideous drug. We were as powerless as those before and those who will follow. Only the person effected can change their history and that’s what hurts the most. You will bury you daughter on my birthday and I will say and prayer in remembrance of you daughter and my son. God Bless them all.
This is heart breaking but so beautiful. I just lost my friends mom to cancer this morning and to all these dislikes on comments are disrespectful but on the bright side there is no more suffering. I’m sorry for your loss and she is an angel now.
What a beautiful testament to some who was obviously so very loved. I do not know you or your daughter, but I am sorry for your loss. I am the child of an addict and have spent my career working in mental health treatment, learning to help those such as your daughter and my father. I am lucky that he was able to tame his addiction to alcohol 35 years ago, but I never forget what might have been, and can barely comprehend the pain that would have brought. The same pain you are feeling. I wish healing and light for your family, and that someday, her memory will be more than just heartache.
This is heartbreaking! Thank you for sharing and I pray it helps someone
I am so sorry for your loss. There are just no words that someone can say to take away your pain. What you wrote was beautiful and so true. People need to stop judging and this problem really needs to be addressed. These are poor souls that have lost their way not criminals and they shouldn’t be treated as such. There needs to be more legitimate programs to help these people. My heart goes out to you and everyone else and their families suffering from this awful addiction. May she rest in peace <3
I myself struggle with addiction and know all too well the demon that stalks addicts everyday. Once bitten it is something that never goes away… Only can become manageable. A strong support system is the vital key for any addict who has a chance at recovery, and sadly even then, sometimes isn’t enough. Thank you for sharing Maddies story. May GOD bless you and heal your pains.
Such a beautiful tribute. I lost my sister unexpectedly this summer after a long battle substance abuse. The addiction does not define them. I pray they are both at peace and free from the pain and shame. I am so sorry for your loss!
I am SO sorry for your loss. My love and prayers are with you and your family. Addiction is a terrible thing no matter what the addiction is….I cannot imagine your heartache. Thank you for sharing Madelyn’s story, she sounds like a wonderful person. Addiction doesn’t make someone a bad person, many people who are addicted to something are STILL good people! I hope and pray that by sharing Madelyn’s story, it reaches even one person and help them overcome their addiction and at the same time encourage a family who is heartbroken over their addicted loved one. God Bless!
This obituary is the definition of unconditional love. Hoping you find peace. Holding you and your family in the light!
I’m so sorry for your loss your obituary was so eloquent I know the struggle as well through drugs for a psychiatric condition which is my battle everyday and I pray for all of you that you see God in your life and your hearts and know that she and those that have gone ahead are all at peace blessings
Your Maddie sounds eerily similar to my Jennifer, the singing, funny, sunny young girl, graduated with honors went on to college for business. Gave birth to my first grandson then Jenny too tried oxycontin and started her struggles with addition. She fought long and hard…then had a short breakthrough and became pregnant , gave birth to a beautiful boy who was born still born due to cord strangulation. My beautiful little blond haired blue eyed once giggly little girl dove deep down in depression after this, but once again fought her way back and gave birth to another beautiful boy…her love and life. While he was just a baby the addiction came back with a vengeance ! I am now raising the little love of her life while she hides in hotel rooms and stair ways never answering calls avoiding our every contact. Sometimes I raise my fists at this world that took my beautiful giggly girl the mother of my so special honor roll grandson, then I just fall and pray for God to keep her alive and safe ..hoping one day she will make it back to us again….So yes I hear your pain and am So very sorry for your and the worlds loss of your beautiful Maddie!
What a moving tribute. RIP Maddie.
Thank you so much for sharing this with the world. If it helps even 1 person than its a success. I am an addict myself but 13 years ago I was thankfully arrested and spent 1 year locked up & a second year in rehab. Its by the grace of God & a lot of support from family & friends that I can say I still have my sobriety in tact. Im truly sorry for the loss of such an amazing soul, for the loss of your loved one. Please know that this piece has touched me deeply & makes me once again just know how lucky I am to be here & be present in life. God bless you all & again thank you for unselfishly sharing your grief & your unconditional love you clearly had for her.
My deepest sympathy to her and the family. I’ve been there before and luckily I got out safe. I pray that heaven appreciates the wonderful angel they just received.
What a touching way to share your precious Maddie with the world. I am so very sorry for your loss. Addiction has many faces and touches many more people than is realized. I will pray gor your comfort and strength to carry on.
I’m so sorry for your loss. The thought of this is so heartbreaking. I’m living this nightmare with my 25 year old son. I go back and forth thinking; maybe this time he’s going to grasp sobriety to will he wake up tomorrow. As a parent this is a hard life… as an addict is even worse. Again so so sorry your beautiful baby has gone to the other side. May you find peace.
Thank you for sharing and so well said. I know we are not alone in this struggle, but to hear a story so similar to our own really really helps. The day your girl died, I was calling 911 for mine. It’s heartbreaking to watch. She’s alive, for now, but not living and is merely existing to her next fix. We are fortunate enough that when her baby was born addicted, we as grandparents, were able to bring him home and eventually adopt him and raise him as our own. He is a healthy, happy, rambunctious 2-year-old. So thankful for the openness of this post and others like it to continue to bring light to the disease of opiod addiction in hopes of more understanding and help for those affected and afflicted. Praying for your peace and comfort in the weeks and months to come.
Such a beautiful tribute. People are so much more than their disease. The stigma surrounding addiction and mental health is such a fierce wall and must be shattered and torn down. Education is the key-kids, adults, the public….they all need to be educated on the facts that this disease does not discriminate; it doesnt care who you are, how you were raised, how much money you make, or whether or not you have a loving and supportive family. This disease grabs onto anyone and destroys lives from that moment on. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Maddie, she will live on through her beloved son forever. I hope you and your family can find some sort of peace and comfort in the days and months ahead. Please know that by you honestly sharing Maddies story in such an authentic way, that you are helping knock down that stigma wall one brick at a time.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the inspiration to find the words that I’ll need to express in the next couple of years. My son is in end stage liver disease from a lifetime of alcoholism. My husband and I moved heaven and Earth to help him but nothing worked. Until the grip of this disease locked its claws into him when he was 16 he was a sweet warm loving child. That’s what I’ll talk about when the time comes. Thank you so much.
I pray that God wraps his arms around you during this time. Your daughter was so beautiful. This horrible disease doesn’t care if you came from a loving family, how much money you have, or what your talents are. I have battled it most of my life as well, and I currently have 14 years sober. Madelyn’s story will inspire so many, and she will live on through all of the people her story helps.
Indeed, this is a terrible illness! I am pleased that you have such happy memories of the good times. My heart goes out to your entire family!
Such a beautiful tribute to your beautiful Maddie. We lost our 32 year old nephew Michael Alexander Sowards on September 7, 2018. He was a father to two boys who he loved but also lost custody due to the drugs. Michael had numerous OD’s and he was saved many times. Michael was from a great family. He was a star baseball player in high school and played baseball in college. Michael had a heart of gold and a smile that could melt the world. When he talked to you he actually listened and he was a hugger! If love could have saved him Michael would outlive us all. His last OD nothing could save him. I know Michael is in Heaven and he finally beat this demon. I am so sorry for you loss and I am sure that Madelyn and Michael are having a blast in Heaven. One day we will rejoice with them. Madelyn and Michael was everyone’s somebody!
My dear friend, though we have never met, we are forever friends because we have walked the very same path. Opiates controlled our Kristines life. She was introduced to them at a doctors office for pain and I believe she was hooked immediately. I also believe she, and so many other addicts, are predisposed to this addiction. She would try so hard to be clean, but this horrible addiction controlled her life. Kristine was a beautiful being. She was so pretty and funny with a great personality, but in the end, opiates won, which left a gaping hole in our hearts. We need to continue educating the public about this horrible disease and save the lives of children, no matter what age they are. My love & blessings are with you and your family & friends. If you need to talk, please contact me…I live in Oklahoma. Sharon McCartney Russell
What a beautiful tribute to an equally beautiful person, Thank you for speaking openly about something that so many want to just ignore. addiction can and does affect anyone. So very sorry for your loss!
So sorry for your loss. As my sons once said, life is nothing but a series of fights. We come into the world fighting to be born, then fight to have friends, good grades, education, relationships, children, a career, etc and then we fight not to die. I am so sorry that some, like your precious daughter, had to experience the dark, hard, relentless fight against addiction. What a beautiful, well written tribute. May God give you his peace that surpasses all understanding.
In a world where compassion for addiction is now viewed as individuals that have no place in society. I can relate to your story and feel for you. I pray comfort you can find. I have endured and watched as my husband and daughter traveled this road and struggle. Others do not have compassion for them as a human suffering and struggling. They see the chaos, destruction and forget this is someone else’s child, husband, father, sister, brother and they need help. I have watched it take everything from a loving father, business owner, compassionate person and try to destroy everything and everyone around them. Ive seen it take a daughter that struggles and wants a different life but crush her world. My heart goes out to you, my prayers are with you. God comfort, strengthen and keep you. May God help others and those that try to help these individuals to see, what we have currently done, DOES NOT WORK, you can’t make someone feel like trash, treat them like animals, not enable but truly care to transform and give help. Even though they do not deserve compassion and just respect as a human being, make the first step… treat others as you would want to be treated… not as they deserve. Our world would be a better place. Take a look in the mirror at who you are, except for God’s grace it could be you. Have compassion, understanding, give much, expect little, the world needs more done for drug addiction. Love and prayers.
I lost my brother to drug addiction. He was a warm and loving brother. I will miss him for the rest of my life. I am a nurse and treated many patients with this disease. I do remember some of my colleagues treating their patients with disdain or simply being dismissive because they were intoxicated at the time. I understand and entirely relate to this story. May God heal your wounds in time. Rest in peace Maddie.
I can identify with every word written here. My son also passed away almost 5 years ago at 39 years old. He did have some mental illness and before he was diagnosed, he started self-medicated. Although he did not die as a result of the drug directly, he did die because of the long-term effects of these chemicals destroying his body. He also came in contact with the law, courts, jail, unlawful people, judgment by them and others. The words “being an addict,” was the worst name calling and made him feel even more guilty and worthless. The support system needs a lot of work and education of this disease and being able to realistically support them.
The last 5 months of his life were sober, and his real person/spirit was there with all of his humor, conversations of depth, smiles, compassion, and love. He will always be in my heart.
Thank you for sharing about your lovely daughter. There are so many of us parents, family, friends who HUG you.
Your story is so true thank you for sharing we also have family members who have suffered addiction problems. My dear sister became hooked on opiates from a back injury at work she found a pain doctor who fed her pills like crazy. She ended up owing everyone money loosing almost everything she owned at her lowest. My hubby and I got her into rehab then brought her to live with us for a while. She almost died several times during her struggle through life. Finally she got clean got back with her husband and children and moved from the area. She passed away 5 months ago from a heart attack. The damage to her body was already done. Her son is in jail from the same addiction he sold drugs to maintain his addiction ending up on heroine. We pray when he gets out he stays clean and sober. It always broke my heart to watch how people reacted to them. The stigma attached is undeniable! People
Actually acted like they wanted to be addicts. Like they planned their lives to turn out like they did. I was blessed to have them in my life even if it wasnt quite long enough. People need to be educated that it is a disease a horrible horrible disease
My brother died at 32 because of a heroin addiction. A bright and talented man. The world seems empty without him
I am sobbing reading this.. it is so bitter Sweet and eye-opening. I don’t think I’ve ever read an obituary like this. I (like many that have commented) did not know your daughter but I do know she was an incredibly amazing talented and beautiful person!! I am a recovering addict 2yrs clean. I know the struggle… I understand the pain. My heart breaks into a million pieces for your family because she was not her addiction. That wasn’t who she was and you clearly and proudly have shown the world that!! This beautifully written obituary I fully believe can and will save someone’s life out there. So thank you for sharing her story, your story, and the truth that the world so desperately needs to hear. Rest in peace sweet Madelyn <3 I am praying for son and family that they will have comfort and peace
Brittany – IA
Thank you for sharing. God Bless you and your family. When a person is over come by drugs it does have a strong hold of them. It is more powerful than anything. The drug is more loved and important than any family member or loved one. Lots of people have a family member who is in the hold. Prayers are needed all over the world and in mine. I pray you will continue to help and fight to keep others with there f amily and loved ones and not let this thing they call love of the drug take control of there life. God Bless you always.
What an amazing tribute to your beloved Maddie! My heart hurts for your loss! God is the forgiver of all and the healer of our pain. I pray that you feel his love and comfort and I trust that Maddie is walking with HIM now. Sending prayers and love!
I am so sorry for your loss of this beautiful woman. I hope you all find the peace to carry on & to take care of her beautiful child. You were worried that people would see the obituary as just that but I can tell you it conveyed a beautiful soul with a devastating issue. The best of her came through in your comments & she was lucky to have such a loving & understanding family. Bless her son & all of you & may Maddie rest in peace..
I didn’t know your daughter but I struggled for years with opiates myself. I’m so sorry for your loss. I hate drugs so much
So sorry for your loss, I know first had the outcome of losing a loved one to this disease. I lost my husband in April of this year. He tried for many years to fight the demon and no matter how hard he tried days weeks months years of sobriety that demon would creep back in, eventually taking him away from his family, and leaving behind us all including his 4 year son.
Sending prayers to your family and especially her precious son. Know she is an angel forever watching over you all.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. An obituary is very difficult to write but Maddie’s family has done a wonderful service to her. I am so glad you will always have a part of her in her son.
My family is also from Vermont and my maiden name is Keenan. [Not sure if we are related.] We have had quite a few from this side of the family that has addiction problems. I am so very sorry for what your family has been through.
as a recovering alcoholic of 42+ years and a retired Addictions Counselor with over 25 years in the field before retirement I applaud you honest and heartfelt Obituary about you daughter. We need more who speak the truth after the loss of a loved one to drug abuse. We need to peal the shame away from the disease of addiction and you do just that. I am so sorry for your loss and thank you for your daughter. Bless you.
The most beautiful tribute I have ever read. Thank you for fighting for and with her until the end. I hope her light continues to shine upon the world from beyond.
I too lost a brother a few years ago because of a drug addiction. He tried many times to overcome it, but it took over especially after the death of his wife, he went down hill. He was a kind thoughtful soul, would help anyone and give you the shirt off his bag. The last time I went to visit him he was asleep in bed, I went in to wake him and I was shocked at the weight he lost, I was staring at a skeleton with flesh over it.. I took him to eat and spent quality time with him, I was glad I had that, he passed away soon after. I miss him, he always called me every week just to say hi and check on me.
This was beautifully written and sadly hits home for me as well.
I am sorry to hear of your loss with Madelyn. Thank you for sharing a little bit about her with the world.
Bless you and yours.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing Maddie’s story so eloquently. It should give anyone and everyone with any doubt whatsoever that opiate addiction is a disease and major problem in our world today. I pray that your family eventually finds the comfort and peace in knowing that Maddie is not struggling anymore. God bless you all.
Bless you. Just bless your hearts.
I am so sorry for your loss, I hope you all find peace and comfort in this difficult time
I also suffered a loss my baby sister to addition. I understand you’re loss! What a touching story of Maddie. One thing for sure we love them addicted or not! Thanks for sharing her story. In memory of my little sister Katherine Buckman 6/6/1963 to 2016. Love you! Yvonne Simpson
I am currently a student study medicine and am doing a rotation through a pain management facility. Many of these patients face chronic pain- many also struggle with opioid abuse and dependency.
As a future healthcare provider, I will remember these words and the life of your daughter when working with patients whenever I am tempted to label someone as a “junkie” or “addict.” Thank you for this lesson in compassion.
I am so sorry for your loss.
My heart goes out to you! I’ve been clean since 09′ so I know what she went thru..As I was reading I realized that the way the article was written, you could change the names and yrs around and it sounds just like my life; without the last paragraph…(sigh) I can’t explain to you how wicked this disease is and when ppl say it’s not a disease I want to smack them! Just like you get lung cancer and from initial smoking,we get addiction from initial use! And then it begins…it stalks me,certain smells,songs,movies remind me of using and getting high as if it’s my damn ex that I’m longing for! Holidays and vacation comes 2nd best and the only way I could deal with my son is if I wasnt sick bc it wasn’t about getting high anymore I just wanted to be off sick! I was getting rides to StL while my dealers were driving Cadillacs and Bentley’s!Finally jail came and that sickness almost killed me and I promised never again! But damage was done after 10 yrs of addiction. My family was already moved on and trying to be better than others,so having an addict daughter,sister neice kinda locked their style. Family is everything! Maddy is lucky to have you all loving her. Ayden will be her forever song!!! Please tell Maddy’s story,don’t be embarrassed like my family is..This is her story and I assure you that people will gain something out of this! Even if it’s just being able to speak of their story! Thank you for sharing this and tell Maddys story as much as possible… Remember this don’t have to be her last chapter!!
So sorry for your loss and the loss her son will have for not getting to grow up with her in his life.
I know people who deal with this awful addiction…..I have never understood it and can only empathize….
Again so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry Maddie passed away. This is beautifully written and should be shared widely. Let it be her legacy to change the perception of addiction. Bless her, her son Ayden, and her loved ones.
So sorry for your loss,what a very sad story,this actually broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes,God please help these poor people that are struggling to be clean,I’m sure once addicted is not an easy sickness to go through,it becomes a struggle everyday….please get help ASAP,it is out there for anyone that is struggling to get the professional help that they require,…God Bless…please do not dispair….help is there for you….
First of all let me say how truly sorry I am for your loss. It sounds like your “Maddie” was a beautiful soul. I am a Deputy Sergeant who works in a Georgia jail. All too often I see beautiful, severely broken, people come through the doors of the jail. They are hurt, scared, sick, ashamed, without hope, the list goes on…Some are very talented just as your “Maddie” was. Some have wonderful families just as it appears “Maddie” did while others are not so lucky…I watch drugs destroy families and lives daily. I’m with them as they suffer through the withdrawals, depression, and pain. I’m with them for the suicide threats and sometimes suicide attempts..I listen to the stories of how and why they started using drugs…In one breath I thank God that they are not my child I’m having to watch suffer while in the next breath I’m praying for this person, someone else’s child, which I’m having to watch suffer. Some have someone on the outside; while others have nobody on the outside. I have housed entire families all at the same time and thought to myself “No wonder they are on the condition they are in they never had a chance they were born into addiction”..Whatever the case, I treat them all with respect as though they were my own family.. see next comment
Kim Keenan
I treat them all with respect as though they were my own family..I care for them as though they were my own child..I pray for them knowing they are someone else’s child, brother, sister, mother, father.. and I attempt to encourage them and get them the proper care they need if I even think for a second that they could be suicidal…Nobody on this earth deserves to feel at any time that death is the best answer..Nobody on this earth deserves to feel they have nothing or nobody to live for.. Nobody on this earth deserves to feel they are not worthy to take another breath of life..I said all of that to say this…Addiction is very REAL. Addiction is a DISEASE and a very real one. Addiction seeks, steal’s and destroys everything in its path. Addiction does not discriminate it will take anyone from any class of life when given the opportunity…Never kick someone when they are down. Offer words of encouragement when you can. You may be the very last voice they hear..Give them words of encouragement and hope as one simple conversation may make the difference between them choosing life or choosing death. May your precious “Maddie” Rest in Peace I am truly sorry for your loss.
Kim Keenan
You can read this story and put anyone’ s name in it and it would tragically be another broken-hearted family, that has battled the ugliness of addiction, including my own. My sincerest prayers to everyone who has a loved one filled with such promise who finds themselves dealing with the same loss of hope with their passing.
God bless this family as they grieve their beloved daughter, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. RIP, Maddie.
I too am a parent of an addict, it is very hard because it not only affects the person doing
family as well, there are groups for that, WE need to support each other, it is a hard road fearing the worst could happen, I don’t want to have to receive a knock at my door by police ,
I am going through the same thing with my son, he has stolen more things from us and other family members than u can possibly imagine,then he started stealing from other places.he has 4 kids and they have spent most of there lives being raised by me and my husband due to him being in and out of prison and his wife leaving them while he was in prison,I cant give up on him all I can do is pray that he gets sober and that he doesn’t lose the fight.may god bless all of u.
Im so sorry for your loss. My brother also couldnt escape the grip of addiction. He lived a life of so much torture. We as his family did as well. He never saw it like that though. I said for years that he would die from the addiction. It was amazing his many lives he actually had. So, every time he survived we thought that he really would live forever. Until the day he didnt. 3/10/16.
Those that are left behind will struggle every day and question whether they did enough, if they loved enough but we did.
I wish that we could cure this. I wish that no other family would feel the kind of pain you /I/they feel. May you find peace in knowing she isnt suffering anymore ..
My thoughts are with you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
While i dont know her family or Maddie, I think she was a beautiful sole. It saddens me to know such a horrible disease has once again robbed the world of another soul. This is a tragedy, her son will always have questions that will go unanswered in his life and a hole in his heart that only his mother could fill. I pray that in her passing, her beautifully written obituary will serve not only as a memorial but as a lesson on what the theif of addiction steals from so many and the devestation and destruction it leaves in its wake. May she finally have a peaceful soul that can rest and spirit that lives on in those she loved and loved her in return.
Such a sad loss and so many others..We can put any name in Maddie’s story and multiply it times 100s and see the loss and heartache caused by opiates..I have no personal knowledge of this horrible, tragic killer but I hear of so many and see the devastation to family and loved ones and communities. Our people are not only dying from addiction to Opiates but of heartache. I pray for these dangerous drugs to be replaced with drugs less addictive and safer to take for pain and for guidance as we walk the journey with those struggling with pain and addiction.. Thanks for sharing Maddie’s story…
During a moment of silence at my NA Meeting last night I thought of Madelyn. I read this right before the meeting started. I am an addict. My drug was the same as Madelyn’s. For almost 10 years it consumed with everything I was. It is a shame that we as people have to suffer such a horrific disease. I’m glad Madelyn’s struggle is over. But I feel sad for all she left behind. Especially her so. I am 44 days clean today. My prayers for Madelyn’s family and Madelyn….Be safe out there everyone. Taking one pill or any drug for that matter can wreck your life. Or worse in this case.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute to your daughter. My heart hurts for you and your family. My daughter has been addicted 10 years or more. She has two beautiful daughters of her own and sometimes she does so well and I see her shine as a mother, then there are times I wish I could take those precious girls away so they never have to witness some things. I feel my hands tied behind my back as I watch helplessly. There is a problem, always has been a problem and always will be a problem because no one is ever well and free from addiction. It is a battle that will always have to be fought and no one else can fight for another as bad as we want to. God bless you and your family. May Ayden always know his mommy loved him dearly and tried so very hard for him and you always know your daughter loved you almost as much as you love her.
Thank u for sharing. I’m been clean going on 7 years, their is no cure. It’s a daily battle sometimes it’s a minute by minute battle. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My most sincere condolences to all the family…R.I.P. Maddie…I am going through the same with my youngest son (31). He has been battling this since he was about 23, and I know it will eventually take his life. I’ve sat up all night for many months planning my sons funeral. He is such a loving and caring son, father, brother that just got caught up in the wrong life style. I feel heartbroken for every family that is going through this heartache. God bless you all.
My husband overcame this horrible addiction to oxycontin. We are so opposite when it comes to painkillers and alcohol cravings. I am also anti meds. I don’t like Big Pharma obviously. I can only say because of my lack of understanding over pain killers and their strenghts and cost, I flushed it all down the toilet, My husband said I saved his life. I said God saved him. I just happened to be a vessel to God’s tool to help another being. We can never thank God enough to help us though this horrible ailments that people easily fall for. I will never understand your suffering but my husband did 30 years of addiction finally broke free. Jesus is his answer, He can set you free. I am sorry this beautiful mama didn’t make it through I hope through our story somebody will know it is possible to sober up, you can do it too!
God bless you all and may she now RIP. I also lost a son to the horrible addiction.
What a beautiful and well thought out tribute to your daughter. So many suffer and so many succumb to this wretched disease. I’m so so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing these very meaningful words. May God hold your family close during this very difficult time. So many prayers for your family. May your beautiful Maddie finally rest in peace.
It is beyond me how any one of whose people above could hit the dislike button. It is an obvious display of ignorance or anger or bias…not of which are a favorable trait in their character. Addiction is a disease from hell that manifests itself in horrible ways when active. It is a daily war zone for addicts that we, as family, pray they will win on a day-by-day basis.
I dont know what else to say but i know the struggle that your daughter went through…i dont know if its a war i will ever win but for the time being i feel strong but vulnerable at the same time. Thank you for sharing, i hope you can continue to remember all of the good times…as i hope my family can still think of life before my disease took hold of my life.
I am so sorry for your loss. Another light has left our world because of addiction AMD the battle we face daily. Prayers, love and light for her family and friends. If one person sees this obituary and it changes their life, work has been done.
#9yearsanditsstillnoteasy
My sincere condolences to your family. Having lost my 32 year old to alcohol only 2 years ago, I want you to spread her story, but more importantly spread the story of the wonderful, loving, human she was. It is so important to have people remember her for her, not for the drugs. I am learning life will forever change for us, for you, we will live in our memories and be shunned by friends we expected to lean on, but keeping her essence alive is most important. She was a lovely woman with fabulous traits. Her addiction was just a very small part of her. Bless you all.
Wonderful and beautiful tribute to a fellow human being who suffered from a terminal disease, no different from cancer or heart disease. The love and unconditional acceptance and support this family has for one another is palpable. Thank you for sharing your truth, pain and experience with the devastating disease of addiction. May you have comfort and strength in loved ones during this insurmountable, tragic loss.
So Sorry for your lose. I love the honesty of the obituary maybe it will help others. I too have an adult child who suffers with addiction, he’s been clean for three years and I hope this is the last of it, but he has relapsed in the past. Thank You for sharing this painful story with the world.
I dont judge. I have experienced this with my grandson who was only 26.. I have prayed so much and I will pray for this family. I am at peace with the knowledge that Sam is no longer in pain and that he was a professed Christian. I know I will see him again. He was not strong enough to get Satan off his back but God stepped in and took our boy to be with Him.
I am sincerely and honestly sorry for the loss of your daughter and for the pain of darkness that does steal our loved ones. I was a lucky one whose son overcome it but not without prayers and doubts. I pray that you find solace that you are not alone. May she rest among the Angels and feel the warmth of Jesus Christ’s love upon his face. You are at Peace with our Lord. You’re earthly struggles are over. No more tears. You are home in Heaven where we all yearn to be. May the Peace of Christ be with your family and give all strength to endure the loss of their beloved daughter. God Bless them.
What a beautiful tribute. I am terribly sorry for your loss. My prayers are with her family.
A good friend of mine posted this and being that I myself is in recovery and only 3 years older then Maddie I wanted to hear her story. This was beautifully written and you can see how much Maddie was loved and loved her life. She sounds like a beautiful person inside and out. I can’t imagine what you are going through as her parents and the heartache you are feeling. I’ve lost many people including family members to this horrible disease. You never know when that last use will take your life. Addiction is a everyday struggle and the pull it has is like no other. Cherish those 12 days of summer and all the amazing memories you have shared. I pray that your family and her son Ayden heal your broken hearts. Take comfort in knowing she is finally at peace, joyous and free from her struggles on earth, although I know it doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. Thank you for sharing her story and I will share her story too. Much love and prayers from Brooklyn, NY
so so sorry for your loss.
I am overcome with respect, compassion for Maddie and all of you who know and love her. We too have this same story with our son Bryce. While some of the details are different, in the end the result is the same. And for those who judge or show unkindness of any kind, shame on them and like all of us who already know that pain, someday when they are suffering with their own demons or someones they love, I pray wholeheartedly that they will embrace the love that will inevitably be shown them. May Gods Love surround you and your family at this time. It is painful to know that while we know our loved one is out of the darkness and now into the light our pain that comes from a 24 hour a day loss remains here with us but how grateful we should be to have had them in our lives at all. God bless you.
My heart is with you all.We in my family are all too familiar with this disease. On all sides of the fence. Please do not place blame on anyone. Support and love each other unconditionally. We lost several in the family to this disease. They are all at peace on the other side. It is us the living who suffer now. Talk to Maddie everyday and every night because she is all knowing now.She is all love.A kind word or even a smile or pat on the back to a stranger in addiction can give them the smallest hope to continue one more day. All that wander the Earth with this disease deserve love and understanding. Peace be with you all.
I do not know you or your family, but this obituary moved me to tears. How touching it was for me to read. Addiction is a terrible disease and it robs you of everything in your life. Just know that Maddie’s struggle is over, she is resting in the arms of our sweet Jesus, and He is the Ultimate Healer! She has been made whole again, no more addiction or pain. Please hold tight to and cherish the many good memories you have of Maddie, her wonderful voice, and her love to be in the water. I pray that God brings you all comfort during this time. God Bless your entire family!
I am very sorry for your loss. I myself lost my nephew at the age of 26 less than a year ago the day before he would have been 27. Addiction is tough, I study it daily in hopes to help people as a career. I understand it, as I almost lost my fiance’ who has now been clean 8 months. I pray for GOD to guide you and hold you up right now in your sadness. I pray Ayden will remember great things about his mom and some day sing about it. Please continue to share your story. There are many people out there lost with no where to turn that feel unloved and unaccepted. Know in your hearts you did all you could and cherish your memories. Big hugs to you all.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Addiction is the illness that is the scourge of our society right now. I feel the pain that you and your family have endured through your beautiful, loving and talented Maddie’s struggles. I do work in a facility that assists addicts in overcoming their disease, and it can be disheartening how very many people are affected by this.
Bless you all for the beautifully written obituary. Loving and caring thoughts as well as deep condolences to you in your loss.
I am so sorry to read that your beloved Maddie has succumbed to her addiction. I am not acquainted with your family; however, I am intimately familiar with loss due to addiction and I feel your pain. I also would like to commend the author of Maddie’s obituary for being so open and honest about Maddie’s life and the challenges she and your family faced. You will be in my healing prayers sent out to the universe this evening. Take good care. Love, Susan
God, this is heartbreaking — and beautiful. Like so many others referred to this, I don’t know you or Maddie or her family. But she was clearly, dearly loved; she was lucky — blessed — in that, as you were to have known her. And she will be remembered. Thank you for sharing this deeply moving, important story.
I am truly sorry for your loss of Maddie. I want to thank you for sharing hers and your story. She is quite lovely. I do hope Ayden can always remember her beauty. That photo shows the beautiful spark he is and her gift to the world. Blessings be to you all.
Didn’t read with judgement, read with tears. I’ll pray for your family tonight.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Angel would be so happy for the loving tribute you gave. And I feel honored to get a glimpse of your family and Maddie’s life. Bless you, I know for a fact that God will hold your hearts until the pain eases enough for you to take it on. All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today.
My condolences to the family. I am saddened that the disease of addiction has took her from us. I am a recovering addict by the grace of God. RIP Madelyn.
My heart breaks for those she left behind. Thank you for sharing Maddie with us.
Love and prayers for comfort from South Carolina.
Xoxo
I feel your pain as my daughter was an addict and has been clean for 4 years since the conception of her little girl. I thought one day I too would face this dread of losing her. But I praise God for her and her little girl. She is pregnant with another precious child that she is overjoyed with. Lifting your family up in prayer. Peace be with you that she is no longer a slave to this horrible disease
I shared this with my 16 yr old daughter and we cried together. Thank you for helping us all learn about addiction. Our hearts go out to you and everyone who knew and loved Maddie,
What a wonderful woman Maddy. That makes it so hard to lose her. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your written word has described such a beautiful girl and as such my heart has been touched.
Addiction is such a horrible and destructive disease for everyone including your family. I hope you will all see bright days ahead, remember Maddy on her good days and love each other everyday. Take good care.
Jane from Canada
I have shared your deeply moving obituary and the loving personality of this young woman with the South Hadley Drug & Alcohol Prevention Coalition, where our mission is to prevent drug use by teens. If one parent here in our Massachusetts town, if one teen, can be positively impacted, feel less alone, less stigmatized,and feel encouraged, then I hope that her family members who survive her will feel that her life has brought meaning to a wider reach. I hope there may be some measure of comfort in that. She clearly had a spirit that brought comfort and joy to you all who knew her. That’s a terrible loss.
Thank you for sharing your very personal story. My heart and prayers are with you and your family. I too have a daughter who is an addict, by the grace of God she has been clean and sober for 5 years but I still live in fear it will raise its ugly head.
First, I am terribly sorry for your loss. Next, thank you so much for sharing her story so openly and honestly. There are so many that suffer with this disease and infinitely more loved ones that are affected by addiction. By sharing her true story you may be helping others in their fight. Most often those battling addiction do it in private and in shame, but maybe if more people shared their stories something positive might take place. Praying for your family.
Thank you for sharing this. I lost my nephew to addiction in February 2018. I son is also an recovering addict. Each day I live in fear. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish there was more help for addicts, they are wonderful human beings who are looked down upon. My prayers are with you and your family. With Love, Denise.
Thank you. Thank you for sharing Maddie with us all. Although I never met her, we are connected for many reasons. Says she spent time in Sarasota, my hometown. I’m sure she loved it there as its paradise on Earth.
Thank you for not giving up on her. She felt and knew your love was unconditional. Addicts arent addicts because they want to be. Ppl dont wake up one day and say..I’m gonna become a drug addict, ruin everythg I have, piss everyone off around me, lose those I love bc they dont trust me and look at me as a lost cause. I’m a nurse. I work in addiction and have alot arnd me. I pray that you all find peace knowing Maddie is finally at peace. She didn’t want to cause anyone pain but addiction gets ahold and wont let go. Once it starts, hard to stop and stay clean. Its a daily struggle to learn to live without. So, thank you. To all reading this, find a min to think abt the disease of addiction. Do you think addicts WANT this life for themselves and families?
To Maddies fam/friends: God bless you for loving her and being by her side until the end. Praying you remem the good times and remem she lives on in Ayden. Xoxoxo from Louisville, KY.
didn’t know her but know about addiction whoever wrote this your amazing you have a wonderful heart and soul and you described-addiction so well! She was very lucky-to have such an understanding person on her side!addiction is something that i personally struggle with everyday of my life and everyday for the past 10 yrs i have fought it and stayed clean but everyday is still a battle-that i will fight-till the day i leave this earth! Family is very important i have two children and now a two week old grandson that i love with all my heart but for addiction its stronger then ur principles your values and your family sometimes. May she rest in peace! And to the family god bless you you are in my thoughts and prayers she was lucky to have such an amazing understanding of the disease family most dont!
God Bless you all. I’ve known a lot of people who lost the fight of this disease and like Maddie, were lovely people. There is still a lot of prejudice towards those with drug and/or alcohol addiction and are looked down by them. May Maddie rest in peace.
I am here to stand with you and to stand by the memory of your daughter Madelyn. Addictive illness is no different than depression, lupus, diabetes, cancer, or any other disease. There is no moral component. No one asks for this or wants this illness. The great tragedy is that many of the symptoms present socially and that the disease can be activated and exacerbated by certain social situations. No mother loves a drug more than her child, but addictive illness can make it very confusing for loved ones and people on the outside who dont understand and feel that they can judge. Thats how powerful addictive illness is – it can make the most beautiful person present symptoms so difficult and confusing to understand that the actual person seems lost. Thank you for holding onto your daughter, for seeing that she was and is always herself, and that it was the illness and not the person that stole her chance to be here with you. I am so very sorry. I send my love and prayers for peace and understanding, for kindness and acceptance from your friends and community, and for the memory of Maddie to always shine brighter than her illness.
Thank you for sharing such a difficult story honestly. The picture is heartbreaking. I hope Ayden grows up to know he was loved and cherished, but that his mother had a cruel, remorseless illness that she fought as long as she could, but could no longer fight. I am glad you have so many positive memories of Maddie to comfort you in the future. I work with a family drug court to help women like Maggie get sober and keep their kids out of foster care. Stories like yours help our cause survive. Will pray for your family.
Thank you for using disease n not weakness. I m a recovering addict of 15yrs. I m lucky to be here i too was addicted to pain pills i was taking 50 to 60 a day for 7 yrs. With that said if someone is struggling with this disease plz get help it can work it worked for me.
Thank you for sharing Maddie’s story with us, she sounds like an incredible young lady . Reading this made me realize that if addiction could happen to Maddie , it can happen to anyone. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers .In honor of Maddie ,I will do whatever I can to help anyone else struggling with addiction . I know the only thing any one can take to Heaven is the love in thier heart , I’m sure Maddie took a lot of love with her. God bless you and everyone who loves her.
Thank you for sharing Maddie’s story. It truly touched my heart. I have a friend who’s son is an addict. Everyday she lives in fear of losing him. I have sent her a copy of Maddie’s obituary because I know it will give her strength to keep fighting for her son. I wish you brighter days ahead. Maddie has found peace and I hope your happy memories help ease your grief.
If love alone could save a life, it is clear Madeline would still be alive. But every soul must walk its own path, making its own choices, suffering its own rewards or consequences of those choices.
God bless all of you. It is not easy to love an addict but it is the only thing we can do. I hope that having given so very much love you may now find peace.
My daughter struggled for years, we raised her boys for 5 years. Tough love and many tears. She finally realuzed she had enough and csme home for help, it was hard. 3 yrs later, she has her boys, her home and she us a hard working RN. I thought she would be dead. I sm so proud, but i still worry. The struggle is real.I feel for any family going through it.
I love my daughter with all my heart. Her addiction doesn’t allow her to be a part of our lives. She is homeless and living on the street. She is beautiful, smart, and talented in so many ways. I have tried having her live with me. She has dealers drop heroin in the middle of the night or at my office. She tried living with my parents and did the same thing. She takes it in our vehicles. I have taken her for detox and she won’t stay. I feel so helpless. She sent me a message which I copied and am pasting here:
Im super miserable. Dont feel well. My body and hair is dirty and my clothes are baggy, stained and smelly. Im sore all over, but my ankle is a lot worse.
This broke my heart. How can you keep them a part of your life if the heroin is so important that they would rather live like that than accept help without bringing heroin into your homes and vehicles?
This obituary is terribly sad and a brutally honest reality for so many people and families. May this lovely person rest in peace. Strength to the family
Thank you for the love you gave your daughter and how you stood with her through this terrible disease and it is a disease. I pray for your loss and nothing any of us say will bring her back. But she suffers no more snd that is what true love really is, being there when they need you the most.
This was a beautiful tribute to your amazing daughter. This terrible disease took my beautiful niece in June of this year at 28 years old She too was an amazing girl but this damn disease just kept coming back. I pray for all of you as I know first hand what your going through God Bless you All
Blessings and my Deepest sorrows to yall for the loss of your Precious Sweet Daughter… That was so Beautifully written above about your Loved one…!!!!! Addiction is a Disease, a struggle, a constant fight…PURE EVIL…!!!!! My sweet Precious Son Tommy fell prey to this EVIL
12/19/76-11/6/16 …He was my Life -My Firstborn-My Son .. He is forever in My Heart… In this tragedy we were able to Donate 4 of his organs so that others may live… He will live on in Others and in The Arms of Our Lord…
Ouch right in the feelings..
I know this story all too well…. but I found a way out and I am certain that you can too! READ: “Dragonflies…From Broken to Beautiful” by: Paula Cunningham. I give the true story of my journey to freedom from opioid addiction. BOOK TRAILER is on YouTube.
This is the most profoundly beautiful display of love I have ever witnessed in my entire life.
I never met Maddie, but I could’ve been her and in many ways I am her…
Her story is a tremendous reminder to all of us, especially those of us attempting, or in recovery, that we are all only moments away from death.
Maddie and your family did a tremendous service for those struggling with disease of addiction and their families.
As a person in their thirties in long-term recovery from opioids, who now works in the field, I have never seen a more admirable, heartfelt, and honest account of the disease process behind addiction.
I pray your family, and Maddie’s son especially will find peace in knowing that Maddie just stormed the world in a way that will positively impact the addiction community forever.
The pain in your words showcased that love is unconditional, something difficult to comprehend until you live through it yourself.
Even when people are at their worst, we don’t ever stop loving them. You cannot turn love on and off like a light switch.
It’s not clear cut, or easily defined, but I believe two of the most painful things a person can endure are:
-Living with the affliction of opioid addiction
-Deeply loving someone facing opioid addiction who ultimately lost their battle with disease
I’ve lived through both, and so I thank you from the bottom of my heart for these words.
I am more impacted and grateful for this beautiful tribute to your daughter Maddie than you could ever know.
Sending infinite light and love your way,
Sarah Howroyd
West Hartford, CT
I pray that the Lord comforts your family during this difficult time.
Hello, I am in long term recovery and I also work in this field. I am so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful daughter you had! We can all only hope to be loved like you loved her. Thank you for helping to break the stigma and judgment of addiction. I pray you find peace for this horrible loss. You are in my thoughts and so is Maddie.
It all starts with the doctors, who initially hand out these prescriptions to adults and young ppl get hold of them. There are no warnings from the doctors, who are making a fortune off these drugs. Why are they classified as controlled substances which alerts the FDA to misuse? Pockets are very deep.
Thank you for sharing your story, Maddie’s story, with such raw emotion. There aren’t enough people sharing their real lives anymore; social media is so sanitized it makes most of us feel horrible about our lives, that we must be doing something so terribly wrong if our lives don’t look like an Instagram photo.
My son is an addict. He has a beautiful little boy that I am raising because my son chose the drugs over his baby. It’s so hard hearing him talk about how much he wants the drugs, how powerless he is to overcome the urges. He’s in and out of rehabs, detox centers, and sober living homes. He has called us in the throws of a meth-induced psychosis, leaving us to wonder whether he would even survive the night.
As the mom of an addict, my heart breaks for you. You’ve lived all of our worst nightmares, yet you’ve encouraged and offered hope to the rest of us who love an addict. I hope Maddie’s Ayden grows up remembering his mother’s love for him. I know that you all will make sure to keep the stories of her fresh in his mind. I don’t know you, but I love you. God bless you and yours.
I just broke down in tears after reading this. Having a daughter the same age as Madelyn I just could not imagine living without her in my life. My sincere condolence to her loving family and beautiful little son. I to had a problem with pain pills in my 20s way into my 30s My journey never took me down but it also never lifted me up one day I decided my children deserved better and quit , it was hard but necessary hard in that my Doctor kept giving the damn things to me. I found a new doctor a great doctor who helped me get clean and saved my life. For this I will be forever greatful. No meds for 25 years now I wish this could have been Madelyns story as well. Prayers and God bless you all.
She was born the same yr I was and I for a few yrs lived and and knew the beauty of Burlington VT. If you want I make quilts out of old shirts of loved ones passed. I’d be honored to make one out of her clothes. I do it for free because I know what loss is like. Ty for sharing her story and being so honest. Her death should never definite the beautiful life she was. If you want a quilt pm me. Again I’m so sorry for your loss.
Yes, it will s a disease I am too familiar with. I got sober and drug free in 1985. Stayed sober for 15 years and relapsed on alcohol. I now have 12 years sober and Im still drug free. The mother of my children went from being married and living in a multi-million dollar home, to living on the streets. Emptied both kids college funds and blew it all on pills and booze. Yes, its a disease. You have to face it one day at a time. May Maddie Rest In Peace.
Into the freedom of wind and sunshine
We let you go
Into the dance of the stars and the planets
We let you go
Into the winds breath and the hands of the star maker
We let you go
We love you, we miss you, we want you to be happy
Go safely, go dancing, go running home
I received this and it was a comfort…bless you all!
So sorry for your loss. Your love is so beautiful for her. May God give you peace and comfort during these sad times….
Maureen & family, I am so sorry for the pain you have had, in watching your beloved struggle for so many years. I hope your sharing helps someone else. I hope you have many wonderful memories of when she was not taken over by this struggle, & I wish you all peace and everlasting love. It would appear she has left this world with a reminder of the beautiful part, in her child. Hugs… June Sweeny Lamphere
I am so very sorry for your loss, your tribute to your daughter is beautiful and my heart aches for the pain youre going through as parents losing a child as I lost my only son at age 19 under different circumstances but totally unexpected so I feel your pain and I pray that God will grace you with peace in knowing that she is in his hands and singing joyfully, being your seeet daughter once again, God Bless and keep your family in his healing embrace.
Beautiful tribute , so so very sad for her and her loving friends & family, prayers for you
I am sending prayers to this family and all who struggle with addiction. Our son has struggled for years and currently has been sober for 2 years 9 months. Even with that amount of time he says it is a continuous process. I feel as if this could have been us. Addiction is a horrible disease and people need to see it as such. Sending love, hugs and understanding please keep working at it, we care and we see who you are beyond this disease. Peace be with you
I am so sorry for the loss of this beautiful soul. I pray that everyone who loves her continues to honor her memory by sharing beautiful stories of her life. You are all in my heart.
Thank you for sharing this, sorry for your loss and sorry that she lost her battle with addiction, may God grant you peace!
I am so sad for your loss what a beautiful young woman and so is her son… I have a loved one with the same problem and I fight for him everyday … I understand your sadness… people do need to see that people need support to overcome this and love not ridicule and not being judged… each person with an addiction is someone’s child. Jesus has been the answer in all our victories. .. May the Lord bless you and yours and keep you all
I dont know her or her family. I just wanted to say sorry for your loss but what a wonderful tribute to her. Prayers.
So so sorry for your loss very sad reading this . Maddie looks like a beautiful person luv n hugs sent
So sorry for your loss prayers for comfort and strength to your family. Special prayes for her sweet baby boy.What a wonderful tribute to your daughter. Madelyn RIP SWEET ANGEL I don’t know your family but my prayers will be with you I too lost a child 08/17/88-09/24/2007 he will always be our guardian angel keep your faith what a MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE.PRAYING for your family IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER SON AND HOLY SPIRIT AMEN.
I did not know her, but your tribute to her was beautiful and honest! So many people try to hide a cause of death and keep secrets that in telling could help others! You have honored her soul and true essence and told her story with love and compassion! I am glad I took the time to read this! I believe that addiction in our country is our society’s problem and one for all of us to fix, starting with how we understand! You have helped me to better understand! Thank you and bless your family as you grieve this loss!
So sorry to hear of her death, sounds like a very caring person,Sympathy to her family and devoted friends. May she now walk with Jesus.For he relieved her of her suffering and took her home.Might he take your pain with him also.Amen.
I am so sorry for your loss. I too have siblings that are struggling with addiction and I pray that they that walketh in darkness shall see the light of recovery..Amen!!
Hi, I never usually write on these kind of things but this really affected me. Im so sorry for your loss. You have been so eloquent in this obituary and have really given a sense of what its like to live with someone with addiction. My dad is an alcoholic. He is the nicest, most caring man in the world, but people often dont see that. People avoid him, look at him on the street like hes some crazy old man. I cant blame them, but it breaks my heart. Hes not the man from my childhood anymore, who used to look after me and take me to the park. I look after him now. And its hard, Im in my 20s and trying to care for an old man. But i will always do it, because hes my pa, and hes the best. its not his fault, and like you said its so important to educate yourself on addiction.
Maddie sounds like she was a beautiful soul, one of the best. Make sure you talk about her all the time. Keep her spirit alive. I hope you all manage to find peace xxx
Beautifully written tribute, and honest too. I’m very sorry for the loss of your Maddie.
I didnt know Maddie personally but couldnt read this and not express how moved and grateful I am to hear such truth. Reading about Maddie and just how intensely she struggled with horrendous this disease, I want to take time to thank her family for not keeping quiet in hope that others may be educated. It wont bring Maddie back, I wish it would, but it may enlighten those who still dont see this as a disease. We need support not critisms. I will keep Maddie and all those who have struggled or are struggling in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. While I was reading it brought me back to the days when I was using drugs, the pain we live through daily. The heart ache when others turn their back, and the struggle to get clean.
As I was ready some of these condolences I’m thinking that just maybe your daughters obituary will save someones life.
May God Bless you and your family.
Maddie clearly had an impact on those around her during her short life. But in death, her story has had an impact on thousands and thousands. Perhaps her loved ones can take some comfort in that. Rest now free of pain Maddie.
Wishing Maddie’s family comfort during this loss. Thank you for sharing this story. I am an addict in recovery who has relapsed probably more than stayed sober but I still try. Thank you for recognizing that those of us who try and fail are still human and have value. Ayden is in good hands xoxoxo
Beautifully written… If LOVE could have saved her she would have LIVED FOREVER
This tribute is so beautiful and raw and real. Thank you for sharing it with the world. May it help others struggling with addictions. Wishing you all love and strength during this incredibly difficult time.
Dear Family of Beautiful Maddie,
Wow! What a precious tribute to your beautiful daughter! I am so so very sorry for your loss. We too have endured the loss of our son- 8 years ago to opioid addiction. He was 28 and was an amazingly talented and handsome young man. He was a writer and artist- so creative! It’s so very sad to see so many young beautiful souls be taken down by addiction. We have a huge RX drug overdose epidemic in this country. We do our best to educate others about the disease of addiction, as it is a disease of the body mind and soul. We even run an Addiction Recovery Program for our local church. We believe every addict that turns their life around and becomes sober is a MIRACLE. And for every miracle our son Joey, rejoices with us . We know that your precious Maddie and our precious Joey is free from their chains that bound them on earth and they are OUR ANGELS and ANGELS for those that suffer from addiction and need their help! LIFE IS ETERNAL and WE will see them again and we will rejoice when that time comes when we once again can embrace them! May the Lord bless you with comfort and peace to know you will be with her again one day!
RIP. My deepest condolences to the family and friends that she touched in her life. God bless her child, know she will always be looking down, watching and protecting you. God bless.
That was the most beautiful obituary i have ever read. I too, lost my 33 yr old son to this demon. I am soo sorry for your loss. I feel your pain & it breaks my heart.
I admire your honesty. I can feel the love in your family Just reading your words. Maddie Was beautiful. I love the part of your tribute when you talked about (junkie) people are so quick with criticism and not to look at a person as human being. I like to say we are all perfect in our imperfections! We all have them. Love is the most powerful thing you can give anyoneThank you for sharing.
Bonnie
Im so sorry for your loss. I take opioids myself because of chronic pain that cant be controlled. I so wish I didnt have to take them. Again sorry for your loss
Thank you so much for sharing this. I didn’t know Maddie, personally, but was deeply touched by your portrayal of her. I am in recovery, myself, and was grateful to have the opportunity to be reminded that no matter how many serious consequences and losses I am facing, I have so much to be grateful for. I gave a donation via your link to Turning Point and am grateful to have that opportunity. Thank you again and may you find peace in those moments where she shown and where she will still shine in your hearts.
Thank you for writing so sincerely and openly about your sister. I’m truly sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace and become a guiding light in all that knew and loved her. Your family will be in my prayers.
-From a stranger that’s been there, Nichole.
My heart breaks for your loss of your ,daughter.I thought for sure I would lose my first grandchild to this horrid addition,he was stabbed in the back because he tryed to I his dealer off,Got send to prison,And I A o thankful he did,1 1/2 years later he’s clean,in his 2. Daughters life’s,works,is happy and I have never been so proud in my life,he got a second chance at life,Please if your reading this there is hope,its love and understanding and you wanting to take the first step even if it is the 2nd 3rd 4th time,don’t give up on yourself as your family never does until like this family they have no choice
Im so sorry for a tragic loss of a beautiful young woman. Thank you for sharing her story with such gentle eloquent love and openness. Without a family to support people with the disease of addiction, its even harder. I am sure this will help in unknown ways, other families with similar struggles. Love and peace and I will donate in her honor.
Damn. That hurt to read. Seeing the words on a page and feel their sting can’t possibly compare to living them.
Please know that her life continues to give, as it have given me pause and a desire to reach out and help.
I lost my son Eric march of last year. He struggled most of his life with addiction. He came to Christ years ago and was ok for a while but as you know the world never stops calling you back. Eric was a great person but most had gave up on him. I prayed always that he would make it out . The only hope i have is that when i walk thru them gates of heaven my son will be there to meet me. I miss him so much. I will pray for you and the family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m also very happy she is at peace, as I bet you are now too. My husband passed away on June 20th after he lost his battle with alcoholism. I’ve been an open book about it so I greatly appreciate your beautiful tribute to her in this obituary, as well as how open you were about the nasty addiction disease. It is brutal. Take comfort with all the hugs that are shared with you. Big hugs and best wishes to Ayden.
Wow.. Im just lost for words right now reading this obituary! Ive never actually read one and cried through it, not knowing this person.. this was very meaningful and Im very sorry for the loss. RIP
I wish you peace and comfort. We are approaching three years since we lost my daughter’s dad. You are in our thoughts, and I am grateful you shared Maddie’s story. Erica and Eliette
God bless you for being strong and sharing so much so eloquently. I have been on both sides of this and myself, 18 months sober on alcohol but not pain medicine yet. Again, you have many people who are praying for you.
I am so sorry for your grievous loss. What a light she was! Thank you for sharing her wonderful soul with us. My much beloved beautiful niece and godchild Mollie died of a heroin overdose several weeks ago. She was 29. I will miss her with my dying breath. Bless you for writing so eloquently about this horrendous disease that seems to rob us of the most beautiful and loving people in our lives. The cycle of addiction, shame, and despair that you described has claimed far too many. I hope that in knowing that you have helped many to understand that addicts are more–far more– than their disease will help to bring you and all who loved Madelyn some peace.
What a stunning story. To say this woman was well loved would be an understatement. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with her family, especially her beloved son. I am sure as he grows he will be told what a wonderful and loving mother he had and how she loved him. Thank you for sharing her with us. I would much rather know her and not just the addiction. Sorry for your loss of a beautiful individual who left you all to soon.
Thank you for sharing Maddie with us. I’m sorry for your loss. I’m grateful for your perserverance.
I am so incredibly moved by your loving insightful tribute about your daughter and that at this time of grief you choose Love and compassion to educate others. I am very moved. Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter with others
I am crying as I read this. For my nephew, for his immediate family, for his children (who have been taken away), for the mother of those children who overdosed and died just a few weeks ago. Many of us have tried to understand and love and be there for them. We have so often been hurt, that it is hard sometimes to keep giving faith, love, a job, a home, a car. Weve never stopped loving. I pray everyday for him, his children, all the others who are trapped in this awful disease, and each of our family.
Im glad you were able to see the love & light that was/is your Maddie. May Gods light and blessings be upon you all. Thank you for sharing. I hope somehow many people are touched by your love.
I have never been so touched by an obituary or a life story as this one. My heart hurts for Maddie and her family. I am a social worker and I think this obit should be included in a training manual so that workers can get the compassion they need to work with people who need their help. I have often said that I have met many Social Workers who should be mechanics and this story says it all for me. I am a Manager of a human service agency and I have asked workers to sit down and read this as we have been dealing with people who have addictions and it is as you describe. One day they are doing good and we are all hopeful and few days later we see them walking down the street obviously high. It is very heartbreaking. My condolences to you and you family.
So sorry for your loss. I did not know her but I understand to power of addiction. My brother lost his battle to the disease last year. People do not understand and you are right they see the junkie not the person they were before this horrible addiction took hold of them. It effects the whole family as you watch the person you love going deeper and deeper into addiction. Im so sorry for your loss and will keep you and her family on my prayers. I understand your pain.
I am SO sorry for your family’s loss. My son is an addict. He just finished a 2-year drug court program, which literally saved his life. That said, every day of his life will be a sobriety struggle for the rest of his life. One book that helped us immensely is “Beautiful Boy”. Madelyn was so very lucky to have you in her life. Please know that you did everything that you could do. I am sending thoughts, prayers and hugs your way.
I saw this obituary on a friends fb post. I do not know you, but I lost my son to suicide Labor Day weekend. I feel your pain and am so sorry for your loss. Ive always said, that is someones child, their love. What they did, not matter how bad, they were loved by someone. Your daughter sounds like a beautiful person. Im so sorry that she was introduced to drugs. Kids just dont get it. They dont realize what they are potentially doing to themselves and their families. It is far more reaching and themself. Prays to you all. I loved your openness with the obit. Very real.
That was so beautifully and accurately written by you and was the words of all us parents of drug-addicted children, who ultimately lost their lives due to addiction. Watching you child battle this ghastly disease for most of their life is pain enough but actually losing them forever when they take their last breath is beyond pain. As was your girl, my son was brilliant and amazing yet his drug addicted, tattooed body was only looked upon by today’s society as a piece of nothing. He was and could have been anything he chose had he not chose the path he took. I thank you for so eloquently putting into words what we all would like to share with the world and I pray that one day, you will find peace again in your hearts to move forward with this tragic loss. Enjoy your beautiful grandson. My son never had children so I do not have any piece of him here but one day, I will see him again as will you. Blessings Frances x
Thank you thank you for fearlessly sharing your daughters pain and life with us, strangers. And yet we know her like the back of our hands. She is us and you guys are the beacon that keeps so very many of us sober
I am so sorry for your loss. I also did not know Maddie. After reading this beautiful piece, I felt compelled to leave a comment. I wish at some point our paths would of crossed. Seems like she was a wonderful person who fell to a horrible disease that is effecting this whole world. I will be sending healing thoughts in my prayers for you and your family.
I’m really sorry for your loss! I have a daughter that this demon got ahold of. It’s been about 15 years for her. I prayed everyday that I would not get that call. She has been in and out of jail and she is currently in jail. It’s sad to say but I’m relieved Everytime she is in there because I somewhat feel that she is safe in there. She had three beautiful kids,my grandkids and they were taken away and adopted out. Sorry for the long story. I really feel your heart ache that you have felt prior to your daughters passing. I hope I never have to go through what you are all feeling.
Pauline Smith
Thank you for sharing this amazing tribute to your beautiful daughter! Addiction affects so many of us, whether ourselves or someone we love and its evil and relentless!
Im so thankful that you addressed those who judge, because people need to understand the nature of this disease!
My heart is with you and your family.
So, so , sorry for your loss. Drugs are everywhere and sometimes people just can’t help themselves. She was a beautiful young woman. May she now be at peace.
Thank you soooo much for that..hope people who really need to see and read this really do, pray that you find solace in knowing that God has freed her and she is in a good place forever..nothing else can hurt her… my husband volunteers in a rehab centre, these poor most precious people need to be accepted and loved…
Nothing compares to the pain and loss of a child. As I read your words it was like reliving my sons life. He was just like your Maddie. They are together now, both free from their addiction and the suffering it brought them. That gives me comfort when I miss my Daniel. I love all you said about addiction. I love the support you gave her and loved her through her last breath. Peace be with you. Youll never be over this loss, my hope is you learn to get around it a bit better each year. Much love, Stacy
Daggers to my heart. Im thinking of your family, and the millions of other families dealing with this disease.
RIP Maddie you are healed and at peace. Father Joseph Martin, in one of his wonderful films to help addicts and families, said some people die and get their sobriety in Heaven, and they send sobriety to someone on earth. I cried the first time I heard that as I know that a loved one died and sent sobriety to me. I do not know why some of us get sober and others do not. I know I am not one bit more deserving. Addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful. My heart hurts for those suffering and their families. Thankyou for your beautiful tribute to,Maddie, what a beautiful human being.
Thank you . .i am so sorry for your loss and I live with this fear daily . . .
My deepest sympathies for your earth-shattering loss. As a junkie in recovery (not touched a needle since 1975; 18 yrs. total sobriety) and now a substance abuse professional, still i so readily identify with Maddie. Why? I work in a Methadone Clinic, in Bothell, WA. I took this job specifically to be of service to my people, my tribe. For, i am them, and they are me. This fiend is no joke. This dynamic, incredible light will still shine, and brightly, through her son, her near ones, and dear ones. Take comfort, Maddies light has not dimmed, it is within each addicted person seeking help, or not. I see this light each, and every day, in my heros who attend my clinic. If one seeks help, fear not. It is there for you. We are always here for you. How do i know this one may ask? Because i found help, and i am right here,and i never close. My deepest condolences for your loss…
Opioid addiction was a major factor in my little sister’s death and has also all but ruined my sweet nephew’s life.
I am so sorry for your loss. Seeing addiction happen to loved ones is extremely painful. I worry about this with my own children. Your love for Madelyn is so obvious that I’m sure you’ve been through hell. Please take care. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My thoughts are with you all and I am so sorry for not only her loss of life here on earth but life as she was sober. I myself have feared having to write something similar to this as our daughter struggles every day with recovery. Much love to you all, its hard but thank you for trying to help others understand! Your in my thoughts and prayers
It’s hard sometimes to read testimonials like this. But, like you, I know this pain.
I am truly sorry for your loss, I know you have heard and letters saying this, its like you are out of your body looking at this like its not real, you have always in the back of your mind wondered when but never really ever prepared for the end of this terrible addiction, wondering why ,why why, or did I do enough to save her but you as a parent did all the right things, I always wonder what happen. For any of this to happen,my heart goes out to you and your family
Thank you for sharing, this could happen to anyone. Addiction does not discriminate. Prayers to you and your family.
I did not know Maddie but her tragic story brought me into her life. I feel blessed that I had the privilege of reading her life story. It may be tragic but Maddie unknowingly has touched many souls. My son was addicted to OxyContin for many years. With the help of his sister and a strong family he beat them. I know he still struggles with the cravings. So far it has been 15 years. Greg still does not let his cravings take over. I admire your Maddie for beating it once and in my heart I know she could have beaten it again. But, sometimes it is just not meant to be. I still admire her for at least trying. Rest In Peace sweet young lady.
My heart goes out to you and your family . My ex husband is an alcoholic and he struggles with this disease every day. I will always be there for him bless you for sharing Barbara
My heart goes out to all of you! May God be with all of you through this difficult time and in the coming weeks, months and years. You didnt lose a addict or a junkie, you lost your DAUGHTER, YOUR MOM! This is huge and a very big deal and she sounds like such a beautiful special person. We should never have to bury our own children, it’s just not the natural order of things. From one Mother to another my most sincere condolences to all of you and I will pray for peace and comfort for all of you. This is a great loss. I know, I’ve lost my own daughter, give yourselves lots of time and as soon as you think you are ok, double that time. Hugs to all of you. And remember she is with the Angel’s now!
I myself struggled with alcohol, August 12th I celebrated 6 years. With that being said August 2nd, I lost my daughter Kasandra my daughter had been struggling with an opiate addiction for years and had lost her 3 children to the courts. She was doing so well and had almost 3 years clean and was starting to get her children back. She past away from a fentynal OD. I know she wouldn’t intentionally take fentynal because she was deathly afraid of it. Evidently she picked up some fake percocet that were laced with fentynal that was 8 times the lethal dose. I can’t bring her back but I can help to educate others so they don’t have to die.
Such beautiful words! I am so sorry for your loss. I use to have such a different view of people that are addicted to drugs…And then one day my view changed. I learned that my brother was on heroin. It devastated me to find this out for we had been estranged for a while but this brought my sister and brother and I back together and things seemed good for a while. Then one early morning at 4:30 am my world feel apart. My brother overdosed. This was a year and a half ago and the pain from losing him is so strong. I just wish I could talk to him one more time to tell him I love him and that I am sorry for all the pain he went through. God Bless you and your family…and thank you for sharing your story.
I know how and why persons in the realms of recovery have said for decades it is a disease, but in fact it is dismantling affliction when not arrested or recovered. I can blame it on my affliction, God, history, famIly, on so many factors, but significantly it is about untruth or Truth: that TRUTH IS THE ONLY PAINKILLER. Is one an addict or an alcoholic? to which many will reply. And then, is one using addictively or alcoholically? to which one usually says yes. But if one asks this same person what is the source of their difficulty, they frequently will say “I don’t know. I’m not sure,” to which I usually respond, “you just told me: that you are an addict and you use addictively…” The truth is that once the stuff is out of one’s system in a supportive environment it no longer has anything to do with alcohol or addictive substances. It has to do with a slowly reconstituted sense of self in the world and knowledge about addictions. And finding true support of others inside and outside of recovery. …. With Blessings, deep sorrow, gratitude, and Love, Selah. Amin.
My deepest condolences for your loss. Also my deepest admiration for having the courage to publically reveal your daughter’s struggle.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of Maddie’s love for her son, talents, and spirit that she shared with so many. May she rest in peace, in the light and grace.
To bad I couldnt of helped her. Im working with a company that is help people with these issues. It is repairing there bodies so they can get off of the pills . God bless you all
As I read this, my tears fall as i know the pain the family has endured having a love one addicted to drugs. And although my son is still living addicted to drugs, I fear everyday that I will get that call that he is gone. My son too was a vibrant, and friendly young man with an infectious smile. However, his drug abuse has changed him into something I know he is not and does not want to be. As many people may look at my son as a junkie, I see a beautiful person before a life of drugs and a life after drugs. Thank you so much for sharing. Prayers and hugs for you and the family!
Thank you for writing such a beautiful and full filling obituary of Madelyn .. She sounds like a wonderful person who many never had the honors of meeting. This disease also took the life of my 23 year old grandson on September 21st in Vancouver Canada . So many statements you made are true. Please everyone see all with this disease as a human .. they still are .. we don’t leave our loved ones with cancer or other terminal illness so why leave our beloved ones who fight addiction every day. I live on prescription pain medications and it is sad to hear one speak of being addicted to them. I pray every day that when the time comes it will be as smooth for me to come off them as it was as I was weaned off other medications in my early years after a serious car accident. My heart goes out to you , your family , friends and all addicts .. This is a horrible disease that has taken more lives than any want to count. Let’s fight this battle together with the addicts , be there for them and let’s all give Turning Point Centres across North America a high five. R.I.P. Madelyn .. forever remembered by loved ones .
I lost my youngest daughter to addiction 2 years ago, October 9. She was a loving mother or two little girls but wasn’t able to beat the addiction. Many think she overdosed, but she didn’t, the drugs took over her organs and she couldn’t fight anymore. My love for her is as strong today as the day she was born. She was the person that thought she could help everyone else, but was unable to help herself. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
This is so beautifully written that I truly feel your deep and tragic loss, and I am so sorry that Ayden lost his sweet mom. Addiction is a horrific disease that is so hard to understand. Unfortunately, I know it well as I lost my beautiful 26-year-old son to it. RIP, Madelyn…
Im so sorry that your wonderful daughter did not survive the disease of addiction. I am a nurse at a methadone clinic and see the ravages of opiate addiction but admire my patients so very much for their perseverance and love that they give back to me. Thank you for your encouragement to us who are trying to help and do not judge.
You honor her by writing this and sharing the love you have for her and by educating the rest of us. May God bless you and your family.
My youngest brother struggled for 30+ years with drug addiction. On September 16th, 2018 he overdosed on Fentanyl and Heroin by accident while getting ready to go have dinner with our mother. He had fought these demons for so long and even though he was getting cleaned up, reuniting with his family, getting to see his three daughters again almost daily, a woman came into his life that destroyed him again. It could have been any woman or friend or whatever. There is no blame. We tried to help him, but I think it was just meant to be. The fact that a doctor will prescribe Fentanyl to a mother with a newborn due to pain is beyond anything I could think of. He was an incredible drummer and I had the honor of being in bands with him for 30 years. We’ve made a video and posted a lot of his music on Soundcloud. All the music in his video was songs he performed in various bands. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8j9zB80C3g & https://soundcloud.com/steve-socha
Thank you first of all for sharing your story,your daughter,your sorrow,your happiness ,your journey with us. We all as human beings can learn from this regardless if we are addicts or not. May God be with all of you during this time. Again,thank you for sharing
Poor, poor, Baby. I say this not mocking at all. She will ALWAYS be your precious baby.
My deepest sympathy for all of you on the loss of Maddie. A very heart-breaking, well told story of her struggles. Offering prayers for peace and comfort for you in this your time of need.
I am really sorry this happened to a Beautiful Blessed A Mother Sister Daughter A Friend . My Deepest Condolences to All of you.
I too know what the addiction is like. Your caught in awheel spinning around and around Praying wondering will this wheel ever stop.
RIP Madyline Prayers n Praying total Healings Prayers in Deliverance Innersessory Healings.
One day at a time one step at a time. God will heal your Hearts Soul Spirit. I Claim n Declare that out of all this. There is a lesson n message for those in Addiction or you have been cleaned. God n Jesus will always be with you. God’s Love is Unconditional.
No matter the circumstance she was there best she could do for her Son. She had Family who Loved her and supported her in every choice she made.
Your story is an Inspiration for me..
I fought the battle as well just like Madalyene was.
To this Year of August 4th 2018..
I have been cleaned for 11 1/2 yrs. 3 months CLEAN.
Again I am sorry this Happened to a Beautiful Soul Spirit God’s Child.
I Pray for Total Complete Healings . God Be With You All. God bring Calmness Peace Love Comfort Blessings that all there Hearts Soul Spirit will Heal in the Word of God. God Loves You. Jesus Loves.
May the Holy Spirit Anoint Her Son Whole Family with Blessings Upon Blessings. By helping others with your Testimony of Madalyene.
She is was the Light God gave her from within herself Spirit Heart. God’s Almighty Love..
So sorry again for your Loss of Daughter Mother Loved One.
Peace Be With You Always
May Maddie RIP & sending many prayers for her family & for this Blessed young victim of opiate addiction….
Thank you so much for writing such a touching, inspiring and heart felt tribute. I myself am a recovering addict, I have been clean for 8 years and know the struggle all too well. After many many years of spiraling down hill I am finally on top of the hill and looking back at my addiction, it is a thing of the past that I thank God every day for giving me a second chance in life so that my husband and my children do not have to suffer along with me. I am deeply sorry for your loss, from reading your words about Maddie and how she touched so many lives and how strong she was to fight this disease for so many years she is an inspiration to all of us. I would have been honored to have known her. I know that God is taking good care of her and she feels no pain or suffering but will always be watching over you and her son. I am thankful everyday for each morning I open my eyes surrounded by my family that loves me for me and how they have always been here for me even through the darkest days I am and always will be grateful for having this second chance to be the wife and mother I know I can be. Thank you again for sharing this beautiful tribute I am so deeply sorry for your loss. God Bless you and your family.
Beautifully written story of her life and her struggle. As the mother of an addict daughter who has been on the drug roller coaster for 22 of her 37 years on this planet, I read this and felt the joy, hope, and agony… May your family find peace
I lost my son 3 weeks ago as he also struggled with addiction. We dont know what it was that killed him he died while sleeping and we have to wait on an autopsy. I am heartbroken and dont know how to move on. The words you wrote were beautiful!!
This is so beautifully written, it is unfortunate that it is an obituary, another story of a young life lost. Everyone has a story, you have to take time to see the person to have any understanding of what a crippling disease addiction is and the tight grip it has….life changing. So sad for this family, and all families and friends of someone battling an addiction, or that lost someone to it. Open your heart to understand, to pray, to learn, to help. Be that friend. I did, and I am forever changed. No regrets for being there, every day, every step of the way. Hold onto hope. One day at a time. We all need to fight more in the battle against addiction.
I can not say enough how very sorry i am that you have lost your precious daughter. I may not know you or your family and i didnt know maddie but i pray that the good Lord will wrap his loving arms around all that are grieving the loss of your beautiful Maddie.May you find peace in her memories and in eachother during this sad time. My heart truly aches for your family and for her precious son. Thank you for sharing her story, i pray that by doing so it will help others in many ways. May your beautiful daughter finally rest in peaceful sleep and may the Lord bless you and keep you and your family surrouned in his love and peace.
Rest in peace sweet Maddie
Watched my brother battle addiction for years. Sadly he was found dead last Tuesday. Still unsure of the cause but it’s definitely been a rough week. I know that my brother is free now though. I thank God for that.
What a beautiful and brutal life she must’ve endured but without question lived fully. I too was an addict thankfully before i had my three beautiful babies but I too became someone else when active in my addiction, someone that still haunts me from time to time.
She is safe and sober now. And with this loving and honest tribute, remembered for ALL she was, NOT just for the paths she took.
A brutally honest, yet loving eulogy. Thank you for posting this.
As a retired therapist and administrator in the mental health/substance abuse treatment field, I extend my heartfelt sympathy on your loss of Maddie.
Sama Munin, God is with you. I will pray that you feel HIM and know that you are not alone. Thank you for sharing Maddie’s story. It is devastating how many lives are lost to this epidemic. I pray for all those going through this and for the families. We were able to catch my daughter before she was completely engulfed. I was so scared that I was going to lose her, that I would leave for work with tears rolling down my cheeks, scared that I was going to lose one of my babies. We need to come together as a community and be strong for these individuals who need us more than ever before. God Bless.
Thank you for sharing Maddies story. Sending your family love and prayers.
I have lost 2 cousins to Heroin overdoses and every every day worry about my brother who will continue to struggle with this disease every day of his life. This awful disease has devastated my family and taken these amazing wonderful people from us.
Your words Kate are spoken so eloquently and beautifully about sweet Maddie. Please know you are not alone and my family grieves with you as well as celebrates the lives of these amazing people who were taken too soon. May Maddie rest in peace.
I
Thank you for posting this memoriam to this lovely lady. If it can reach just one addict or one kid who is being pressured to ‘ TRY IT ‘ by some drug dealer, it will have been worth posting this and sharing your pain. God Bless, from an old Nurse from New Brunswick who’s seen more of this than she ever wanted to….
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful girl. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for the honesty put into it. Many people dont understand. My heart breaks for you.
My deepest sympathy to you all. May the many wonderful moments provide comfort and your grandson shine in the unconditional love of your family.
Thank you for your painful but honest truth, I’m very sorry for your family’s loss, I am sorry that society has failed in dealing with this epidemic and so many have been lost, I have lost family members and friends myself and I know the struggle.
As a person of Long term recovery I promise to do everything I can to help those who suffer with addiction and to educate the public about addiction and recovery to help remove the stigma. It’s a mental health issue not a moral issue.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
This is the most real and beautiful obituary I’ve ever seen. To whoever wrote it… Thank you for not hiding drug addiction in the shadows. Thank you for speaking from your heart and shedding light on the subject affecting the country. I am truly sorry for your loss as it is clear from what you’ve written that your love for this young woman knows no bounds.
I did not have the privilege of knowing Maddie but your story of her has touched me. Through your heartbreak you’ve managed to find the joy she brought you and your family. Thank you for writing this and for your reminder that compassion should be our first response. I’m sorry for your loss.
My prayers are with you. I am crying. My son is currently in recovery from this awful disease, which started in much the same way as your beautiful Maddies did. Thank you for shedding light on her as the woman God created her to be, a woman who, in spite of her suffering, shined a light in the world. May God comfort and strengthen you. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute.
I sincerely appreciate the open and honest heart that presented this beautiful person’s life to us. I am sorry for this loss of life…and only hope I never find myself in the position of having to write such an obit. I have a child that is an addict. This open honesty helps many people. Thank you for having the courage to break the silence and be open. We all suffer. None of us can really hide from these diseases that impact our families. God bless us.
First n foremost, thank u for sharing your daughter’s story and ur personal pain. More families than u may realize r suffering in shame. I myself am not only a law enforcement officer, I am an Investigator for a state medical board and a a child of God, yet have 2 adult children afflicted with drug addiction. I have never touched the stuff and grew up in church but it didn’t matter. I’m not a BAD parent, yet here we are. Thank u for not shaming and sharing ur family story. I am truly sorry for ur loss and heartbreak. God heals…..
How powerful this is. Maddie’s family was lucky to have her, and clearly they loved and appreciated her. And she was lucky to have such a family. I didn’t know Maddie, but my deepest condolences go out to those who loved her and lost her. And thank you for sharing this.
It is so beautifully and courageously written by someone who gets it. There is a real human living within every addiction. Compassion and respect can go so much further than judgement. Both for the individual and for our society!
PLEASE can we also realize that “addiction” is not only about the current “opioid crisis” which is getting a lot of sympathetic attention (perhaps because it is touching the lives of so many white and/or relatively affluent people). The lessons of this obituary apply equally to other addictions. Crack cocaine epidemic? How many people of color are now incarcerated due to that addiction? How about alcohol? Anyone you know?
As this remembrance frames so well, addiction is a DISEASE, and often follows on or is connected to other afflictions of mental or physical health. No one chooses to be an addict!
May I first say, how truly sorry I am for your loss…and thank you for sharing such a beautifully, heartwarming and heartbreaking good-bye tribute to your daughter. This is the hardest part of this disease…I am a volunteer advocate for people struggling with addiction and mental health issues. I started an educational, informative, support group a few years ago for reasons that you summed up in this beautiful eulogy of rememberance. What some don’t realize, is that the ones that get taken from their families so young, are often so loved, more than words could ever describe, more than tears could ever wash clean, more than the distance from the earth to the moon… and the devastation so quickly empailed into their hearts with such a loss, leaving it forever so empty…so unimaginable. This is exactly why there shouldn’t be any shame or stigma. This beautiful life so eloquently reflected upon is exactly why we need to keep fighting this disease. These words of love should be saved for graduations, weddings, the welcoming of their children…not to end their story. Thank you so much for sharing your daughter’s story. It was so beautiful, kind, loving and respectful. Just like you would describe any daughter or son that was truly cared about. She is at peace now and I hope in some small way, speaking of her with such love, can bring a tiny little bit of peace to your family. I’m so sorry for your loss. A broken heart never heals, but it can learn to live and love differently.
I lost my little sister 18 years ago to addiction. Your description of Maddie reminds me very much of Susan, who was smart, energetic and relentlessly funny. She had a knack for making me laugh with just 3 words, and I miss her every day. I would never wish her back to continue to suffer in the way that I watched her suffer those last few years. I remain hopeful that treatment options will improve, and that our world will gain a clearer understanding of this condition. I wish peace and warm living memories to you and your family.
I dont want to imagine what you have been through
I do want and need to thank you for sharing your heartache
Awareness is so important
My thoughts and prayers will be with you and I hope you can find joy and peace in her little boy
Maddie’s story has touched home for me. My 27 year old daughter died the same day the same way. She has been battling her addiction since she was 16 also. God bless you and your family. I admire you courage in speaking out. I wish I had the strength to speak out the way you did.
I am so sorry for your loss. Although a I never was an addict to OxyContin, I was prescribed this medicine for pain and with one pill I immediately recognized how dangerous it was. I never took this pill again despite how often it was prescribed my doctors for pain.
This is a serious issue in our country and our medical system is failing us by allowing such damaging and addicting medications to be dispensed to unknowing patients.
My heart weeps for the family, her orphaned son and a woman with a bright future who couldnt overcome the addiction this drug created. God Bless this family and May her son grow with the love and hope his mother had for him.
Im so sorry for your loss, I do know how it feels, my article was posted in the South Bend Tribune last year with my son Steven Nijak and a Facebook friend Adam Dzeyko in sober livings in Florida dated around April 15. South bend indiana, my story is posted. Its sad but its raw. I hope you find comfort the struggle is gone, no more phone calls and just saddenss and hopefully you can find peace, I have after a year and realize Im at peace as he is as well. I have seen signs and I believe. Keep your heart open to the after and they are free of their pain and struggle
Thank you for sharing your Maddie with us,I hope it will bring light to the darkness out here
Peace&love
Thank you for sharing your daughter’s story. Everyone should have such a loving and supportive family, but still it wasn’t enough to overcome the Terrible power of addiction.I am a recovering alcoholic with 34 years sobriety. I know only too well what it’s like when you can’t stand the pain of addiction and you don’t want to live that way, but you get to a point where you have to use to feel normal. This is a disease, not a character defect, yet this stigma and our miserable Health Care system in this country prevent so many people from finding help and freedom. When someone has diabetes, we don’t shame them and turn them out in the street with no offer of help. Why in the world can’t we do the same for addicts?
Love and prayers to you during this incredibly difficult time and deepest condolences on the tragic loss of such a vibrant soul. I especially appreciate the way you emphasized all of her beautiful and positive traits, because that is who she was. She was not her disease, and that is what addiction is. God bless you and your family and may you all find peace moving forward as you honor her memory.
I do not know Maddie or your family, but as a mother who recently lost her son to drug addiction, thank you for speaking so eloquently about drug addiction and the opioid epidemic. Oxycotin, along with other drugs, has taken the lives of so many. On behalf of my entire family, we send prayers and condolences to your family, and to all of Maddie’s friends. May you be comforted with many fond memories of Maddie.
What a beautiful honest obituary. I didnt know Madelyn or any of her family, but I lost my little brother Paul Rogers October 3rd to a overdose. I feel your pain, I know what your family is going through. Sending love and light to you and your family. Thank you for this beautiful honest message.
I was ready to pre-judge, say just another “dead drug addict” story, but no…God bless this young woman, her son and family she left behind and from age 16 on, never really knew inner peace. Sad, so sad.
What a beautiful tribute to your daughter, though I so wish you never had to. Addiction is a ruthless disease. This story got me another day sober, and for that I am thankful.
RIP, Maddie. And healing vibes for your entire family.
Such sad,but beautiful, words. Thank you for sharing.
I am deeply sorry for your loss of Maddie. My family understands your struggles, hopes, and pain that youre family has gone through with Maddie. His name was Isaiah. He was a special young man, good in sports and had a lot of friends. Everyone would tell my brother your son has a special way about him. He was kind and loving. When the demons of drug abuse got their claws in him it was an awful road he traveled. The night before Isaiah died he sat and talked with my brother Tommy and told him dad its so strange you never see a old junkie. And he promised his dad that night he was going to stay sober and get his life together. The next night my brother found his son dead. So much pain a family goes through. If our system doesnt change the way we handle drug abuse are young will not survive. God bless you and your family and may now Maddie will Rest In Peace.
First and Foremost…My thoughts, Love and Prayers to her family. The loss of a loved one is indescribably painful. And secondly what a beautiful tribute to her…showing all who did and did not know her insight to her life. LoveHugsPrayers
I feel this pain everyday I wake up . I lost a brother aunt uncle to this disease of addiction its no joke . It has destroyed everything it takes the best and leaves shit behind devastation Hurt.
So very sorry for your loss. I lost a niece this past summer to her drug addiction.
Thank you for this masterfully written, candid, glowing and sorrowful tribute. I do not know Maddie and I devoured every word – captivated until the very end. In this piece you have captured the humanity and torment that real people with this terrible disease suffer. I am a nurse from Canada and our public discourse around addictions is ongoing and laden with judgement. Today, I shared this wonderful obituary and challenged any who read it to keep Maddie in their mind. Because if we remain unable to see the pain and suffering of real people trying desperately to escape the haunt of this powerful disease, we will never truly find resolve. My most sincere condolences to her son and family during this difficult time. From the bottom of my heart – thank you for giving so fearlessly of her story. There is power here and it has been my privilege to hear it. – Sarah
We read this at our treatment group this morning. Very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Very touching
We read this at our treatment group this morning. There was a lot of emotion while reading it. Very touching. I’m sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Hey Katie,
I tried everything for years and traditional methods were always unsuccessful. Ive found two ways that Id say work miraculously well. The last time was a method I figured out with a doctor and Id say it was incredibly effective. Ive found it hard to convince my doctor to push it forward. I wish youd contact me.
We read this in our treatment group this morning. There was a lot of emotion while reading it. Very touching. I’m sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you.
As a long suffering alcoholic who took 15 years to string 3 consecutive months of sobriety together, I applaud you. This is the most gutwrenching and honest tribute to a wonderful human being who suffered from this dreadful disease that I have ever read. It is not a choice; however, I have now been clean long enough to begin making my own choice each morning: either fight another day to reclaim the life booze stole from me, or let addiction consume me. Each day could go either way and some days it is easier to choose one over the other. Rest well sweet girl, you are not alone and your death was not in vane .
Im a counselor in a womens treatment program for young mothers like Maddie. I pray that light eternal shines upon her, and may her enduring love and Gods presence comfort all who remain, especially Ayden. We will continue to hope for and offer recovery to those in need.
You have touched me so deeply with your heartfelt depiction of your beautiful Maddie and your compassion for those of us whose lives have been mangled by addiction. I am so sorry that Maddie lost her battle with those damn Opiates but know that she is finally free from the torture and anguish that dominated so much of her young life. My Kelsey has gone through much of the same struggle as Maddie and I have often wondered how I would be able to find the right words to convey my daughters ineffable soul if she were to be taken from me by this horrible disease. You have done it beautifully. Preparing for your childs possible death is a genuine thing that only the parent of a drug addicted child can begin to understand. Kelsey has been clean for 7 months now. I am grateful beyond measure but still apprehensive. I pray daily that she has the continued resilience to stand strong. I only wish that Maddie had more time to find that strength. Just know that your words here will help her essence live on in each of us that has read them. Thank you for sharing your Maddie with us and allowing me to share my Kelsey with you.
Laurie Lagaly – llagaly@hotmail.com
I am so Very Sorry for the loss of your Beautiful daughter..I have a niece that is an addict she is 45.. The Pharmaceutical Company made alot of of money off the Drug!! But Have Left Shattered Families to Try and Move Forward.!!! Shame on the Drug Company!!! The Drug companies Should be building Rehab Centers around the Country and the Federal Government Shoul make them !!! God Bless Your Beautiful Daughter. May you Find Peace. God Bless Your Family.
My heart is broken for your loss………addiction needs to be treated as the disease that it is. Tonight I watched a show called Addiction on my local PBS station. So eye opening, and it takes the stigma away from the people that are addicted. So much can and should be done to help all those addicted. Instead of shame, addicts need help and love!! Many prayers to all who need help.
I hope that parents and friends of addicts will continue to show the families who have not been touched by addiction, that their loved ones were once beautiful, talented, cherished people who became dependent on their worst nightmare. Your strength and caring, your sorrow, and your sharing your horrible experiences are not ln vain. I am a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and a very concerned person for the future of my grandchildren. Perhaps parents of addicts should get together to form a grass roots organization that could help to bring legislation to prevent misuse of opioids, begin early drug prevention in primary grades, intervene with children who live in homes where parents are addicted, and make it a crime for pregnant women to use addicting drugs. Parents of children who overdose are experts on what addiction does to lives of young people.
Having worked in addiction treatment for 20 years in Philadelphia I have experienced the path of destruction this disease takes. Individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities all suffer from its wrath. It Becomes the norm to give up and turn away, feeling helpless and hopeless. One thing I did learn was it is important to keep fighting as the first, second ,third time, in rehab can fail but the forth could be the one that breaks through. We must support and fund treatment. This is a disease more dangerous the heart disease or diabetes. Do we deny those individuals treatment in emergency rooms because of ignorance and predjudice? No then people with addiction diseases deserve the same treatment
Although I dont know you, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your daughter. My heart breaks for your entire family. Such a tragedy. In the depths of your grief, Im astounded and so impressed by the honest, kind and raw emotion you shared in the spirit of helping others. To acknowledge Maddies good character, talents and love for Ayden reminds us that not to pass judgment on those who suffer the grips of addiction. My heart goes out to each of you. Such a loss for so many. May your honesty and bravery in sharing Maddies story bring compassion to many. Im so sorry for your loss. Maddie had many gifts and left a musical memory with her son.
What an amazing tribute to your daughter. You are very brave to open your hearts and share her story. I pray that it will help open people’s hearts to those who fight addiction daily. My beautiful stepdaughter had the same personality of your precious girl. Just as you said, everyone longed to be near her. Everyone wanted to call her “friend.” She never judged and welcomed everyone into her circle. I miss her every moment but as you said, she is now at peace.
Thank you for sharing your story. So many people try to keep addiction quiet. Your open and honest description of what it did to your family is exactly what people need to hear. If society was more understanding about it I feel it would be easier for the suffering addict.
Praying for peace for your family.
I am so sorry for your lost. I to was an addict and the struggle to break free of it’s hold is in itself a struggle. Afterwards, it’s a daily fight to stay clean and sober. As a parent I have watch my own daughter battle this disease. My prayers are with you and thank you for sharing your story of your wonderful Maddie! Good bless you and your family.
To lose a daughter so young is horrible; there are no words; even saying sorry is worthless; the little boy is an orphan for in my Jewish religion when a child loses a parent he is an orphan for life; remember her in a good way please and pray that you see her again in eternity: in the meantime be good to the kid and always speak nicely of his mom; when he talks about her in 10/12 years he maybe angry or resentful but he needs to know that it wasn’t her fault.
Thanks for sharing her story. May you find comfort in your memories. Reading your tribute makes me realize how blessed she was to have such loving people in her life. I look forward to the day I get called home by God so that I can meet this beautiful woman you mourn for.
My sympathy to you & family. Addiction of any kind not only affects the person but the family & friends as well. May God Bless & give you comfort at this time & always.
This is so beautifully said…so sorry for your loss I didnt know Maddie but I truly believe she was a beautiful young lady who had a lot of love and loved so deeply. My heart goes out to her son and family. Prayers I hope this helps at least one person who is struggling with addiction.
I also am so very sorry for your loss. I also struggle with addiction. I’ve been sober but know everyday is working at staying sober. Addiction also claimed my brother, stepdad, and mom all within 6 months in 2011. I’ll say a prayer for you and your family.
I do not know this woman who was taken too soon, amd my heart nreaks for her, her son and her entire family. We lost my son’s father back in January to addiction and i commend you for this obituary. It is honest amd heart felt. And the only way to bring light to this horrible epidemic that is taking over amd stealing our loved one’s, is to talk about it. Be honest. No more pushing it under the rug. People feel ashamed to be someone or to know someone who battles addiction. This demon is taking lives of loved ones, of good people! Its not a fun topic, but its happening. She seemed like am amazing person, and my heart breaks she lost the battle, but there are very few forces as strong as that of addiction. God bless you all, and be proud that you are talking about it. May she rest in peace, and be frees from the demons who controlled her on earth
From, just a human with a heart.
Thank you for this beautiful obituary and what a tribute to her as a human being.
I lost my son at the age of 28 in 2011 to a heroin overdose. I know, too, what wonderful people drug addicts can be. They do not want these lives, but this is such a hard battle to win and some of them do not. He had been clean 3 months, but one last time stepped in. I know, too, how many lives he touched in a wonderful way while he was alive. Do not judge this disease, do something to help!
I am so sorry for your loss.
Maddie sounded like an incredible soul. I am so sorry for the loss you are feeling. Love to you all
I have never read a more moving obituary or one that embodies addiction so well..my thoughts are with your family during this difficult time
Losing a child is the most painful thing I have ever felt. Our son died at age 30 three months ago. While lots of people can have a drink or two it was not so for him. Alcoholism took all that was the best in him and threw it away. This is a disease that kills. There is no choice or desire involved. It becomes I have to. For once in the last 8 years we know where he is… and that we will see him again. Know that your pain and loss are understood. I am sorry for your loss
I understand what it is like to have a loved one struggling with addiction. I am the one who is constantly telling my mom that she is battling a disease. I will not claim it is her disease, but a disease that attacks her constantly. Reading this put me in a zone… a zone that had me thinking if i should start accepting the possibility that I may lose my sister that way. I struggle with a pain so deep. I try so hard to help her kids and help my mom with her kids. I’m always calling the schools and hugging them and trying my best to be there for them while they live a life without her. I have great compassion for my sister; and, I also created boundaries. I had to. I have to hold on to the fact that her kids need and deserve to be stable and safe. My sister… the other half of my heart. My best friend. My twin. I pray everyday for her, and I believe she has the victory. It pains me that she makes excuses and tells me things she thinks I want to hear, when I love her for her, regardless of the behaviors that come with addiction. She will always be a queen to me. My prayer for her is love. God knows my heart’s desire. I don’t know if I will ever stop feeling the pain I feel for her kids. All I can do is what I do now. Fight with every weapon God gave me to stop the perpetual generational patterns, and I pray for every family member who suffers in silence for their loved one, who struggles with addiction, to be strengthened and renewed each day in God’s grace and everlasting mercy.
So sorry for your familys loss. I lost my brother 20 years ago. Though he battled his addictions, he was the kindest most loving brother, uncle, son.
My heart breaks for her. Just as Madelyn was stolen from her family, I’m sure she already knew the loss when Ayden was taken from her. The dye was cast and she saw no escape. Although we can tell others of what truth befalls them should they choose to enter the “darkened room” promising “fun and good times before they journey back to reality” they always believe they will be the ones to survive. I’ve been there and come back. Others I’ve known have not been so fortunate. Reality says that if you never venture, your chances of survival are 100%. Those odds aren’t so good for those who do. All we can do is be there for one another and support those who are left by celebrating the light she gave them. Rest in peace, Madelyn.
Thank you for sharing Maddie’s life and loss…you captured the heartbeat and heartbreak of addiction…Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family…as I wipe my tears after reading your beautiful goodbye, it is clear she was very loved & will be remembered for more than what her addiction won…Bless you all…she can now rest…
I didn’t know this amazing woman and I am saddened to hear of her death. I work with many people with opioid use disorders. She sounds like fun and left this earth, far too soon. My heart goes out to all who knew her especially her son… May she rest in peace.
This is beautiful and this is how Maddie lives on. I will forever remember this very true authentic description of this young lady whose demon was addiction.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. My deepest condolences to you for your loss. I am a mother of a son currently in rehab, so this very much speaks to my soul.
Peace be with you.
Your daughter Maddie sounded like an amazing person and I am so sorry for her loss. May you remember good times with her that bring you peace and joy.
I am so sooo sorry for your loss. In reading your description of your girl, I feel like I know her. I WISH I knew her. I am sooo sorry for Aydens loss.. Her mom and dads loss…and everyone else.
Remember only the good. But teach the bad
I am so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately this story repeats itself every day. An entire generation is being stolen by addiction to opiates. The sad part is, most people that don’t understand it are appalled and look the other way. I have had to keep my sons memory alive in my heart since the day before Mother’s Day in 2007, because people don’t want to even remember who he was before or without his addiction. He tried to quit several times, but it’s a demon that once it grabs you and it does that VERY quickly, has you in it’s grasp. I have read that only 1% of opiate addicts actually kick the habit. It almost certainly ends in premature death for the addict. There is no help out there for addicts who do not have a lot of money to pay for these rehab programs, if they even work. Bottom line, DO NOT TAKE Oxy’s, Roxy’s, Hydrocodone, anything in the Oxycontin family, NO MATTER HOW MUCH PAIN YOU ARE IN. If you must, break them in two and use sparingly, take over the counter pain meds in between, then get off of them. Also steer clear of Xanax, another in his system. He just decided he had enough and couldn’t kick the habit, filled a prescription he was given at a pain clinic for 180 of them and took enough to end his suffering. Watch your teens and even adult children. Don’t think it won’t happen to them, because it does and will. Get a grip on the situation immediately. It’s a very serious problem that is destroying lives and families. Sadly, I know firsthand. RIP dear Maddie. You are finally free…
Eternal rest grant unto Maddie, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.~ author unknown
Just want to say that she was blessed to have a family like she did that cared enough and understood that her problems were a disease and that she didn’t have control over them that she needed medical help to take care of them and that she was struggling and wanted to be clean and cared deeply for her child and her family but that the disease can be so strong that she couldn’t get away from it. As hard as it is hopefully you can remember the good in her to pass on to her child. Your words hit home to so many and I’m sure you’ve helped by telling some of her story. prayers
I have to post, I cried thru most of this young ladies obituary! I’m so sorry she has passed away. Very sorry for her struggle and for this beautiful spirit to be gone from her family & friends! Hopefully all countries will soon have much better control over how all “addicting drugs are sold to unsuspecting youth & others. God Bless her & all that knew her. I agree with Tara Kenney Gades in the post above me; the writer of this obit captured the “struggle of addiction, and yet portrayed Maddie in her own light” is quite true. Hoping this young ladies life shared here~Helps someONE(s) around the world. Amen.
The complete honesty you bestowed upon the world about your daughters life, and struggle is truly a thing of beauty. Many wont understand this comment. I am a recovering addict, and alcoholic. I didnt know if I would ever make it out. Everyday is a gift. My family were there as witnessses, hostages, and supporters, thought my 17 years in active addiction. I hope to celebrate 8 years of sobriety, October 22, 2018, but I never get ahead of myself. Every, single, day is a gift. Many who dont understand, condemn, or shame addicts, and their families, dont realize that they too know someone I this position, they are just not yet aware. I hope she has found peace, and that one day, you will to. I know that you would much rather she be here. However, continue to love her, by spreading this message, and possibly saving another life. My hat is off to all of you. No one is imamube to this disease. It does not discriminate.
Positive vibes to you, and yours. Healing sent. A fellow fighter.
Thankyou for sharing your story of beautiful Maddie. I also lost my son 3 years ago to addiction. He had a wife and 3 beautiful kids. He was the most loving son a mother could ever dream of having. I am thankful he is free from his struggle, but I grieve everyday spending this life without him. Greater than my grief, his to watch his kids miss their daddy and cry for him. It tears my heart out. There is always hope! I know alot of people who have been able to walk clean(only God) and live a good life.
I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter, sister, mother, friend. I, too, have an addicted son, who Im pray for everyday! I live the descrption of your battle everyday! I have realized that I can only and will always be there for my son everyday and pray that he will one day he will break the grip that this disease has on him. Prayers for all the Addicts! God Bless!
So very sorry for your loss of such a beautiful life cut short way too soon. I too know that feeling by having lost my only niece at a tender young age. She struggled with this same monster who held her captive for many years. An overdose at 22, God spared her life, until the age of 27. I think very often of her wondering, praying, crying asking what could I have done any different? Knowing I did all I could do as she isolated herself from those who would tell her the truth. She was absolutely beautiful, so intelligent and loved by so many. Reading your obituary sums up the depth of loss it brings. I pray you find peace and God blesses you for sharing your story with others. Blessings
Terrible tragedy for such a beautiful soul.
Thank you for sharing. Maybe her story could save another beautiful soul.
So sorry for your loss.
Im so very sorry for the loss of this beautiful young woman. My Sister (in law) also fights this addiction everyday. Some days or even weeks she does great but the beast is sometimes much stronger. My prayer is that we as a society learn how to get this out of our sisters, brothers, mothers and fathers hands.
Amazing! Thank you for the truthful tribute.. May Maddie RIP
Amazing! Thank you for your truthful tribute. RIP Maddie
My deepest sympathy. My eldest son Reece took his own life aged 26, in 2009. He had a gambling and alcohol addiction. I know the devastation of losing custody of a child. Oh sweet family of Maddie….. contact me….I do know how it feels….love from Australia
Im so very sorry for your loss and I commend you for writing such a heartfelt, truthful story about her life. I, for one would never judge someone having never walked in their shoes. Im sad that she had to go through such pain and torment. Im certain from your words that she was a beautiful person who unfortunately lived the horrible consequences of a nasty world of drugs. I would NEVER think anything less of someone in her shoes. God bless her and your family.
Im so very sorry for your loss…i came across this and started reading it…it broughtvtears to my eyes as im a struggling addict myself…for most my life ive been masking the pain i carry everyday…i gotta look at myself nd feel everyday and trust me its not a good feeling…but the way you spoke of mattie made me wonder if i fied today what would others think of me???…im so angry all the time…i use to be able to pretend i was ok but now i just show it in anger…im a junkie like people describe but when i leave this earth i dont wanna be known as this horrible person…i thank u for sharing and it has madecme think i need to start making some better choices before its too late for me…my hwart goes out to you and your family…
Lisa
Bless you for being so transparent. You illustrated the beautiful of her soul that was blinded by addiction. I pray your transparency gives others strength.
I do not think there are words that will ever describe the greatfulness I feel in my heart for you being so open. You found the ballance that is her beautiful soul and the demon that followed her.
I lost my best friend, husband, and soulmate on father’s day this year to this horrible disease.
My heart goes out to your family, thank You for being real. All to often I see obituaries of people I knew and I think why can’t they tell the world what really happen?
Much love, Tammy
God bless all of you and know their are people who understand what you have gone through and the pain of losing someone to this horrible disease. May God comfort all of you and know her light shines on even in her passing.
Your story is heartbreaking. I too lost a daughter to opiates. She was smart,beautiful and so loving! I miss her every day! Leslie Marie Sloan 1985-2013. Thank you for telling your daughter’s story. So similar to the story of my daughter.
I cannot say anything that hasn’t already been said other than I’m very sorry for your loss. I am moved to tears as I read the heartfelt words penned for such an amazing young lady. I wish God’s grace to you and your family and madelyn rest in Eternal peace.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Prayer’s for your family. My 22 year old daughter is struggling with alcohol abuse and it’s so hard to watch she refuses treatment. But I won’t give up. She also has a child. Thank you for sharing this deeply touching story with the world.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am so sorry for your loss. I am raising my great granddaughter. She is five. Her fathers addiction to heroin took him April 22nd of this year. She misses him so very much. Sending love and understanding.
My mom took her own life because of drugs and not having drugs. Another thing is mental health that coincides with drugs is terrible.
This is the most beautiful and touching well written obituary I have ever read. And I commend you for your strength and I hope you can feel relief that your daughter is at peace.
The love for Maddie positively glows from this sliver of what her heart must have been. She shined. Brightly- breaks my heart that such an amazing soul with limitless potential should’ve was robbed of it at such a young age when the World and it’s joys lay before her. I wonder if that person who handed her that first oxycontin at that fateful high school party knew what they had done. May Maddie rest in everlasting peace.
I thank you for stepping into the light. So many families including my own want to hide from the reality of this disease. My heart truly breaks for your loss, your daughter is someone I would have liked to have known. I hope that your family can find peace and joy again and that someday soon.
Wow. Like many of the other commentators I did not have the pleasure knowing your daughter but I am your daughter. I can relate so much and struggle to fight this disease everyday. Today I have a week and a day and I believe that I read this for a reason. Thank you for helping me with the strength to get through one more day. I hope and am sure the universe will provide what you all need to get through this time and I pray that you all get to see your daughter in her child as he grows up.
Thank you so much.
I can’t think of a word to say that could be any wiser, loving,non-judemental, devoted,understanding, honest,compassionate,endear-ing & from the heart more than your hand tribute/ obituary. God surely must have guided you and I pray now that you may find comfort in Jesus’s arms and that you find joy in the delight of Maddie’s life you so selflessly shared. May you be surrounded by loving friends & family.That truly was the most awesome,inspiring & beautiful thing I’ve ever read. Signed,
An addict wiping away my tears. Thank you for sharing her life.
So sorry for your loss. It is a great message for those who don’t really know or understand this deadly disease. It is taking the lives of so many beautiful people. It is real, we need to speak up, and not be embarrassed, afraid or tired of informing everyone of what this is all about. It starts with alcohol, marijuana, pills, then more dangerous pills, & then that deadly word, not Cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheiner’s, but Heroin. I feel so sad that you lost your daughter, but as you said she’s in a better place without the pain and suffering, and she left you with a precious gift, her son. God bless you and your family, and know that you are loved!
God Bless your daughter’s soul and may she soar with all the angels above, including my son, who passed 5 years ago this October 26th, opiate addiction as well, Fentanyl ended his life that day. He too was a wonderful person, talented musician and had a heart of gold.
My blessings to you all and may you find peace in knowing your daughter is free from the addiction and is watching over all of you xo
What a devastating loss. Thank you for sharing her life so that she will save others
My Heart Hurts for you and your family! That was a beautiful obituary….I have lived this life as well, losing my 26 year old son almost two years ago…Thank you for being so honest and open and saying what so many of us have been thru…Truly sorry for your lose, have to believe they are looking down on us, hopefully helping and being guardian angels, and that they are at peace….Thinking of You – Ellen
Through your tragic loss, you’ve shown many of us the struggles of addiction. Remembering her love, light and joy shows through. That your beautiful daughter is portrayed here as who she really was and not for what the addiction could do to her. That she was and always will be, your beautiful and treasured, Maddie. Thank you for sharing that part of her with us through the pain of your loss. May she soar with angels
I am so sorry for your infinte loss. After reading this, I am crying at the beauty, the honesty, the profound sadness of your obituary. I lost my brother 13 years ago to addiction;and this finally put into words all the emtion I have felt every day since we lost him. Rest well, Maddie. Much love and strength to all of you.
So sorry for your devastating loss. Addiction is a cruel thing, and does not make any distinction, but just robs you of your loved ones. No judgement of anyone, just sadness at the ending of what was obviously a joyous albeit short life, so full of promise and potential. Hopefully she has found peace. God bless you.
Adam in Bridgnorth, UK
Such a heartbreaking story, thank you for sharing. Its unfathomable the pain this dear family is going through. God Bless!
I would like to say that I am so very sorry for your loss of Maddie. It is a very heartfelt obituary. I can so relate to what you must be feeling. My son is going to rehab in a little over 24 hours from now. And I ask that prayers be with him. His name is chad. I want him to read this obituary today. So he can understand , that he needs to make this program work. Not only for him, but for his children he is fighting for. Addiction is a very hard thing . I speak from experience when I say, I know it all to well. And I have a lot of family members addicted in one way or another. So I know your suffering. I wanted to start the so challenge on the internet. As a matter of fact , I just got through downloading it before I saw this obituary. So let me say that you have really inspired me to really work this challenge hard for my families health. I am going to challenge some of my family to do the so challenge with me for Maddie. In the name of Maddie. I thank you. For this very touching obituary. May you enjoy an everlasting peace with the lord maddie.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful daughter. I have 9 years clean by the grace of GOD and wish she could have found that peace but she has it bow. God Bless you all. Your amazing tribute to her will hopefully open the eyes of someone if not many. My love and prayers are with you all at this time.
I am sorry it is the zp challenge. Thank you and God bless you. Rest in peace maddie.
Thoughts and prayers for her family. I having been addicted to oxycontin, understand the disease, and the stigma attached. I pray people read this and realize it is a serious illness. Sorry for the loss of this amazing young woman.
NoLike your beautiful Maddie . I too struggle with addiction. It’s not something that folks should worry as to whether it is a disease or not. To the addict it is a monster. A monster that each of us addicts wake up too EVERY day. As scary as it being, if we could be scared straight it would’ve already happened. I’m positive that Maddie ,like the rest of us never wanted to be a statistic . Society has to change, soon. Addicts are treated as though we are not worth of breathing the same oxygen as the rest of society as though when we were still as babes our dreams and aspirations were to someday grow up to became addicted, It’s a trap, it’s Satan. I had a very painful condition and a light handed Dr. Once you have welcomed it , never will it leave you, even without being fed It will always be there. Im 4 years clean and everyday is a tiring, soul draining existence. I give you my deepest, sincerest apologies on your loss of your beautiful Maddie. I hope and pray that Maddie has finally won the battle of this unspeakable addiction. I pray that she has found peace at last. My deepest sympathies for sweet Ayden. Nay God bless Maddie. May God send you and your family a comforter in your time of great loss.
I am so very sorry for your loss, God Bless you all. Thank you for this very honest tribute to your daughter and to all still suffering. I have been waiting for that phone call for my sister for the past 20 years. I know what you all have gone through, and you would do it all again just to have her back. Peace & Love to you all
I,too,struggled with this horrible disease. I lost many years of my life being a junkie. Like maddie,I was addicted to oxy contin. I never thought I’d be normal again. I remember when I was 25. I didn’t think I’d live to see 30. But then, at age 33, I found out I was pregnant. And that was it. I FINALLY hit rock bottom. My son just turned 18 and I have 18 years sobriety.
Thank you for sharing. I wish i would’ve had a sister like you. I do have 4 sisters. They are the most judgemental people. I never had any support from anyone in my family. 8 siblings and a mother from hell. My father, an alcoholic, was the only one who could understand. He taught me how to be a good person.
I know maddie is in a better place. May she rest in the arms of the angels. God bless you. You’re a wonderful sister.
I am so moved by what you wrote for her obituary. All I can say is thank you. Im so sorry she wasnt able to overcome. The loss must be so deeply painful. This obituary is unbelievably brave.
Thank you.
Awesome celebration of who she was…..is.. consumed by her addiction…and deep inside the rabbit hole…she was still a blessing to many…savor those special moments…knowing it was not where she wanted to stay…but where she felt condemned…a life sentence for all involved…seems she had a beautiful soul…forgive her for all her brokenness…love her for who she was ….know that she nestled in the arms of our Lord…surrounded by angels….shes a total peace…I did not know your girl…but my 2 Best Friends both lost a brother and a daughter…they are still broken as if it was this day ….the heartache never leaves…but you get thru knowing that they are no longer in the battle…the only way for them to win was to go be with God…Resting in peace…I am so sorry for your loss…God surround you and yours with good memories and love during this sad time
May she rest in peace and may her son and family know peace in their love for Maddie. There is not one person who has not been affected by this disease and the madness and sadness is relentless for all of us. I pray to God every day for the parents and children who are impacted and I continue to choose love.
I send my love and condolences I too lost my youngest daughter Natoya Taylor to addiction ,to a laced batch of cocaine . I shall pray for you for peace as I know it is an every second thing to try and have . I believe Maddie is singing for our Lord above . Sing on Maddie Love Katie Pacheco
Heartfelt condolences on your loss. You have written a beautiful tribute to your dear Maddie. I feel by reading it that you have allowed me to know Maddie and through that knowledge have helped me and countless others to better understand the disease of addiction. Thank you for sharing her with us. May your memories be a source of comfort to you all at this difficult time and may you be spared further sorrow. RIP Maddie.
So beautiful and brave. My love, thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. As someone who has gone through this too, it’s not the easiest consolation knowing she’s now free, but her beautiful soul lives on through your touching tributes.
Thank you for writing such a thoughtful, though painful, obituary. I, too lost my adult sister to her addiction to prescription pain meds. It was the early 90s, when not as much was known about addiction. She struggled most of her adult life. I miss her every day. She was a mom to me when we lost our mother to, you guessed it, prescription pills (1970). I truly believe that this substance abuse addiction has some hereditary traits to it. My sister did not “learn” this behavior through our mother, as she was grown and gone from home when our mother became addicted. Much love and support to your family.
My prayers and love go out to all the family and friends of this beautiful woman. Thank you for the loving kind words and most of all your feelings on such a horrible subject. We too lost a wonderful young man this summer to an addiction he had been fighting for 10 years. He too was such a sweet, marvelous, loving person whom we thought would make it. The pain he felt never went away and the pain we feel won’t either. In remembrance to all who have fought and lost.
I am so sorry for your loss. Please continue to share Maddie’s story. Keep her memory alive in others. I am so sorry she had to leave. I am happy she is no longer in pain.
Grief is breath taking and painful. It will consume you. It has been 16 years since my daughter passed. I know you will eventually, learn to live again in spite of how horrible you feel now. My heart is with you.
“Keep living until you feel alive again” author unknown
Thank you for sharing your heartbreaking honesty at the loss of such a beautiful person. Your words honor Madelyn’s life and establish a legacy for Ayden so that he will always know how strong his mother was despite the horrible disease that took control over her. I will spiritually be there with you all on the 21st and will keep Madelyn and Ayden in my thoughts, as well as the entire family.
I am so sorry for your loss. My sister died 8 years ago from mental illness and suicide. Although we saw it coming, the pain is just as great. Thank you for the honest sharing. May all who loved Maddie find comfort in memory.
Such a beautiful tribute. Thank you so much for writing it. I lost my nephew 2 1/2 years ago to heroin and I wish I had had words like yours to honor him. He was so good and fun and bright! Thank you for trying to educate readers that may not be as insightful as you are. You’ve done it in a kind and loving way. My prayers are with your family.
My deepest condolences on your loss. Losing a child is the ultimate heartbreak. Thank you for sharing Maddie’s story. I can’t help but think others will benefit. Drug addiction is no respector of race, age or socioeconomic status. My own mother had a Masters degree, a successful career, a loving family..and an addiction to opiates for many years. She also suffered from major depression. After a serious suicide attempt in 2003 which was horribly traumatic for our family, she maintained her sobriety until she passed away in 2013. She was never free of the depression though and felt the stigma of that, her addiction and suicide attempt. I hope that as more people talk about these things, people will have compassion and will recognize these issues as illnesses in need of treatment and not character flaws. So I thank you.
Thank you for sharing. I am so sorry for you and your families loss. Your daughter was lucky to have you all to be there for her. I hope she is at peace now and you all can enjoy her memories with her son. He will need you all more than ever. Beautiful tribute
I’m so sorry for your loss. As I sit here waiting to go into the methodone clinic reading your tribute, it brings me to tears. Every persons struggle is different, yet we are all in it together. My struggle is with pain, as I have Fibromyalgia and other ailments. Many, many years I’ve been trying to get some relief. Finally I turned to methadone. Not everyone agrees with this decision, though that’s their opinion, and I don’t care. Thank you for sharing your story of dear Madelyn. If our politicians would get the insurance companies to get on board with coverage for methodone clinics, it would make it easier for addicts to get help. … Thank you for putting into words, the explanation of a portion of what an addict feels & deals with. Bless you all on your journey, and I’ll be praying for you, that the pain of such a tremendous loss eases.
My heart goes out to you all. I lost my nephew to depression (another disease no one likes to talk about) last month and know the stigma that goes with it. Your tribute to Maddie was beautiful, heartfelt and brutally honest. Maybe, just maybe it will help someone else not lose their life to this insidious disease. May she rest in peace and may the happy memories you have carry you through your grief.
Thank You So Much for Sharing Your Beautiful & So Difficult Time with Us.We lost My Sister in law on October 3rd to Many Many Years of Addition.We Can Relate to Your Sister & Her Struggles. My Sister in law was A Beautiful, Smart & Loving Person Well Educated & also a Servicewoman for many Years She also Who Left Behind 2 Beautiful Children A Daughter (17) & A Son(14) This Is a Very Hard time for Our Family as Well . My Brother Is Going All out To Try & Get People Educated as He stated in His Eulogy to His Wife Sherry That Its The Monster who takes over. Addicts Do Not Want This Life as We know Our sister in law Did Not.She Tried & Tried To Fight this Monster But, He Took Control Of Her Life Which ended in An Overdose Everyone PLEASE EDUCATE Yourselves #RAISEAWARENESS God Bless You & Your Family. You All are In Our Thoughts & Prayers Much Love,John & Roseann In LOVING MEMOERY Of SHerry Arthur
I am so sorry for your loss. Its a terrible addiction… I pray she is at peace now. Thank you for sharing who she was and her experience with the addiction.. I only wish the end would have been different and would have won the war with the addiction.. My sincere condolences to her family.. Sounds like she was a beautiful person..
Sincerely.
Janice
I dont know this young lady but I read this and shed some tears. This could have been me. More important, I pray for healing for this family and I thank you for sharing the life and legacy of Maddie with us! Although the pain of losing her will never go away it will get easier to bear!
So heart broken for her. Losing her sons custody must have been so painful, unbearable. Being an addict doesnt necessarily mean you are a bad parent. It is a disease. I dont see people take kids away from cancer patients.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Today marks 9 years since I lost my Dad to this exact disease. It’s such a difficult thing to come to terms with. Someday’s I feel thankful that he is gone because I no longer worry about him. I no longer wonder where he is or what’s happening to him. If he slept on the streets last night or if someone beat him up for his track pants. Other days I get angry that this disease took my Father’s life at 46 years old. You will always remember the Maddie that you shared here with us. This is who she is and you’ve done a wonderful job sharing her beautiful life. I am so sorry that your family is going through this. Her little boy’s heart will be full of her music forever. Be strong for him and never ever stop talking about his Mom XO
I am very sorry for your loss, there is no word to express the sadness and brokenness you might feel! I can’t imagine the pain your family is going through. My son is 20 years old and he is heroin addict for 2 years now. Right now in jail for a chargers of GTA, that I put on him since I did not know how to stop his addiction and keep him in rehabs multiple multiple times, in the hope he will realize how he is destroying his life. I will get the honoring Madelyn’s life to him, because I see so mush resemblance between the two of them. Leon can also befriend and delighted and cops, social workers, public defenders and doctors, cellmates anyone around him. Please keep her life story going, it can help more people then you know.
I was incredibly touched by your sisters story. My own sister, also born in 1988, suffered from addiction for the greater part of a decade, before dying two years ago from her disease.
Thank you for doing this, for your unspeakable bravery. Im not sure I would have been able to, even now its hard for me to tell people what happened.
I see my sister in yours, and I see so much promise in the outpouring of love I have read about. Sending you and your family my love, always.
I understand this well. I lost one son to the modern plague that is addiction. I have another son in recovery. Thank you for saying all the things I want to say. I will keep this for reposting. It is important.
I am so sorry for your loss. My son and I lost my son’s young brilliant and beautiful father many years ago . Your words a beautiful. I am crying ‘happy tears’ as I write this.
I cry for dear Maddie as I’m trying to find my daughter who is becoming an addict regardless of my ongoing prayers watered by tears.
I deeply respect your wonderful and heart felt tribute to Maddie’s life as well as your attempt to importantly underscore that addiction is a disease that needs serious treatment. I know this ignorance seriously hurt our family when my wife’s drinking went out of control, with both of us thinking the solution was simply will power. It took me 15 years to finally let of trying to “help her” (thanks to my finally taking Al-Anon seriously that I had a problem) and then her having a Dr. she trusted tell her”If you don’t quit, I don’t think you’ll make it through the Winter.” At that point, she realized she wanted to live and knew the one step she had never taken in AA: “Admit I am powerless over alcohol” Taking this step was difficult for a proud woman, but it enabled her to find sobriety; we remarried and the family was restored–until cancer took her away. I’m glad Laurie will be at the services, and I speak for all of us at Hyde when I say we share your loss and our prayers are with you. With Love and Respect; Joe Gauld..
I am so glad to have read this about Maddie, she did have a life! You wrote it well..it is so hard to watch endings of our young people in addiction…it punches me in the gut..as each one of these people i knew..get grabbed out of existence..by that foe. My prayers go out to the God who heals hearts: for all reading this and Maddie’s family and friends.
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that the words she inspired you to write will help many others as they or their families struggle with this devastating disease.
Sincerely,
Rob
So very sad. God bless you.
But hopefully you will eventually just recall the good times you had with Maddie.
Gordon and Pat
Having personally escaped the nightmare of opioid addiction over ten years ago, I experience survivor’s guilt every time I hear about another person who has lost their life to this terrible affliction. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
I send my condolences for your loss. U also thank the ones who commented without judging this soul, gone too soon.
I hope and pray that the family gave grace and a sense of peace as they are dealing through the grieving process. This obituary was on my page for a reason: to prove that humanity and sympathy does exist and love can help heal to the downtrodden with the grief of loss. Thank you. I have been blessed by the impact of the message and responses to this poignant obituary.
What an absolutely beautiful tribute you have written to honor your beloved Maddie. Her light shines through and it is a lovely piece of prose about her life, loves, talents, kindness and joys and struggles for her son to treasure and remember beyond the personal loss of his mom…she loved him with all her being, even though that love didn’t prevent her addiction from being overpowering. We all need to know that addiction is a disease from which the majority of people do not “just say no” to and live happily ever after. Recovery is possible but it is not easy and can be elusive…and addiction baffles even those of us who have degrees in the field. My heart goes out to all of you who loved Madelyn and all who have been touched by her life. God bless you and all who love someone with an addiction…and pray for someone who is affected by addiction in their life.
May you rest easy Maddi..
So beautifully written. Addiction is real!. Reach our for help. Life is hard but it is worth it!.
There is a light which shines in the darkness, but the darkness does not comprehend it. The solution to addiction is ultimately a spiritual one which begins when a journey is undertaken by each addicted person. The Steps of AA and NA present a path forward, and that path begins when the crash and burn bottom of practicing alcoholics and drug addicts require a decision to be made. And then begins a “stay the course” program which continues under every possible condition and situation. Sometimes the vaccination does not take and relapse happens, but so many time it does take and a turn occurs. Determination, perseverance and exercise of one’s will power comes into play here, but ultimately grace appears to carry us forward in ways that in retrospect seem miraculous. I speak from experience: 34 years of continuous sobriety which has brought me into a way of seeing and living that hitherto was unimaginable. Ultimately spirit prevails. Stay the course, trust in a power greater than you, clean house and serve others.
Im so sorry for your loss. Yes, drug addiction is a disease although its not treated that way; cancer patients arent sent to jail. I myself went through an opiate addiction from my doctors who were misinformed by the drug maker of OxyContin. Its a living hell! I successfully beat that addiction over 8 years ago. Im sad to know when people dont recover and the addiction wins. We need to handle drug addiction differently. Jailing them is ridiculous and doesnt solve anything. Being shunned from society doesnt help at all. Shes nothing but a junkie, I heard a friend of mine had said about me. Thanks friend for being so judgemental! Rather, please look past the addiction and see your brother or sister that needs help and support. We waste jail space with people who are sick from addiction and let out repeat sex offenders as if they are not a danger to society. The entire justice system is a mess.
Sending hugs with the knowledge that although you suffer from the loss of Maddie, she is no longer in pain. May her memory be a blessing to you and your whole family. God bless you!
#sosorry lost my son Jared to overdose of fentanyl
#so sorry lost my son Jared to an overdose of fentanyl #fotev25
So sorry lost my son Jared to overdose of fentanyl #foteve25
Thank you for bringing the awareness of drug addiction to so many. My sincere condolences for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in your heart from the memories you cherish.
what a beautiful obituary for such a beautiful young lady. May she Rest in Peace, free from all pain and suffering from this horrible drug that stalked most of her life. Maddie is the face of every person struggling with this disease and I pray that this world becomes more compassionate to help heal those in need. God bless her loving family and her beautiful son.
Thank you for sharing Maddie’s story.As a recovering addict, and the husband of a still sick and suffering addict, I feel your pain. I got clean almost 5 years ago (04/27/2014) and have never looked back since that day, and I thank God every day for the gift I was given. I have 2 sons (19 and 10) who also have to suffer because of this disease, as their mother is still in active addiction.
My thought and prayers are with you. Again thank you for your powerful, frank story. I hope it will help someone free themselves from this terrible disease!
I am so very sorry for your loss. I cant help but wonder that if more attention and support for the addicts in the black community had been given and those addicts had been met with the compassion and empathy that the opioid addicts are being met with, would your beloved daughter still be alive…..? Apathy as always is the enemy. Just as with aids. In the beginning those suffering from the affliction were met with judgement and scorn. With no help or support until the desease reached epidemic proportions. Perhaps if anything can be learned from this is that all people are connected. That the suffering of one will oneday resonate thoughtout us all. That we are our brothers keeper and we are here to help and support each other. No matter who or what they are. Or what our personal beliefs may be. Once again I am very sorry for your loss. But sadly you are not alone.
having done some pot and acid in my teens. Plus occasional drag of a joint in my 20;s and 30;s. I thought I knew it all about the type of people that ruin their lives from drugs. I’m in my sixties and lost my only daughter this year to the same type of drugs, mentioned here. For the biggest shock and heartbreak of my life, she died Feb 28th 2018. and has two small children, that she adored and would give them anything, if she could. And ever since I’ve heard so much abut this drug, and how deadly it is plus how it’s caught so many good people in it’s web. Please, please do all we can to make everyone aware of how seriously dangerous it is .Before any more innocent good people and their families are hurt. the cost for getting high is too much.
This is an awesome obituary. My wife and I didn’t know this young lady or her family. I stumbled across this on Facebook and wanted to let the family know that we will be praying for them during this time of suffering & loss. We will always remember her son in our prayers daily. Heaven gained another Angel when Maddie crossed over. Dear God, please bless this family & help ease their pain& suffering during this difficult time. Amen
Thank you for giving your sister the dignity that came first and foremost from the God who loves her.
God bless you.
Im at a loss for words .. thank you to whoever wrote that.. this message is proof that there are people out there that get it that despite having to experience the branching effects of an addiction can still show compassion without judgement.. this brings a comfort and hope that cannot be described in words.. so thank you. My heart aches for your family and you will all be in my prayers.
No judgement here. Thank you for sharing the beauty, love and joy that Maddie brought to her loved ones. Someone in my family that I love dearly has been battling addiction for almost 10 years. There have been some very close calls with her life. Opioid addiction is a cruel, heartless bastard that takes and takes and takes. Thank you for reminding us that we have to keep seeing the person we love and not just the disease. To keep hoping and fighting for our loved ones.
I stumbled upon your daughters tribute in Facebook last night when I was attempting to post a favorite picture of my son, Brad. Today, Brad would have been 38, and we are remembering him on his second birthday in heaven. His life was so similar to Madelyns. Brad lost his battle with his addiction on January 10, 2017. I, as his mother, pray for you today. Give yourself grace as the Heavenly Father gives us. Grieve in your own time. In your own way. It’s a hard journey. You will miss her always, but you will make it. God bless you as you give her back to God.
May God surround you with peace & comfort during the difficult time now and in the future. I also have a family member who has been affected, but now is clean, altho, I know they have struggles to stay there from time to time. their death during their active addiction was always in my mind and I am very thankful that it didn’t come true. I think every family has at least one member that has the battles of addiction going on, and I agree with you, there is so much more to that person than the illness they suffer with. it’s a very small part of the personality, yet has the most affect at time on everyone around them. my prayers for strength for your family and I hope memories of her are strong in her son’s mind. that he never forgets how much she loved him
This was a beautifully accurate tribute to Maddie, as a daughter, friend , mom and a person. I didnt know her and Im so sorry for your loss. Thank you for opening the eyes of some and recognizing the stigma and the good works of others. RN
thank you for sharing your sister’s beautiful, yet guttingly painful, story with the world. As an opiate addict myself reading your words felt like one thing, and that’s HOPE. Hope that shame will diminish as judgement by others does. The last few paragraphs you wrote should go on the paperwork that states an employer’s Mission Statement and should be posted in HR offices… Love and light to your family
This brought me to tears.. thank you for sharing. I know several who have a constant struggle with addiction and it breaks my heart everytime I hear someone talk bad about those that struggle. It’s not their fault, they are lost in a world they can not escape from. I would love to see more people get help and I know there are many that wish they could get help and keep a normal life, but it is so difficult for so many. Sorry for your loss, but thank you for your beautiful words.
Thank you for sharing the story of your special sister. As a former Sustenance Abuse Counselor to teenagers, I can hope that more people read this and view the victims as one with a disease. God Bless you and your families.
As a disabled vet who relies on drugs to live a normal life, this saddens me. However, if she passed while in police custody, dont be foolish, hire a lawyer.
Its so sad how many people die from this disease. I know but by the grace of God I am alive and sober. You managed to capture her life with such eloquence and poise that it conveyed every feeling and struggle that every single addict is going through. Thank you so much for having the courage to write so honestly and bluntly!!! She may be gone but these words that were written will help and influence many.
my condolences, however if she died in police custody plz hire a lawyer. they already kill too many ppl.
Thank you for sharing Maddie’s obituary, it was so beautifully written. Although I have never met Maddie, her family or friends, I feel for your loss and I will keep you all in my prayers. A lot of people don’t understand that addiction is a disease and it is passed on from generation to generation, sometimes it skips someone in a family, but it may catch up to other members. You need to learn to look at members of your own family past and present and see who may have/had the disease of addiction. I know, I am still grieving my son who took his life due to addiction on 7/23/18.
My deepest condolence for you daughter
I am so sorry for your loss and was deeply touched by your wonderful tribute, Thank
you for being brave and sharing her story and praying that it helps to create more awareness. May your cherished memories help you through the days ahead.
This affected me in an unexpected way that surprised me. Ive been a nurse for 16 years. Ive worked cardiac, ER, and hospice. Too often, due to demands of the job, we almost build a callous to those whom paths cross ours as a result of drug addictions. Sometimes in life, we need someone to remind us of why we chose our profession. Maddies obituary was very real, touching, and heartfelt. I am truly sorry for your familys loss. Thank you for sharing your experience so that we all may be more aware and compassionate.
This was a beautiful way to describe a person that had a loving spirit and had a lot to share with her loved ones. Her battle with addiction was not who she was, yet society avoids what they are not familiar with. The sister who stepped forward and wrote this needs applauded by the whole country. Kudos
FGod Bless Madie and all who knew and loved her. Prayers for comfort and peace in your loss.
It was so courageous of you to post this. So many families try to hide the problem of addiction which helps no one. I am so very sorry for your loss. I thank God every day for my daughter’s sobriety and pray for everyone afflicted with this horrible disease and their families.
This brought tears to my eyes. So beautifully written!
Thank you for sharing your Maddie with us with such grace and authenticity. As a Mom, Ive lived every day of 15 years with the reality that my own 28 year old son might ultimately join Maddie and all the others lost to addiction. Your beautiful words filled me up, and renewed My spirit and resolve as a psychotherapist who has the privilege of working with and alongside these warriors who fight so hard. I will hold your sweet Maddie and all of you who loved her in the light.
What a beautiful commentary on a life. We should remember that opioid addiction touches the lives of the rich, famous, ordinary folks and those on the lowest rungs of our society. Such beautiful and heartfelt writing. Maddie touched lives in life and will do so in death.
She was a beautiful woman who had a demon. My heart goes out to her son. Go in peace Madelyn.
So sorry for your loss but I believe your story will touch and help many! Wish I could have been so brave when my son passed from a drug overdose. My heart and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless Maddie, you and your family, and her son Ayden!
im so sorry for your loss and will pray for her son, Aiden, to be wrapped in God’s love and protection. Thank you for sharing your story with the world, as many, many simply do not understand. God bless you all
prudi shinn
Thank you for such a dear and loving tribute to your sister. The sad truth is just as you mentioned, People only see an addict as an addict and not as a person. Your sister sounds like a person I would have loved to have known. As a firm believer in the bible’s promise of a future resurrection, I pray that you and all those who truly love Maddie, dig into the scriptures for comfort and hope to learn what the bible really teach. As hard as it might be to believe, God has promised a future resurrection of proportions of which we would never have imagined. I am so extremely sorry for your loss, because it is indeed a great one. My prayers go out to you and your family.
May you find the peace you strived for on earth in eternity. And may your family and friends quickly replace grief with loving and comforting memories.
I work with patients struggling with addictions. Thank for writing this and reminding me what I do matters.
Thank you for sharing the life of your daughter, mother, friend, partner… I will pray for her and your family. I’m sober 16 years, and not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for sobriety. It’s a hard road but possible. Hope is real. Blessings on your beautiful tribute. xoxo
So sorry for your loss your words are amazing and so correct!! Addiction of ANY KIND is a disease and there is so LITTLE help for the families of addicts. Your sister was so loved and so lucky to have you and her little guy whom I hope you help him remember his mother, which I am sure you will
Your words are wise and NEVER GIVE UP it is NEVER TOO LATE!!!!
Again my condolences and let’s not let Madelyn’s death be in vain!
Thinking of all of you
Laurie Kiing
Chatham, ON
heartbreaking – and infuriating! access to addiction treatment in this country is woefully inadequate and what’s available for the fortunate(?) few who have good insurance or deep pockets is ineffective, relying on abstinence, prayer, and group-think instead of medical science. might as well wish upon a star… Maddie was an awesome human being who deserved to be healed.
I’m in recovery and for me that means I have been sober from all drugs and alcohol for 3 years. I now work in a rehab center and as a residential drug and alcohol counselor. The amount of wonderful gifted people I met everyday is profound. I only wish they could see how wonderful they are. It takes a warrior to continue to try over and over to get sober. I hear people say they’re just weak and I know those people are completely ignorant to what addiction is. To be able to try over and over to “get it right” takes an absolute Warrior. The strength that people in recovery have amazes me everyday. I wish that Society could see people in recovery as people. Our addiction does not define us! our behaviors do not Define us! We are more than our addiction. we are more then our behaviors. We are more than Mother’s we are more than daughters or more than son’s. We are more than the pain that we carry inside of us. Thank you for sharing your daughter’s light I hope this helps people see people with addiction history as people first! I’m so sorry for your loss I wish that our system was one that supported recovery and there was resources available for anyone that wanted it. Someday I hope that’s true. I believe the more people that are brave enough to come forward and share the closer we will get to that. God bless your family!
Thank you for bringing addiction out of the darkness and into the light.. My son also struggles with addiction and all that people see is the thief, the liar, the addict. I know how hideous this disease is, I was that thief, the liar, the addict… I have 22 years clean, yet with all of my knowledge of this disease first hand, I cannot save my son. My love and prayers go out to you and your family.
this is such a moving tribute- thank you for loving your sister so deeply. My brother is an addict- he stumbled across drugs in a hospital while battling leukemia at age 12. The “legal” drugs were in his system so long and he was never properly weaned off, which led to full blown street drug addiction. He was my light growing up and I pray I never have to write something like this. But if I do, I pray I am as eloquent and brave as you.
this is such a moving tribute- thank you for loving your sister so deeply. My brother is an addict- he stumbled across drugs in a hospital while battling leukemia at age 12. The “legal” drugs were in his system so long and he was never properly weaned off, which led to full blown street drug addiction. He was my light growing up and I pray I never have to write something like this. But if I do, I pray I am as eloquent and brave as you.
Such a beautiful tribute to a sister, mother, and daughter who was very loved and plagued by addiction. So courageous of this family to tell their story in hopes of helping someone else. Prayers for them as they miss her in the days and years ahead.
Don’t know her but, we are the same. Fortunately, I was able to get clean 3yrs ago, only by the grace of God. I wish people would learn more about this disease, maybe someday the stigma about addiction, will be no more
My nephew also was ” a junkie”. He spent four years in federal prison for robbing a pharmacy with a paint gun, JUST for OxyContin. You see he tried desperately to get free on his own, and when 5 days of withdrawal agony permeated his brain and body, he did the unthinkable. He was raised in a strong, loving, successful family of five. It was not the weakness of the person, it was the disease caused by this horrible drug prescribed for many. Stop the drug, stop the addiction. My sincere prayers, blessings and light are with your family.
I cried as I read this and for a long time after. I have three sons, all addicted to opiates, the first thought of every day is will this be the day I get the call?
My heart breaks for you and your family with this tremendous loss and all of the years of pain you all endured preceding her death. May she fly forever free of the demons that dominated her life. Im so very sorry
Condolences to Maddie’s Family. I am a Detox Nurse and have been in recovery for 12 yrs. It is a disease….a disease that will not stop until it is over. This Opioid crisis that we are in is beyond words. May your family take rest knowing that Maddie is out of that terrible, black hole that is filled with nothing but pain. She runs free now with her Higher Power, without pain, judgement, shame, guilt….Maddie is now who her God intended her to be on a different plane. She will always be connected with you spiritually. May God hold you in the palm of his hand as you grieve. Many prayers for all of you. Kate what a beautiful tribute to your sister. You will never know how many lives you have touched…or helped to get some treatment for their addiction.
Jeanne
Culpeper, VA
I have a niece that has struggled with this disease for 15 years, she cannot quit but for short periods. My husband is a recovered alcoholic. He made it! He is President of his AA center and on the Board of Directors and we are very involved in church. Some can do it and some cannot. I feel for this family, losing their daughter, who left her son. It is so so sad.
I am encircling you and yours in the brightest and sweetest light imaginable. I have a loved one that suffers greatly with the disease and my heart is with you and your beloved family. God bless and keep you and sweet Maddie.
Saddened by the news of your loss, but what a truly touching tribute to Maddie. I don’t know you or your family. Maddie was blessed to have you as family and loved ones. May the peace and grace of God be with you all during these times and give you comfort knowing she is at rest now!
Your daughter was so fortunate to have you as parents. Without your understanding and compassion she may have never had any opportunity to experience sobriety, but because of your commitment she was able to for a short time. Regrettably it didn’t end the way you wanted but this disease takes no hostages. I’m so sorry for your loss but I believe your sharing this obituary can help others who are also grieving. You certainly are not alone. May you have peace.
This story it’s really close to home my brother and his wife are both addicts . They both live in Vermont in their car it has been eight years since my mom passed away addicted to many drugs . It’s very hard when you no longer know what to do for them, they steal from you, they lie to you they hurt you and you let them do it all over again. I believe my Mother’s addiction was partly her fault and MORE her doctors. When the Doctors continue to hand out prescriptions for these drugs knowing they are addictive they are adding to the problem. The doctor my mother had still practices today. It’s sad because he continued to give my mother prescriptions knowing full well a lot of her medical issues were based on other drugs causing damage to her internal organs. When she died she was taking a total of 69 YES 69 prescribed medications.
He never bothered to remove her from medications that didn’t work or were causing more problems for her, he justified his treatment by saying they were doing more good than harm. A couple years prior to my mother’s passing my brothers wife was given Codeine to ease dental surgery pain. From there she continued to use the codeine complaining of continuous aches and pains. Including gall bladder surgery after the medication ran out she sought out people who had the medication. Including my own parents who thought they were helping by easing her pain. When that ran out she started to buy the medication illegally. Now its anything to get a high. She has even gone so far as to break my brothers nose, arm and hips with a baseball bat to get the Doctors or hospitals to give them drugs. She has even overdosed with bath salts injected into her body to try anything for a high. Obviously during all the injuries my brother has become addicted to these drugs. There drug of choice is cocaine now lies, robbery, shoplifting, shooting at someone’s home and prostitution to get high.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I also lost a sister to drug addiction in 2008; yet, it seems like yesterday. Your words are so honest and to the point. . so beautifully written for different perspectives.
To those of us who have lost loved ones due to addiction: may we learn and remember our loved ones for who they truly are.
To those with family members and friends with addictions living among us: pray, pray, pray; love them; tell them they are valuable and precious despite their addiction. Encourage them to seek help.
To those serving those with addictions: compassion, empathy and encouragement. Remember they are valuable human beings and they are someones mother, dad, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, nephew, grandparent, friend.
I pray that God the Father of Heaven eradicates addiction from our world. Lets all do something worthwhile to help those addicted.
Their oldest 3 children left with one of them returning to her parents only for them to prostitute her for drugs or money to buy them. They abandoned the younger 3 children leaving their approximately 12 year old daughter to take care of her younger 2 sisters. That was about 6 years ago. The younger 3 were taken in by a aunt. She is no longer able to care for them. They are now in the system and we no longer know where they are. It’s time for the nation to take a stand and protect our children, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles ,cousins all of these people need to be protected from these doctors that just want to keep handing out drugs and more and more prescriptions for opioids it’s time to stand up and stop the drug abuse. People like Madelyn are still family. ADDICTS ARE PEOPLE TOO!!!
I am so very sorry for your loss. I also lost a sister to drug addiction in 2008; yet, it seems like yesterday. Your words are so honest and to the point. . so beautifully written for different perspectives.
To those of us who have lost loved ones due to addiction: may we learn.
To those with family members and friends with addictions living among us: pray, pray, pray; love them; tell them they are valuable and precious despite their addiction. Encourage them to seek help.
To those serving those with addictions: compassion, empathy and encouragement. Remember they are valuable human beings and they are someones mother, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, nephew, grandparent, friend.
I pray that God the Father of Heaven eradicates addiction from our world. Lets all do something worthwhile to help those addicted.
This beautiful tribute should be required reading for all professional addictions workers when they are feeling discouraged or frustrated by what they do. When you are tired and discouraged, it is easy to forget that each of the people you work with is way more than an addict. They are intelligent, artistic, witty, caring, loving, talented, sometimes difficult, but most importantly, loved by many others. That is why we do this. This family never gave up, and neither should we. I didn’t know this amazing young woman but I will mourn her loss. Prayers for all who will miss her.
And to think that 3 executives plead guilty to deliberately lying about it’s addictive quality to sell it to doctors. Of course they did no jail time or have to pay for treatment to all those people harmed. It’s sickening. https://www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com/drug-abuse-addiction/makers-of-oxycontin-concealed-its-addictive-nature/
I will be honest. I have never experienced a loved one with a drug addiction and can’t even imagine what Maddie and your family went through – so why am I even commenting? Well, reading your story my heart aches. I try to find the right things to say but is there any “right” thing to say? Your story was beautiful and I’m deeply sorry for your sister’s loss and I hope Ayden is told how strong his mom was and will still be for him as his angel. You’re a strong woman!!
I believe Addiction will eventually touch every family as it rips through our country. There are so many misunderstandings & judgements associated with this disease. There are not enough answers or help because of the stigma associated with addiction. Addiction caught me off guard. How is a child of 15 supposed to know that a prescription pain pill will rob him of 11 years of his life…maybe more…because our precious son is still battling to get out of the cycle of drug abuse. Im so sorry that you have lost this beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing her story through this post.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can feel the love you had for your sister and I hope people realize a person with an addiction doesn’t mean they are bad people. They need love and support too. My prayer are with you and your family.
I too am a addict , little over a year clean and I have never read something so heartfelt and compelling , what you have wrote had reached thousands from all over . Much love and hugs from Iowa , please keep her story alive and advocate for addicts thier are too many out there with no voice or love , a candle will be put for her.
God bless this beautiful soul and hope that this story can help another
Sad heart breaking upsetting devastating soul destroying yet uplifting heart warming inspirational encouraging loving that even though she lost the sad hard fight she never lost the love and support of her family which sadly most addicts do. You are a shining example of true unconditional love non judgemental but forgiving and constant if only everyone could be so lucky. My heart and prayers go out to all your family
As the daughter of an addict and sister of 3 addicts, this hits home so hard. Im sorry that this disease took your loved one from you. Thank you for your honesty about her struggles and about the disease. Its so important that people hear it, especially when youve grabbed their attention. Thank you for selflessly using this platform for good. All my love to you all as you cope with an unbearable loss that I know youve already suffered many times over when losing her to her addiction.
Thank you for opening your heart to so many! May you find Gods peace after such a painful lost! Only a mothers heart can comprehend such a terrible pain at its fullest!
I pray that your family is at peace and I pray that she is at eternal peace with our heavenly father. My deepest condolences to the family. I too have lost loved ones to addiction. Never easy, continue to share her story and just maybe you can save a soul.
RIParadise Maddie
I am so very sorry for your loss of your sweet girl. My youngest , Tammy , also struggled with addiction. She did not die from her addiction, but she was in a situation that could have been avoided. Now, she lays in a bed, breathing through a trachea, eating through a g tube & she is paralyzed. Cannot respond to command if she wanted to.They can never remove the bullets from her head. Or she will die. I just can’t believe how strong her will to live is. She LOVES her family. More than anything, she would do anything in her power for those she loved.But the Addiction had a hold on her & no matter how she tried, she just couldn’t shake it. And even though I see her day to day , I can’t help Thanking God that he spared her. You see , I also am a recovering addict.I have struggled for over 30 years. It has not been easy. But if I had of lost her, I don’t think I’d be strong enough to not relapse. Her death would have killed me. My soul. And now , I can’t tell her enough times in a day that I love her.It’s just a shame that addiction is a LIAR & a CHEAT.It won’t let you feel the love from family. Only the lie of your drug of choice matters. Tammy is here,but she is in limbo.Even though it’s torture to see such a vibrant person in that bed, I can’t imagine her being gone. My heart goes out to anyone dealing with this and action DEMON.
I lost my mother to the demon 7 years ago. She struggled for 17 years. Thank you for putting into words, what we all feel. Im so sorry for your loss, and I pray for everyone struggling to overcome what society believes is a choice.
My heart weeps for the loss of your lovely Madelyn. I will never forget this tribute to a young woman like so many we have lost to the disease of addiction. May the love she gave sustain and nourish you, give you hope and healing.
Thanks for being so brave and honest and sharing your sweet daughters story. Addiction is a cruel devil. My heart breaks for you. Praying so hard.
I am so very sorry for your loss and pain you and Maddies family and friends are going through. My prayers are with you and your family. I am sure she is in a better place as she is now with God. May she Rest In Peace
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Maddie. I dont think Ive EVER read a more heartbreakingly honest or beautiful obituary. My brother is an alcoholic. Ive felt foolish at times for continuing to hope for sobriety, but your testimony makes me think that we cant NOT hope for sobriety for those we love. God bless.
My heart is broken for the family and my tears are overwhelming at the moment. But I want to say thank you for sharing this story of this beautiful person. I do not judge. But for the grace of God there go I. I suffered at the hands of addiction for 30 plus years. I now have almost 20 years clean and sober. I know that there are many governments and societies that set an addict up to fail. And it can be very hard to stay clean. Once an addict picks up the first one the choice is gone. The key is don’t pick up no matter what no matter what don’t pick up that first one! Peace and love!
This is the best obituary I have seen written about addiction. As someone who has been in recovery for over 15 years, I not only sympathize but can relate to so much here. It is one of the BEST most educational first hand accounts- thank you for writing this and my thoughts and prayers are with this family
I am so sorry for your lose. I to suffer from drug addiction…i would rather lose a leg or a arm then to have this monkey on my back…I try my hardest every day to stay clean.and im so sorry that this damn disease took your daughter and especially Ayden mother…keep her memory alive and always let your grandson know his mother was a brave courageous woman who fought everyday the best she could..my heart goes out to you and your family…God bless your family
This is truly one of the most beautiful and moving tributes I have ever read. I believe that by sharing this story of Maddie, countless lives will be impacted and many will likely be saved. I thank you and wish you peace.
What a brave young woman. Gone too soon. Sending healing thoughts your way.
I am sorry to hear about Madelyn Ellen Linsenmeir. I am sure when she relapsed and ultimately lost custody of her son, a loss that was unbearable. I am sure that was too unbearable for Madelyn. I have seen this happen to some of my friends. My condolence for the Linsenmeir family. I would have liked to have known this pretty singer named Madelyn .
I am so very sorry for the tremendous loss of your beautiful Maddie! I also commend you, her family for not only sharing her light but speaking the truth about addiction and how devastating it can be. For in the midst of your own grief and devastation, I have NO DOUBT that you and Maddie are saving lives also afflicted by addiction!
My (half) brother is affected and thus, so are we, his family. Scott is 47 now. Older than Maddie but also very talented and well loved. Scott has a little 5 yr old boy that he has lost custody of but sees on weekends–when he’s sober and able to be a dad. My brother seems to now have some mental health issues–it didn’t seem that way before he started drinking heavily. Scott is not into opioids but rather beer and pot are his drugs of choice. Who ever thought those two things could do so much damage? Then again, NO ONE wakes up one morning and says “Gee, today I think I’ll start on the path to becoming an addict!”
Your daughter is beautiful. I pray her memory and her legacy bring you peace. Also prayers for Ayden who lost his mommy way before he should have. God bless you all.
What an amazing testimonial of her life. It shows how much love and support she had. Addiction is running and baffling. As someone who also suffers my heart goes out to you, her and her son. She is wrapping her arms as wide as she can now to watch over you. Thank you for such honest words. I have tears of pain but also know she is free from the hole in the soul we all struggle with. I will include her son in my daily prayers and hope he never doubts the love she had for him.
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter! I understand the struggle she endured… I was an addict for 17yrs and have been clean now for 15 months, since July 25,2017! No one wants to be an addict and I fight every day to stay clean and defeat the devil… Take heart in knowing that her suffering is now over, her struggle gone… She is at peace! God Bless you and your family
Beautifully written remembrance…rest peacefully Maddie…and to her family, I am so very sorry for your tragic loss…may god bless you and give you strength at this time…
I too have a son who has 5 kids and he is an addict! I have prayed for years for his healing! I’m so sorry for your loss! And pray for peace and comfort of your family! I pray that he gets help for himself and his family!
Many nights I cry myself to sleep at night but I try to not let it stress me out and have Faith in God!
Beautifully written remembrance…rest peacefully maddie, finally free…and to her family..I am so very sorry for your tragic loss…may God bless you and comfort you in this time of unbearable heart ache…
Such a beautiful testimony which captured the beautiful young woman who loved her in life and now in Heaven. Drugs take to many wonderful and talented people….For many years I worked with young runaways who were using….it was always a blessing when a healing took place and sadness when the hook was so deep into one’s soul that you could only pray……Maddie’s family was blessed to have an angel in their lives..Her children will carry her love in them everyday…..God bless your angel Maddie.
I too have lost far too many beautiful people to the insidious disease of addiction. Some of my warmest memories, most intelligent conversations, and loving friendships are now conducted with the now infinite spirts of my most beloved , departed souls who suffered such similar consequences as your beautiful Maddie. I too am grateful their suffering is over, but Im a bit selfish in that I miss the hope I had for each and every one of them. May your family continue to find and inspire hope in others, as well as yourselves. I will keep your family in the special place I have in thoughts, prayers, and support for all of those who have had to learn the hard way the reality of this terrible disease. May the blessings of the universe be upon you all, and thank you for writing such a moving and accurate piece.
Sorry for the loss of your daughter to this disease. My thoughts and prayers w with you and your family! Thank you for this heartfelt story! You are a mighty strong woman & mother. May God bless and keep ypu!
Thank you for introducing me to Maddie. She sounds like a wonderful person. I pray for her child. I know you will tell her how much her mother loved her.
I’m sitting on my couch, with a big mug of tea with tears streaming. What a powerful, beautiful, raw and moving obituary you wrote for your daughter.
I can’t say that I knew your Maddie but I knew a foster brother Brian Peters. He was born an addict as his mother used while she was pregnant. He was a user by 13. And his addiction took him at 28.
My own son almost took this road as well.
Thank you for pouring your heart out. Donation has been made.
With love and respect,
Carol in Edmonton, Alberta Canada
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for all the ones left behind. Her pain is now over while yours just begins. I know from personal experience the funeral day will be the 2nd most horrible day of your life the 1st day being the day she lost her fight.
Iam so sorry for your loss and this has me crying for your pain. Its a terrible disease and you brought it to light for many struggling with the problem, thank you for sharing her life with us. To many people dont understand it and just give up on the person,its sad that people missed out on her beauty by doing this. I have to use opiates for a really bad accident yet some can take just what the dr gives them and never be addicted while others can be hooked right away. I love what you wrote about a very special person.
I am so sorry that you lost your beautiful daughter too soon. I lost my daughter in June from an overdose. My heart goes out to you all and to her son. Addiction is a disease and should be viewed and treated as one. How many more beautiful souls will be consumed by this plague before something changes? A whole generation of orphans is being created and not enough attention is being devoted to solving the problem. May the light of her soul shine down on you from above.
What a brave, beautiful obituary. Thank you. As a provider of mental health services, please know that many of us out here do respect and love our clients who are struggling with addiction, and have great respect for what their families go through as well. My deepest condolences for your loss of this absolutely beautiful young woman.
I am so so sorry for your loss. My middle son suffers from drug addiction also, he is 32. Drug addiction steels our kids and breaks our families. I see the person in Maddie in the picture with her son. I see joy in her face. I see love. I feel your pain an agony and my heart is with you as you try move forward. You are not alone. I lift your family up in prayer and ask that God comfort you and bring peace. Thank you for sharing.
God is the only one that can set us free from all the miseries in life…Seek him and hang on….
Im so incredibly sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. My son suffered from heroin addiction for 3 long, hellish years. Hes been clean of that drug now for around 6 years. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Sorry for your loss, it is a heart breaking story that we continue to hear. Abstinence from all mind altering substances has to be the way into a successful life of recovery. I am in recovery and have been for 35 years successfully. I hope others can follow the hard ride through the realities of recovery and make it. May she rest in peace.
Im truly sorry for your loss i lost my sister in 2014 from addiction to pain killers..it hurts to my core everyday I hope that everyone gets proper education on these srugs and affects on families..i couldnt save my sister i hope someone else can be saved..RIP Maddie
This is the most thoughtful, heartfelt, and honest obituary I’ve ever read. I never knew Madelyn, but unfortunately I know so many people in similar circumstances. I, too, have tried my darndest to save someone I loved from their addictions… worrying day and night whether they would live or die from it. I also had a cousin who was a chronic pain patient who died in her sleep of an overdose of pain medication. Although I’ve never suffered an addiction, I was on pain medication for over 10 years for my severe, chronic pain. But I recently got myself off of it as I didn’t want to have a similar outcome. God bless you and yours, all of you. Let’s hold each other tight.
May your freely sharing your daughters struggles with others, allow others to find peace of mind here. We all were so at a loss with Tara Smith for 14 years of cocaine addiction, which took her life a few years ago. She had two children. As we watched her in and out of the hospital for blood infections, and heart surgery. She lost all of her beautiful teeth, she lost her job, she lost her kids, she lost her husband, but some madness just kept sending her back into the world of cocaine. She would lie, steal, prostitute herself, anything to get more drugs.
She even turned in several big dealers to the police in her few moments of sobriety. I felt so hopeless. As I am sure you did too. Did you read Dreamland? Thank you for reaching out. Peace
I am so very sorry for your loss. Addiction is a horrible disease. I know wonderful people who wrestle with it. My heart goes out to you.
I too give you my condolences, and it is hard to share such a private thing but if it saves one life it is worth it. My life was upsided this week when I took in two friends of my daughters who swore to us that they were not doing drugs. My daughter asked me to bring them into my house to get them out of the cold. Three days after they moved in they set up a shaker meth lab in my attic. I did not know what it was when I happened to go upstairs to look for something and was shocked to find it. I did call police and this young couple is facing felony charges of having a meth lab although not necessary to burn with this set up. My heart was breaking as I spoke with police. They also endangered my life from the chemicals so they face reckless endangermant so that is two felonies. This was someone who had been very close to me when they were girls. A
I want to share my prayers, and true passion form what you have been thru. It took great courage for sharing the obituary that you had the love and respect for your sister t o write. I realize the heart ache that you and all the community she touched with smile, laughter, love and passion, and her song. She will be remembered forever!
This is such a beautiful and heartbreaking obituary.
I am in recovery from addiction and I now work as a chemical dependency counselor. You have done an amazing job explaining that Madelyn was a loving and loved human being, and that she was -not- the disease that took her life. I am so sorry for your loss. I know your hearts will forever be broken, and I know that the sun will never shine quite as bright, without your beloved Madelyn. Know though, that I joined many in my community of recover who wept when we read this obituary because in your efforts to memorialize Madelyn with these words, you are humanizing all of us who have suffered from the stigmatized disease of addiction.
Thank you for that. Please know that Madelyn’s life continues to make a difference.
Empathy,support,compassion and respect are absoultly what an addict needs and deserves to continue to feel surrounded by the love of their family & extended family. Addicts are seldom seen as victims of a disease that is so very horribly debilitating and steals their sense of dignity. I know because I lost my precious daughter Patty to addiction in January 2018. She fought a very hard battle for many years & spent time in rehabs where she would thrive and throw herself into trying to help all those addicted like herself. She also was a wonderful,beautiful,sensitive person.Kind,intelligent,loving & thoughtful of others. She left behind a sweet precious daughter whom she fought tirelessly to stay clean for. May God almighty wrap his loving arms around your family and comfort you with his calming presence and give you peace. I know & understand your overwhelming heartache. My deepest sympathy and condolences to her friends & family. Kathy
Kate: I don’t know you and we’ll probably never meet. I read the obituary you wrote for your sister. Several years ago a surprise death of a character (also a sister) in a book I was reading made real the possibility of losing my sister. I was a balling, sniffling mess when I called her to say how much I loved her and wanted her to know that. It was an hour before I could stop crying.
I both had a brother and yet not (literally didn’t know where and if he was alive for almost four years). He was both my brother and an addict. Describing/thinking of him as an addict first and my brother second felt like I was betraying everything I’d been taught/learned/believed about family and faith. Very few of my friends, colleagues or neighbors knew about my brother, his addiction or absence.
Addiction and depression predominate my family tree and gave us intimate, ugly and painful knowledge of the heartache, consequences and damage addiction wrought not only on the addict but their family. To quote my late father “we have alcoholics in our family, on both sides of the family in the immediate family so you have much worse odds of developing a drinking problem. You might not like, it may not be fair but its true and you need to remember that whenever you drink.’
Two other things were practically emblazoned on our DNA; nobody is just one thing and everyone who had a problem was first and foremost a human being with unique talents and struggles.
Thank you so much for your amazing description of your sister’s talents and struggles.
Wow, I wished she could have read it before she passed. Sorry for your loss.
Absolutely amazing. Inspirational. Such an admirable person to say such moving words, this maybe just what some of us needed to hear. I’m sure the pain and suffering from such an addiction is not something someone longs for. It’s great to know that people are loving and optimistic during such a nasty and ugly period of ones life. Thoughts and prayers to your family as well as many others who are also living with this disease.thank you for sharing this with us all
My condolences for your loss. Another beautiful human being cut down by this insidious disease.
A beautiful obituary.
Adam, recovering addict, Australia
How you all went about writing Maddies obituary was absolutely amazing. I’m deeply sorry for y’alls loss..my heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time. I understand what you’re all going through. I went through the same exact thing with my cousin.. I lost my cousin, 2011. you all captured the struggle of addiction in a way that was so wonderfully written. You all kept Maddies life very well said and described, I felt a sense of closeness to her, her son, and you all, her wonderful family. Thanks for sharing Maddies light, etc. Hugs to all of you! Maddie will always be with you, her wonderful family, and her handsome son! God bless you all!
So very sorry for your most tragic loss. Madelyn sounded like an incredible daughter, sister, and mother. Our nephew suffers from opiod addiction, working every day at keeping sober and we can identify with the pain that the family endures. May God bless you and Madelyn’s family during these most difficult days ahead.
May Madelyn’s memories forever surround you. Madelyn was so lucky to have such a devoted sister as yourself!
Thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences for your family.
My deepest condolences from the bottom of my heart. I live in Norway in a small city and know that your orbituary have reach me here. Reading it made me want to go to the memorial service and honor Maddie. She sound like a REALLY wonderful person. And you are right I feel it is a loss not knowing Maddie, so thank you for telling me about her as a person. RIP MADDIE
I am so sorry for your loss. Maddie sounded like such a wonderful person! I hope this inspires people to be more compassionate towards those struggling with addiction. Love and thoughts from England.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I comend whoever made the decision to print this obituary. I know how hard this is. We are so much more than an addiction. So many people hide the addiction but for so many people, total transparency and complete honesty are the first steps to healing and breaking the cycle. Every soul is loved…and has value. Thank you for putting into words all the feelings of loving and losing someone who battles that demon. My prayers are are with everyone and especially her sweet little guy. I hope he is filled with memories of her love for him
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing young woman. I have never had to suffer from this horrible addiction. I have many family members that have suffered from addiction and some losing their life. I as a nurse see this all to often in the hospital from young to old. We as nurses know the addiction is the causes of the illness and we can only treat the illness and not the addiction. We send these addicts back on the streets/homes with no help. I pray all the time for our patient’s to be healed from their addiction. It’s time for hospitals to start offering help/rehabilitation instead of sending them out the door. My heart aches for you and for all other families that live every day in fear of what today might bring. Go out and tell your stories. I pray that all of you who deal with addiction or a family member having to watch their loved one’s live this life put their faith in God. Without Jesus we have no hope. There are so many stories like Maddie. Thank you for sharing her life.
Sounds like an absolutely beautiful soul. May she Rest In Peace and may you all share in the healing that will forever be your gift to her
This is one of the most moving obituaries I have ever read. I work in healthcare and have seen people struggle. It is real. There is a person under that addiction. They are some of the greatest people I have known. They will give you the shirt off their back. Take the time to get to the know them. You will be pleasantly surprised. I’m so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. May your hearts heal with the legacy she left behind.
What a beautiful monument to a beautiful young lady. I truly wish I could have met her. My addiction, and yes it is an addiction, is food. I’m 75 pounds overweight and my health is affected by the added weight, but like your sister, I can’t give it up. I would not have judged her, but I think I would have befriended her, if given the chance. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful young woman! My heart is sad for all the family. I pray that the peace of God that passes all understanding will comfort you and guard your heart! Again, to the family that has suffered such great loss…so sorry.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! AMAZING!! BEAUTIFUL MESSAGE!!
I am blessed by the TRUTH of this article (obit.). God richly bless you.
Praying for peace, love, and joy to fill you and your family as the arms of Jesus continue to hold and heal you.
I have lost my brother to cancer a year ago so I’m very emotional…My soul is kneeling. I am so very sorry for the loss if this beautiful young girl from this disease.. I am crying … can’t stop the tears, I feel useless as a person, unable to help because my sadness doesn’t provide any real help.. never ever having to cope with this disease in my family, I feel thankful to God for this. Yet I pray for all the people who fight with this disease everyday. Whenever I visit Athens, and while driving i see all these helpless people around omonoia square, I feel like getting out of the car and give them all a big hug, while trying talking with each one…I want so much to help..
Yet I remember my first job interview after getting my degree (clinical psychologist – behaviourist) …it was at a rehab center.. after seeing the young people’s eyes behind bars I began crying never stopping, till the personnel manager told me that no matter my degrees and education, I was not qualified for the job, and I left. (Today I work at a cancer support center). I would like to send my condolences..And a big hug with deep feelings to her relatives and especially her little boy..with my prayers for her soul… she definately is at a better place now…
Deepest condolences to the family and her friends . This obituary was beautifully written. I lost my sister to an opioid overdose so I know the pain . My heart breaks for you all and your dear Maddy. May she Rest In Peace. .
So sorry about your loss of Madelyn,rest assured shes not stuggelling anymore .shes at piece with our lord and savior..
This disease doesnt discriminate, rich or poor makes no difference. It can grab ahold of someone you love and squeeze the life right out of them. It took my nephew and his mother, and it happened right in front of us. I hope your beautiful tribute to your sister helps people understand this isnt someone elses problem this is potentially ever familys problem. My sincere condolences for your loss
Thank you so much for sharing Maddie with us. My hope is that every story knocks the stigma surrounding addiction down another notch until we can see the soul before the shroud of addiction enveloping that soul. I asked my dad to greet Maddie and welcome her to the infinite light of freedom granted upon our deaths. I hope you (Maddie’s family/friends) can feel the light I’m holding you in within my thoughts.
I am so sorry to see this. My dear friend Audrey recently lost her sibling to heroin. These drugs have killed so many and left many more who loved those lost with a whole in their hearts. I along with my band wrote and produced a song for Audrey to let her know that we were with her in her suffering. I would like to share it with those of you who knew Madelyn or anyone else who has lost a loved one to this horrible plague. I hope this song will, as it did for Audrey, help you work through this difficult time in your lives. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbVQCcFJr4s
I cant stop sobbing… how do we gather our millions of wishes and our hearts to help every Maddie who needs our compassion, strength, empathy and courage?
How many Maddies must we lose before there is a meaningful change at every level of this devastating disease and epidemic?
My heart breaks for Maddie’s family… for every family and person who has their own Maddie whom they love…
Thank you for sharing. As an addict myself the shame that is felt with this erases every good thing you are in your own mind. You forget. To hear you speak of her with such respect and joy as to who she is underneath the addiction is simply beautiful. I am so so sorry for your loss. She sounds like my type of person I almost thought I was reading my own obituary.
As a father who lost his daughter to a heroin addiction and untreated mental health disorder, I have lived your pain and anguish.Your beautifully written obit expresses eloquently the changes we must make in this fight. Our precious people who suffer have to be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Here in Madison, Wisconsin we have started two movements in memory of my daughter to raise awareness and effect change in this fight called Journey For Chandra and Chandra’s House of Hope (see more @journeyforchandra face book page). The latter is a sober living/recovery house for five women in our area who suffer from addiction and mental health challenges. We have been blessed to proudly say we are making a difference in this war! Through my Journey For Chandra work, I have had the honor to tell my daughter’s story, and challenge the broken spokes of the “old order.” Change must happen now, and we must never give the into apathy and indifference we are being faced with. God bless you.
R.I.P Maddie. Didnt know you but know this story all too well. My 36 yr old daughter just lost her second daughter in July because of this addiction. I cant find her now and her phone has been shut off. She had been homeless, living in a truck with my granddaughter. Im afraid she feels that shes lost hope and reason to care anymore. I check the listings for overdoses, call hospitals, and police. Nothing. Addiction reaches out and affects so many ppl. It steals the life out of us all. Im sorry Maddie was taken too soon. Such despair. Another day, another life. When will this end? What can we do?
If We as a society were reasonable , there would have been methadone maintenance or suboxone treatment facilities in every Police Station , Firehouse and Hospital . I hate the drug war because of how it makes us treat each other – the ultimate test for humanity . ” The sleep of reason brings forth monsters “
I was born in 88..black guy from Chicago..had family die a grandmother to be specific from drug usage…rest in peace to her…dont know her but thoughts go to her
I am very moved by the writers loving words and compassionate insight into the wreckage addiction caused in Maddys life. I went on to read the comments. How so many people can dislike the comments related to the obituary is what perplexes me. Saddens me, is a better description. I think this tendency to judge and condemn speaks volumes about what is so hurtful about life in America today. Instead of holding each other up, we tear people down. We dont really care what happened to them or why; we just vent our spleen and gut-punch the commenter, even about a death. Are we so angry and unfeeling that an obituary about love and loss for a daughter, niece, friend and mom who had good days and bad days – the very definition of being human – battling a disease creates hundreds of dislikes? Maddys life and death hurts; why add more pain to the suffering of all who cared about Maddy, even a reader?
That was a very lovely tribute to Maddie. I live in Burlington and have known many addicts and they too have passed from this illness.
I am very sorry for your loss
This hit home. We lost a sister, who was an aunt and a daughter to alcoholism. She just couldnt stop. The end result is always the same. It doesnt matter the education, the status in life, whether you have friends or not, the addiction will try to take you to the bitter end and that will be all you have left in life. Surrounded by you addiction. It will leave many casualties who have to pick up the pieces when youre gone. It does affect others, even though your addiction will tell you that you are only hurting yourself. Denial is powerful and alters your reality. Get help. It is bigger than you and everybody!
Addiction has been a huge part of my life. It has taken almost all of my son’s life, as he goes from day to day. He is the kindest man and tries so hard to live a “normal” life only to get smacked down again by addiction. You see addiction is stronger than any of us that try to help the addicts in our lives. Addiction is doing push-ups in the parking lot, waiting, waiting for you to fall yet again. It runs deep in our family. His father lost the battle committing suicide in his garage. I thought I could cure him, that when the babies came he would stop drinking and we would have a “normal” life. He actually did not drink for 19 years but he never recovered. He just stopped drinking. Until that day when he started again. I loved him and was dumb enough to think my love would be enough to save him. I found out that I could only change myself so I got very heavily into Alanon. I learned so much around those tables. I found the strength there that you can only find sharing with people who are living their best life by stopping trying to control people who are sick with addiction. I learned to hate the disease but love the addict. To this day I give all the love I have to my addicts without judging them, without anger towards them, to remember that they did not chose this disease, it chose them. God bless Maddie, and God bless those who loved her as you go about your life without her, never forgetting her but keeping her memories of love that she gifted to you. Thank you for sharing Maddie’s story with us.
Dont know how I came across this but I did. For everything there is a reason, I believe. I read this slowly and with full attention. What a beautiful tribute to this lovely girl who lost her battle but put up one helluva fight. Sing! Sing! Sing for the angels. God bless you and all whose lives you touched sweet girl.
We just buried my brother-in-law today, who at 29, also lost his battle to addiction. We understand your pain and also strive to focus on his wonderfully kind personality and gift as a musician rather than his disease. Peace and love to your family.
How lucky she was to have a family like you. What a beautiful tribute!
Thank you for sharing your daughters story with us. It is so right on about the pain and struggles of our beautiful children who disappear before us into this terrible disease of addiction. I lost my 38 yr old son to this disease 8 years ago and he also was loved by all who knew him. Thanks to Alanon our last face to face lunch ended with me saying I love you Im proud of you Youre gorgeous and a big hug and kiss. It helps me accept the things I cannot change. My heart goes out to you and your family.
So sorry that addiction became part of your lives. God bless you. Thank you for sharing. Aloha.!
Just so sad…Prayers, Hugs, and Thought’s are with you and your families. Beautiful and meaningful words in Maddie’s story about her short lived life. Any addiction is a very nasty disease.Again, just so sad~
I just lost my little bit
Rother to the same stuff…. I’m sorry for your loss…. I know the pain in your soul is unbearable, I hope u find peace … and dknt blame yourself as I do.. it won’t cause anything but more pain…
I have lived all of this, having lost my son to heroin/cocaine addiction. I cried as I read this. No one has described as well as you have the living hell for both the sufferer & their loved ones! Prayers for your comfort! In compassionate love, Sue
I weep and weep at this moving piece of writing, for the son who didn’t get to grow up with his Mom, for the family who lost her presence, and most of all for the sister who lost her own sister and wrote about it so movingly I feel as if I’ve lost this beautiful woman, daughter, mother myself, and I don’t know her at all.
Blessings on all. I’m so sorry.
Absolutely breathtaking beautiful tribute to Maddie.Thank you for putting so much thought into the wording of her obituary. This disease often robs people of their dignity. Your words describe how wonderful she was as a human soul. My daughter passed of overdose in February 2017. In early grief, I felt let down and like the system failed her, often due to stigma. thank you for shining a light on what substance use disorder really looks like. Please know her life mattered and the love you have for her shines bright. That love will never die.
I’m so sorry. For your loss.I have two daughters in there 20s and both addicted to meth and heroin. I have people tell me they made that choice. But I don’t believe that. They tried it and it took over there lives.this is a disease. Thank you for your story.and I’m so sorry for your loss.you are in my thoughts and prayers
This is a beautiful obituary… your poor daughter. I went through the same thing, over a course of at least 12 years, as I watched my kind, beautiful big-hearted son lose himself to his addictions. He looked so haunted at times – he tried so hard to beat it – when he lost the battle. It has been 8 years since he passed away – leaving behind his 4 year old son at the time (who is so much like his dad- he is my savior) along with his beautiful 13 year old daughter – who never really got to know him as his addictions kept her from seeing him.
Thank-You for your beautiful words – my heart goes out to you all. I hope and pray you will find peace through her son – your grandson.
Perhaps this heart-wrenching, tragic account will help us all see the need to stand together to fight the Pharmaceutical industry that produces this addictive drug, that continues to consume the lives of so many, directly and indirectly (families/friends)! I pray to GOD we can wage and win this holy war against the profiteers who rob us of the most precious people in our lives!!!
I couldnt help but leave a comment, im so very sorry for your loss! A parent shouldnt have to bury their child. I can relate to this story because my son is dealing with this same disease, although he has 36 days sober at this point, im terrified everyday that he will disappear and relapse. I hope you get some kind of peace knowing shes not struggling anymore but is at peace, May God Bless you all and thank you for sharing your story.
I am so sorry to hear about your daughter and the loss that you are feeling right now. I have felt and continue to feel the sting of that loss from my husband. He also struggled with addiction his whole life. My heart goes out to you. Prayers for you and your family!!
May God hold her and her family in the palm of His hands. Peace be onto you all.
Thank you so much for writing such a beautiful obituary. There is so much strength in revealing the truth behide her battle. By not sweeping it under the rug you have honored her life. Im praying you and your family find peace soon. Please know that her story told through this obituary is saving someone elses life right now. Thank you
A beautiful Obit for a beautiful person. Clearly her loving family understand the trials and trauma of addiction. She was blessed to share her life with them and they her. She is surrounded with light and peace now and most. I offer this beautiful reading to Maddie and her family and friends:
Togetherness Reading
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name;
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used to,
Laugh as we always at room at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me.
Let my name be the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was;
there is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near just around the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is lost. Nothing is past,
One brief moment and all will be as it was before
only better, infinitely happier and forever,
Mary
Boulder Colorado
I cried the entire reading of this obituary. I cried because you lost your Maddie, and her life was so very similar to my Sarah’s. I cry because I know your days ahead.. been 2 years since Sarah went to heaven. It doesn’t get easier, it actually gets harder. You just learn to live with her missing from you. I am grateful for you to have a part of her left here for you to love, as that does help. Sarah also left a part of herself here for us to love, her baby girl Serenity, now 4. I pray for you all, and am so very sorry for your sad loss! My heart breaks for your pain. With love and prayers, Lucy Boehler
Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter with us. I am so touched and proud of you. Even in this time of tremendous heartache, as the parents of an addict, you chose to shine the light on the darkness of addiction. I have a 25 year old son whom has struggled with addiction for 10 years. Thank you for shining that light for him.
This was a beautiful testament. I understand your pain. Your story is mine for one of my children. Ironically , born the same year as your precious daughter. Thoughts and prayers of comfort go with your family! This disease is now touching almost everyone is some way or another! God bless you.
First of all, I am so sorry for your loss. I didnt know Maddie but I know her. I know. Although my drug of choice was alcohol, I liked my drugs as well. Anyway, I got sober a couple 24 hours ago and I always read these obituarys to keep it green. To keep it real and to know that but for the Grace Of God, there go I. Thank you so very much for sharing this and for doing it straight from the heart. Straight from the hip. God bless you and your family and your heavenly angel Maddie.
My name is Debbie Holland and Im an alcoholic. I am also the mom of a young woman who is an addict. I am also a drug and alcohol counselor for the past 15 years. Sadly I have NEVER gotten used to the tragedy of this chronic, primary disease. It is impossible to comprehend the tragic way this disease robs wonderful people of their lifes. I wish I had a nickel for ever time Ive heard but shes/hes so beautiful and smart why would they do this to themselves and their families? There is no choice with addiction just as theres no choice in diabetes or cancer. Yet it is a disease based in shame and those who suffer with addiction feel an intolerable amount of guilt and shame. And the addict is the only cure. I am overwhelmed with saddens at your loss. I wish I had a magic wand to wave. I pray your daughters journey is glorious and sweet. I send love and healing light to you and yours.
Your words are absolutely beautiful and so meaningful…Maddie was so blessed to have you as her family and support system . Hopefully this will be read by those that turn their backs or close the door.People are not disposable & always try to help,supportand fight the fight for all who enter your life!May Maddie rest in peace and living your heart’s always!
What a truly amazing person who lost her life way too young. God bless her and her family.
Thank u so much for sharing maddie’s story. I am in recovery, been clean for 6 years now and I thank God everyday. I myself was also addicted to oxycontin, it is a drug that will ruin your life. That obituary touched my soul in a way I cannot explain. Thank u all for trying to help and educate others. During this hard time, you all were thinking of others. Thank u. May Maddie rest in peace. You are free now babygirl, smile down on that son of yours and your wonderful family. God bless each and everyone of u!!
After reading this post,I can identify with Maddie. Your addictions can & will overpower every aspect of your life. True love is your family, not your addiction. Addiction ruins you, where your family loves you and wants you back, lifts & supports you. Please choose your family????
Such a beautiful obituary. Written with such love and loss. I am so sorry that you lost your beautiful daughter. So many people in the world are suffering from opioid addiction. So many families. My son’s best friend, who was to be the best man at his wedding,struggled
with addiction and overdosed 2 years ago. Watching his beautiful children grow up without him has been sad but they are so loved and happy and so much of him is there in their faces. I hope that your Ayden brings you joy and peace. I am an ER nurse and because of what you have written I will be kinder this week. I always try to be kind but this week and weeks to come I will think of Maddie when all the madness of the world comes at me and I will give more. Thank you.
I knew her and she was am amazing person. Her smile and laughter were contagious. I’ve had my own life long struggles and each time I lose a friend it feels like a tiny part of myself does with them . I know their pain.. I know how it feels to go into the emergency rim for help and to be treated like a leper. If you know someone weeks down give them your hand rather than step over or on them. R. I. P. Maddie
This is the best obituary ever written! It’s exactly in line with the way the world is, if there were more wonderful people like yourselves out there our children may have a better chance to get rid of there addictions.Instead of just being labeled Junkies! I’m so sorry for your loss, I lost my Beautiful Son,it is the most hurtful thing in my life,losing a child! I pray for your Beautiful Daughter and her Beautiful family.God speed my Friend!
I also lost my son in pretty the same way.
Such a lost that I will never fully recover from but I pray all the time for everyone because the world is becoming a terrible place to live.
God bless her soul and the family left behind you are all in my my prayers each and everyday please know so many struggle and u have helped others in thiers, God bless us all!! please leave behind any neg people some people just dont have the education love, ellen
I am a mom of a beautiful woman who fights everyday to live without an opiate. I am happy everyday she is still here with us to enjoy her son, Aidan. She lost her husband 8 months ago to an overdose of heroin and we all suffer with her.
I want the best for her and know we are making a difference every time we talk about it without barriers.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for posting the obituary to capture the essence of the wonderful girl you love.
Thank you for showing the good qualities of this lady. I lost my beloved husband this way. He saved may lives in his career and was such a good Father. Thank you again.
What a beautiful way to remember her and educate people on this horrible desease. I have struggled with addiction throughout my life and because of the grace of God and many prayers and rehabs ans the love of my family I am now sober. It is a constant struggle! We lost my baby sister a few years ago to cancer and she suffered from an opioid addiction. I blame this disease because if she hadnt been on drugs she would have gotten the help that she needed. I may be wrong but this my gut feeling.
Thank you so much for sharing this and making such a beautiful obituary for Maddie. She is grateful Im sure. My fear was that I would have lost my life to this desease and what the obituary would be like. In one of the rehab programs I went through our assignment was to write our own obituary first as an addict and then sober. This was so hard. You are in my prayers and thank you for yours. I will remain sober for your daughter and all of the addicts who have lost their battle.
Sincerely,
Doug
I’m so sry for ur loss. She’s sounds like she was an incredible person. I appreciate very much you telling her story. It is brave and beautiful that you did and even though I don’t know you and didn’t know her this touched my heart. I’ve struggled with addiction all of my life and if more people would talk,share and be open about addiction instead of ignoring and hiding then more people would get help. Thank u and God bless u for sharing this! You and ur family are in my prayers
Thank You so much for your openness and honesty. As a recovering addict, I think one of the hardest parts to overcome is the guilt and the shame. The things that we have done to our friends and ours families, that yes we can make amends for and some even forgive. I find one of the hardest parts is to forgive myself. I will keep you, Maddie and most of all Ayden in my thoughts and prayers. On the 21st I will light a candle in her honor as well as all that continue with the disease of addiction. Please, please always remind Ayden of how much his mommy loves him! With loving thoughts and a prayerful heart, I say thank you for sharing your heartbreak and courage with the world! Love, Michele Garcia
Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly. What a beautiful thing you did in her honor and she lives on by touching the lives of others. You are an amazing parent and I know your daughter loves you very much as well as you loved her. Thank you for understanding people that suffer with addiction as well as have loved ones with addiction. Maddie will rest in peace, free from pain, free from struggleing, surrounded by Eternal peace and beauty. And I pray for comfort and peace for you as well. Prayers.
Thank you for sharing the beauty as well as the pain of how addiction impacted you and your daughters life. I am so sorry for your loss. I struggled with opiate addiction for nearly two decades. I began taking this medication for an injury, and discovered that these pills numbed me to other types of pain and my use exponentially spiraled out of control. I destroyed myself and everyone around me just to maintain in the end.
Addiction suffocates the lives of everything and everyone that it touches. It is a disease of the mind and the body. Doesnt care about your gender, skin color, social standing. It will steal everything that it can from you and the lives of every person that you love. On 11.26.11 I will have 7 yrs of clean time. The fight I had getting and staying clean has been an uphill battle. Some days are easier than others. There are days that I question my choice. While I was using, I had no choice. I wish that your daughter was still with you. That she could see the beauty and joy that she brought each of you. I pray that you all find that light and are surrounded by its peace and warmth now. Thank you for sharing her story and for you sharing yours. I know that wasnt easy.
Clearly, Maddie was greatly loved and her struggle understood. My deepest condolences to you, her family.
Addiction is real. Its a disease. Thank you for sharing her life with us. The Bible hives us hope of better days to come. John 5:28,29 gives us the hope of a resurrection.
Thank you
I have never meet this wonderful person although i met her disease many years ago and have been able to keep it in remission for nearly 29 years. My daughter wasn’t and she died at 25. My heart cries softly.
My son self-medicated with alcohol and marijuana when he was a teenager. At the time, we did not know he was battling Bi-Polar. He was called to the ministry when he was 20 years old. Although it was difficult he manage to stay sober for 7-8 years. Marriage problems set him up for a relapse and he started drinking again. His wife left him, the judge granted her full custody and allowed her to take his children out of state. Thats when he gave up. He began taking opioids to escape his emotional pain and became addicted. His name is Tyrell. We, had a very close mother/son relationship. I found him hanging with a rope around his neck dead. My life will NEVER be the same. My only comfort is knowing hes no longer suffering and that I WILL see him again in heaven. I hope many people will read this article to help stop the stigma around addiction.
I lost my brother to alcholism. I understand the stigma surrounding the addict that you are talking about. I have the greatest respect for those who have over come their addiction and sympathy for those who can’t. One piece of advise to everyone out there, pay attention to those close to you. It is so easy to be blinded and not see their battle. I did not see my brother’s until the last year of his life.
I love your obituary. Your strength to come forward and not hide her disease is so admirable. I lost my son to this demon last June and my heart has been broken every day since. Now I struggle with Will I ever see him again, is there heaven, if there is heaven where and how can all of the people fit, will I be able to hold him again, talk to him….I ask God every night, please just let me be able to see him again one day.
I would have done anything as his parent when he was using to keep him out of jail, now I wish he would have gone to jail…he would be alive if he had. The vicious cycle of this drug and how it destroys families and people for which there are no words. Your obituary says what I couldnt.
we also lost a beautiful daughter at age 30. she had a single cute dimple on her left cheek. she died taking presciptions. she left a twin sister, a brother, parents, cousins, grandparents, niece and nephew, and fiance. we lost the real person slowly, finally ending in death. im praying for all of you, esp on sunday, oct 21. may God bless you and surprise you in the coming years.
thank you for sharing so well about maddie, beautiful inside and out. thank you for sharing and shedding light on this topic. well done
Rip maddy rip to my lil brother who was murdered in 2014 in anchorage Alaska during home invasion, he was selling heroin to support his habit, and rip to my mom who died from endocarditis from injecting heroin, this addiction has defined my life, thank you maddy for bringing such a important conversation into light
Thank you for sharing about your beautiful Maddie, beautiful inside and out. Thank you for shedding light on this difficult topic which is so misunderstood. God bless you and your entire family especially on Sunday and God bless anyone struggling in this area of life
Thanks so much for this honesty. It means so much to me.
Many blessings to your familyMy most sincere condolences. Few take the time to see past the demons to see where the hurt began in the first place…to see the human, the beauty, the pain…so we can try to help fix things before they go off the rails. It seems like Maddie was an incredible woman who touched many during her short stay here, in spite of her pain…
I dont understand why people are hitting the dislike button for these comments. If you dont like the comments – DONT READ THEM. Go on about your business. Stop disrespecting the families.
I didn’t know Maddie but what a raw piece of information about her. Thank you for you sharing with us what type of person she was she is resting in peace now may you have comfort knowing she is with the Lord and resting peacefully. Free demons and her hurt.
RIP for Madelyn Ellen Linsenmeir. Now it is important to focus on Ayden, God Bless him and I hope he finds love with his family to get through this.
I am a criminal defense attorney of 48 yers with 25 in recovery. I too cried as I read this story of a young beautiful woman who died. She lived in the same state as my hero Bill Wilson. This disease KILLS just as surely as cancer. Thanks for the reminder to have compassion and to see the REAL piece of the DIVINE in everyone. GOD does not make mistakes We do. Patrick H
My daughter works in a rehab center. I am telling you she was called to do this, she can be tough on them and she is most of the time. She also can be sweet a pie to them, they all know who she is and when or if they need to talk they know who to talk to. She has told me stories about these patients that have made her cry when they get their lives back and they conme to her saying you are the reason, you are the best nurse that i could have ever asked for.
I’m so sorry for your incredible loss. I’m truly grateful for your honesty and openness about helping other addicts. I’m in recovery and I know it is possible. I’m so grateful and I pray that those struggling who read this will reach out for help.
Praying for your family.
Thank you for sharing, I have a friend who lost her son to opiate addiction, he too was a very special person. It takes a lot of courage to share your family’s pain in the hope of educating others, thank you! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family in this time of sorrow
For over 30 years I had the privilege of working with many courageous people who battled addiction, physical illness, and mental illness. It was a time where often soul touched soul and where so very often I was the recipient of blessing just walking alongside my fellow sojourner. My life was forever changed by this work as many opened their hearts and reached for new hope. Thank you for this compassionate tribute to a beautiful woman and the love and vision you had to see the person separate from the disease. May your words give hope and comfort to others and may they know that recovery is possible and that recovery attracts recovery. May Maddies story help other family members to never give up and to shine a mirror of hope to those whose hope has not yet come in. May you find comfort in your grief and may your wisdom be a catalyst for healing in others. God bless you!
I didn’t know her but my heart is broken for the loss of one so special. She must have been an amazing person. The love and understanding you show with your words were so touching and so educating for me. It made me see with new eyes. God Bless you and your family. I’m so sorry for the loss of the one you loved.
Your bravery and openness makes my heart sing. So often the actual cause of death is glossed over when it is addictions based – no help at all to anyone – who knows what person making a choice RIGHT NOW may turn their life around having read all the hope and love you express here for Maddy in honesty and respect.
It takes a lot of strength in todays world to share with us your beautiful, wonderful daughter. Such a beautiful tearful tribute. May you find continued strength in your lives and know that her suffering is over and you are not alone. Much love and prayers for you
I was incredibly touched by your sisters story. My own sister, also born in 1988, suffered from addiction for the greater part of a decade, before dying two years ago from her disease.
Thank you for doing this, for your unspeakable bravery. Im not sure I would have been able to, even now its hard for me to tell people what happened.
I see my sister in yours, and I see so much promise in the outpouring of love I have read about. Sending you and your family my love, always.
i’m so very sorry for your family. you probably believe that the words you have written and published here don’t do her justice; there are some people who are so special that we don’t think we can capture their spirit in words, but i hope you understand that the hundreds of people who have responded to them here have been touched by them: that is maddie’s gift to us. thank you for shining a light on it. wishing you all the comfort of love, and the solace of lovely memories.
In the scriptures, Jesus tells us not to judge people. And, rightly so, we should not judge anyone. But, for those who say that she is “surrounded by light”, or that “she is resting in peace now”You ARE making a judgement. Only She and God know what occured for Her after Her death. No one on Earth has any real knowledge of what She is experiencing now.
First I want to say I’m sorry for you and your family but myself and other family members have fought this nasty disease and not all of us can recover hopefully Maddie is living her eternal life disease free in the hands of the Lord thanks for sharing your story and I pray it helps alot of others
We are all on this earth for a reason. Some will live and some will die. We all have our purpose to be here. And I stand corrected, we all will die. We have a very short time to be here to do what we feel in our heart to accomplish. Many of us are not even aware of what we can do to change things . Our job as the living is to engage everyone that we can to share themselves with others. We need to engage and relate love and understanding with others. Amen.
This touched me as Im a parent who may need to prepare his own childs obituary very soon.
Today my 21 year old Joshua Clatney called me from prison again. This time most likely in a drug induced state he committed more senseless crimes.
He has been addicted since he was 12 but this boy who is locked in a 21 year olds body is smart, whitty, funny a great athlete and is loved by many….just not now.
Im writing this from Canada where we just legalized cannabis. So I dont expect things to get much better anytime soon when the Federal Government is now dishing it out.
Bless you for having the love and courage to share the true story of Maddie’s life and death. As someone who lost a loved one to addiction, this warms my heart. Wishing you peace.
I am touched by this. How painful it must be for the parents.
The words and information in this obituary are so important. We lost a young woman to fentanyl here a couple of days ago. Having a facility to go to and be supported helps so much. We don’t have 1 for women.
I don’t know this woman but i too know what it’s been like being an addict of many different drugs losing custody as well as rights to my child constantly struggling trying to find ways not to let the addiction win again. I’m sorry for this families loss unfortunately i don’t have the loving support of my family which makes it even more difficult.
Heart breaking the amount of grief and tragedy the opioid epidemic is wreaking on our society.We lost our oldest daughter Aug 2017 after struggling with her demons half her life.No parent ever wants to outlive their children but it is an all too common occurrence these days.Including his sister our son has lost over a dozen people in his life to this insidious disease in the last 10 years.I wish had answers or the right words to say….this is a start airing our tragedies in public instead of being too ashamed and embarrassed to share our stories of love hope and eventual fatal endings for too many.Peace to all and thanks for helping to shine a light on this plague.
A beautiful tribute…. I have 3 ppl on both sides of r family that struggle with this monster. God bless them, u and ur family, and ur precious daughter. May she rest peacefully.
Thank you for sharing. So sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful obituary. For a beautiful lady struggling with drugs. Sometimes people choose not to see the person, but only see the problem.
This brought tears to my eyes. I have a grandson fighting addiction. What a terrible disease. He keeps trying to fight it. God Bless her and her family.
I feel ashamed and absolutely deservingly so. I was one of those who looked at someone addicted to drugs as you described but, after this heartbreaking, heart felt obituary my blinders are off. My heart and eyes now see an entirely different picture. I’m so very sorry for your loss, I cant imagine what it’s like for you and your family. Some how your beautiful daughters death is making an impact on total strangers. God bless
I’ve a young son who struggled with alcohol for years, culminating in a car crash and DUI charge that put him in the Virginia VASAP program. That, and six months in a rehab center in West Virginia, put him on the right track, and he – completely on his own – has been accepted to a wonderful college and is now good, and solid, and sober. I’ve seen those on this path many times, and he’s one of the few that seems to have made it out. Many thanks to Jacob’s Ladder – and to VASAP, whose force of law put him on this path. Take heart; some do make it.
Thank you for such an honest and truly loving obituary. It sounds like Maddie was an extraordinary being. I send my love, and share your grief, Ayden and all of Maddies family.
Agree but however it is a choice, its a choice to do it in the first place, just like its a choice to seek help to get clean. Praying for this family and people like her
While I dont know your family, nor have experienced loss due to addiction, I cried through this beautiful tribute to Maddie. You can feel the light and energy radiating in her beautiful smile, and you will forever see that in her son as well. Sending love & prayers for all of you to have the strength to face this incredible loss.
I am so very sorry for your family”s loss. I truley understand your loss, as my son committed suicide due to a drug addiction. Her story as told by her family was beautiful. A lot of thought was put in to it. I often wish I had been able to tell the whole truth about him. She will always be by your side and she will be in your loving hearts read day. God bless each and every one of you and thank you for sharing this tragedy.
Imam so sorry for this double tragedy your family suffered, it was so brave of you to share your story, most people wiould hide the addiction death in shame, hopefully someone reads tuis and gets help before its to late, I know tuere are not enough words peo0,e can say thatmwill remove the pain your heart feels, imsend my heartfelt condolances to the whole family
I commend you for showing the amazing wonderful person this beautiful lady was to you and still is in your memories addiction is a life-threatening disease I am a peer support specialist and I work with the chronically homeless out in my community of Lewis County Washington I see them as people as suffering it is sick I am so blessed to have read your post and I am blessed to other piece of this beautiful woman with me if I met with your permission share her story because my daughter also suffered from the opiate addiction for 7 years and by the grace she beat it but my mother and fortunately was not lucky enough she lost her life as well to the opiates they are deadly and they strike any and everyone good bad beautiful ugly no matter who you are you may choose to take her purse pill but you do not choose the life sentence that gives I pray you may find peace who are God and Jesus Christ thank you for sharing this beautiful woman story my name is Lisa striedinger my phone number is 971-340-6801 I reach out the Hand of Hope and will hold that hope for you until you can find it yourself may God bless you all and my number is freely given to all in need of even an ear to listen you’re the light of the Lord surround you with his presence of love always.
Many blessings from your at *Friends Without Homes*
What a breathtaking tribute. We should all be so lucky to be so highly regarded by those who know us, and to have someone with the gift of language to express the beauty of a life so hard for most to see. Much love and respect to all of you.
How very sad and this story rips at your soul. I can’t imagine what you folks are suffering through right now and will carry this horrible ending to such a promising young lady, so talented etc. May God comfort all of you and RIP Maddie and bless this little guy heading for a future without his Mum, so sad.
Beautifully written…such a heartfelt tribute. I lost my little sister to an overdose several years ago and I miss her every day! She was the sweetest person with a gentle, loving soul…who, like Maddie, had a demon that she couldn’t control. I pray that your Maddie has found peace finally…as I pray that my little sister has done the same….
Thank you for sharing Maddie’s story. I’m sorry for you & your family’s loss. I have a daughter that has also lossed 3 beautiful boys , now Adopted. Because she too has a disease with drugs, since she has lost the boys, she really don’t want to live anymore & I believe she is wanting to over dose. I have help put her in Rehab, she has signed herself in drug and mental hospitals,which she got out last Tuesday an was home by 5:30 pm & left by 8 pm to go in the neighborhood where she knew that she would be able to get something. (drugs) I don’t know what to do anymore. May God Bless & Comfort you an your family at these trying & hard times. Prayers for you all.
What an amazing touching memory of a spark of life. Taken too soon by this disease. My sincerest sympathies at your devastating loss. My heart aches for her son ant he rest of her family.
I’m sorry for your loss. We took a girl into our home for two years and we lost her on May 30th. Only 26yrs, she left behind two beautiful girls. I was blessed to have known her,we loved her like our own. I can’t get over her death and I’m still very much grieving for her. You have my deepest condolences.
God Bless her child, God Bless those still living who can still survive this horrible temptation and bless their loved-ones with their lives. God Bless her too, because I am sure she tried. I am not one to judge just because I am not predisposed to addiction.
I am so sorry for your loss. She sounded like a wonderful person who will be missed dearly. Addiction is a disease which is so difficult to fight. I lost my sister to alcoholism and I do miss her very miss. You are not alone. God bless.
My sister died of an overdose at age 46. She was addicted to multiple prescription and steeet drugs. She was a warm and kind human being and would give you the coat of her back if you were in need. I am an ER Nurse and always treated all my patients with the care and respect that every human should receive. I think of my sister daily as you will your daughter. My sympathies to you and your family. Madelyn will always be with you in spirit, lifting you up when you are down and being present all the time.
My 31 year old nephew died the day before on October 6. Though we talked about this you are never prepared and you never give up hope.
I am a addicted mom grandmom sister in law sister long sad hard time it’s part of my stuggling life it is the worst addiction I can’t get right soooo sorry to hear of this beautiful woman s death I just keep this to myself know one can help me 50 yrs and wow.im tired so tired
I lost my mom to alcoholism. She was a beautiful soul who just couldnt break free from the hold of mental illness and addiction. I miss her every day as I know you will miss your precious daughter. Peace and love to your family.
i am so sorry for your loss. thank you for sharing the love of and the pain of loosing maddie . the disease of addiction needs to be treated as it is, a disease. it is an epidemic. wake up. it touches everybody in some way. maddies passing is not in vain. we will gather strength and push until this disease is treated like the sickness it is.
carol
Thank you for these beautiful words. We must break the stigma. I know this pain too:
https://www.ranfranzandvinefh.com/obituary/196699/Kory-Baker/#obituary
I am so sorry for your loss. I am so sorry that sweet boy has to face this crazy world without his mother. I am sorry that your daughter made the choice, at 16, to try this drug. And I am sorry that that choice ultimately took her life.
I am so sorry for your lose I too have just lost a daughter in Aug I know what you are going through and in so many ways when reading this pictured my own daughter I wish I would have met Maddie but feel in someway I have I know she is in a safe place and only wish she would have found that peace here on earth my prayers and blessings are with all the family and any other family that may be going through this I live in northern Ontario so this disease is all over the world God Bless
Dan Zaldiner
<3
Well articulated description of a beautiful soul. A struggle does not define a person…this reflection defines the human behind the struggle.
I’ve lost 2 son’s in 3 years..they were both 35. I can relate. Love this message .so hard to put into words but it was so true and very sorry to family .I have tweeted your story and shared on my fb.
My heart melts as I read this. I have a daughter out there fighting this awlful disease. She lost her 3 boys to state Foster Care now her addiction is worse, avoiding all family who want to help. She is loved and I just don’t know what else to do but pray. God bless you and thanks for sharing! . Xoxoxo Glenna Michelle Reker
Ayden looks like he is filled with content, love, and happiness. I pray by some miracle he will remember something of his mother loving him. I am SO sorry for Ayden and the rest of Maddie’s family. I do not know what the answer is to this epidemic. RIP Maddie.
I am from the medical profession. It pains me to know that we have not done enough in our profession to help people with this disease process. We are trying to do better. I no longer practice medicine but my daughter is a licensed professional counselor and we talk about this problem frequently. She states that the emphasis now is on making a contract with the patient that they have to be part of the team. Charles E. Graham, MD
I just want to say thank you for sharing her story as sad as it mustve been to write this im sure ur helping others who suffer with this awful disease/epidemic…and just want to send my love to Maddies family
Currently adopting my baby grandchild because my daughter is still out there battling the demon.
I live in a small town in BC Canada. For a small town we have been invaded by this deadly drug. They are finding more ways to lace other drug with it. Like your daughter tried so hard, the demons where buried in her. I have known a few of my kids high school friends that have scummed to this drug. Our law enforcement are trying to clean it up , it has gotten blown out all across Canada, resulting in homeless, Mental heath also Brain Injuries. My friend is a crusader for councilling for all three under one umbrella. They need to be detoxed then council them to get back their life. I am sure there are some out there that came from a great family like yours, but the devil got her. Maybe you could present your experience with others. Some of these kids want help but have no idea how to get it
Thanks for sharing. This is so heartbreaking and I am so sorry for what you are going through and will continue to go through. I have a son who is an addict. He is in denial and I don’t know what else to do to help him. I have begged, pleaded, and prayed. I am told by everyone that it is a choice and he has to want to stop. Everyone it seems can give advice when it is someone else’s child. All I know to do is continue to Pray and let him know how much we love him. I Pray for you and your grandson also.. May she find the peace she could not find here.
Hi my is Chasity and I am an addict. I am sorry for everyone’s loss. I know how it feels to be where she was. I lost my kids, I lost everything in acive addiction. I am so grateful for recovery, I have 4 years clean and have so much back in my life. It is possible to find a new way to live.
For those that don’t understand addiction, you can’t understand it by reading books or researching the internet. As addicts we understand other addicts. We are not bad people, we suffer from the disease of addiction. We didn’t choice to be addicts. We are not asking for sympathy, just some understanding. I am a peer support specialist, I help people new to recovery by using my lived experience. I will keep fighting for addicts in and out of recovery!
Hate the disease, Not the addict!
-Chasity
My family and I understand the loss of a loved one. My son died from fake zanax which was 100% fentanyl. He had come home, cleaned up, gotten a good job and feeling great. Just like the funny, whitty and big hearted guy he was. In a moment of craving he reached out to a stranger for some help and it killed him immediately. We are devastated beyond words. Horrible disease. Prayers for those who struggles.
So sorry for your loss. Thanks for publicly sharing this beautiful tribute to her.
That was beautiful and very humbling to read as myself being an addict in recovery. Im grateful i had the opportunity to read it. Thank you very much for sharing!
As a user no one knows the pain someone is in. There is always a storey behind ever user me I used to hide the pain for what happen to me as child I was raped by a family friend and I needed something to hide the pain. I got clean and I was clean for 4 years but I lost my dad to cancer and I needed to hide the pain so I started using again this store really got to my heart I’m checking in first thing in the morning because I see its not just hurting me its hurting my family to and I don’t want them going thought what this family did so please don’t judge her tell y’all know her storey because behind ever user there is a storey I want this family to know this storey here saved a life and its mine my god bless this family and thank y’all for sharing this with us
I’m so sorry for your loss and your family’s loss thank you so much for sharing your story I’m a recovering addict 19 months clean and I’ve lost custody of my son and I’m trying very hard to get him back this is such an inspirational story God bless you and your family may your sweet angel be at peace
May her spirit rise high in the heavens. Let peace be with the family and friends.
From an addict in recovery I wanted to say how much this Obit touched my heart and soul. You really captured the struggle and understand that it’s a terrible disease and it sounds like you were soo supportive of her. Thank you for your beautiful story. Im blessed to have read it.
What a powerful obituary. I am sitting here not able to move just thinking about Maddie her life….what couldve been and how cunning baffling and powerful addiction is. Thank you for sharing that beautiful and raw story. Thatll stick with me. God bless her family.
I lost my son to this monster. Thank you so much for sharing Maddies story. The unbearable pain you feel I understand all too well. I hope we can find a end to this maddness soon.
My 38 year old daughter is an addict. She started with pain pills when she was 33, lost her two beautiful children and no one in the family wants anything to do with her. She has stole, lied rob, prostituted herself all to get high. She is now in jail again for shop lifting. The pain of this is unbearable mostly because no one wants to listen . I love my daughter and in my heart she is still the beautiful laughing loving girl she once was. Addiction is a tragedy that affects so many people. I grieve with you the loss of your beautiful child as I grieve every day for mine.
she must have been an amazing lady, who was loved by so many and added such a joy to everyone life she came in touch with. Now she is in the hands of angels and will be at peace and free of all illness.
God Bless
There were times when I was using that I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. That it seemed like there was no way out of the pain and misery I had caused myself. I had sunk too far and the climb back was going to be too steep. These are the things we tell ourselves to avoid dealing with reality. That path eventually leads to overdose and death.
I just want people to know that all of that rationalization is bullshit. There is a way out. At one point I was a terrible addict doing terrible things . I made it out and turned my life around. It was not easy, but once I started down the right path there was hope again. Once I stayed on that path and found a job it got a little easier. Once I held down that job and earned back the support of my family and my friends it got easier still. You get the idea. Baby steps, but it can be done.
I am moved, extremely touched down to the most inner depths of my being,my soul. Please know that Maddie is still very much alive. You see, we never leave this world. Our energy, our soul and spirit live on infinitely. That is the beauty of this life, we prosper, never leaving our loved ones. Your love for your daughter along with the compassion and understanding will forever leave a mark on my existence for I too struggle to survive the disease one day at a time. Maddie will forever live on, through you and now most definitely me. Through space and time………..AMD
My daughter is out there, sometimes I hear from her, most times it is just silence. I pray for her, I feel guilt, but mostly like you I miss the glimpses of the amazing person she was before thos disease took her to darkness. Much love and thanks for sharing your story. We should not suffer in silence!
I just lost my friend to heroin overdose 3 days ago. She was left in a car dead for 6 hours bc no one cared enough about her to try to get her help. Im so sorry for your loss. The pain is all to real. God bless you
Reading this brought so much emotion swelling to the surface. It is a kind and noble deed to have written such an honest and beautiful obituary and she is lucky to have someone love her so much to write it. I wish I had someone in my life that would know me well enough, let alone love me that much to write something like this. What an incredible gift you have given to this young lady. We share birthdays, by the way, March 31st… but I was born in 1978. My addiction is different as well, but is destroying my world, and my daughters life just the same. It is a step closer to recovery when I read something so moving such as this, addiction has dominated my life for almost 20 yrs… I am struggling, I am happy she no longer struggles. Just wanted to thank you for sharing. I have no idea how I found this, how I even clicked on it, but am glad I did. God bless.
Sorry for your loss, my son passed away from the disease of addiction.
He needed help, he didn’t want help. He thought he was different, That no-one knew how he felt. I took him to 12 step meetings, he enjoyed them. He would not stay.
I wish that I was powerful enough to make him get,an stay clean. He didn’t want help.He was in denile, and eventually he died.
I identify with your loss, may God bless you with all the love in the world.
This moving obituary should be required high school reading. So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing.
I am so sorry for your loss …. Addiction is such a terrible disease unfortunately it does kill…. So many people good people gone because of this terrible disease …. I have to say i just celebrated 8 months of so sobriety on th 16th of this month… If i didnt choose AA the addiction would have chose me …. Its a terrible disease … I cant tell you how sorry i am for your loss . my heart breaks for your family …she is with each and everyone of your family members everyday … God bless tess from PA
Tomorrow marks six months since losing my brother in law to the disease. Your words are perfect. My heart is broken with you. Peace be with her little boy.
I feel the depth of your pain everyday. I lost my son this year just a few weeks after his 25th birthday. He was born with such a good soul and great respectfulness. But he as well lost his battle with the addiction that consumed him. The only thing that gets me through each and everyday is that he no longer is fighting the struggle and pain that took over his life. We miss him so much and our hearts are completely broken.
My daughter Maggie King, 1974 – 2016, could be a twin to Maddie. Their lives were the same. Singing, intelligent, humorous, loving, all of the things you speak of including her son, born in 1992. My heart breaks every day. I could not have a memorial service for her, couldnt handle seeing her friends. Their presence would have tortured my soul
I don’t know Maddie. I am so so sorry for your loss. Your love for her is amazing. And your care for all of us shows. I know addiction. Mine is alcohol. It takes control. I am in treatment and AA. But it is so hard. I lost my oldest daughter Courtney this year. She was 30. Big hugs and prayers to you. Maddie had wonderful parents and she was a great mom herself.
I am so sorry for your loss. This beautifully written obituary is a testament to Maddie and a blessing for those who take the time to read it and respond to your call to be without judgment. May you all find peace.
Just as well written as anything by Emerson or Tolstoy. I listened to the program on NPR and, together with the treatment input by the Burlington chief of police, this tragedy might change things for America. The family’s love, pain, and sincerity is a light to the world.
I agree: we should make this obituary required reading in all of our high schools, but those police and health care workers who deal with the addicted on a daily basis NEED to read it too. It’s a must read that would change many lives for the better. God bless that adorable little boy and the rest of the loving family left behind.
I too lost my son, Adam, to a drug overdose on 11-5-17. He was also addicted to opiates. He tried so hard to stay sober for his daughter but they had such a hold on his life. Thank you for such a open, honest, beautiful description of your sweet daughter.
Sorry for diverging from the nature of these sympathetic comments/postings, but ALL of these should be ‘required reading’ for all those impacting decisions to administer ‘medications/pharmaceuticals’ to the unsuspecting users..! Do they realize what they are doing in allowing these drugs to be available?! Politicians, medical ‘professionals’, pharmaceutical lobbyists, etc.? Please, LET’S DO MORE than wring our hands, grieve and WISH for ‘change’ that we can make, IF WE HAVE THE COURAGE/CONVICTION TO DO SO, FOR THE SAKE OF OUR ‘LOST’ LOVED ONES…AND THOSE WHOSE LIVES WE MAY SAVE BY GETTING THESE DRUGS ELIMINATED/OFF THE STREETS/OUT OF THE SYSTEM!!! GOD, HELP US, with PRAYER and ACTION..! Ivana Grace, Mother
Dear Maddies family. What a beautiful young woman your Madelyn is. Please know that there are many many others who care that she lived… and died. I know a young woman who parallels her story and there are so many others you have touched by telling Maddies story. God Bless your family. I know it doesn’t seem like he listens at this point, but in the end, he is all any of us have. Maddie would want YOU all to know now that tomorrow is a new day and new chance for you to love others and honor her life and memory. To Maddies sister who wrote this tremendously touching obit… Never stop telling your families story Maddies story.! Please speak in public forums where ever people will listen and help those who do not understand, see the truth. You have a gift and when you are ready, please change other families. All of us together can make an difference!
Lovely and honest obituary. Im so very sorry for your incredible loss. I lost my brother to a drug addiction and in losing him lost my best friend. I have a 13 year old daughter, she beautiful and bright just like your Maddie. But not a day goes by I dont think about all the dangers and challenges facing her as she enters into her teens, and how am I going to protect her from this? The sobering realization is that I cant. All I can do is arm her with knowledge, strength and love to protect herself. I hope that when the time comes for her to make a choice, she uses the tools Ive given her. But if life takes her down darker road, you better believe Im going to be there shining a light for her to see, just like you did for Maddie. Rest in peace Madelyn.
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Maddie. I remember traveling to Vermont one beautiful fall weekend to visit my old friend Mark, and his lovely wife and family. My daughter Megan, was the same age as Maddie, and my son Patrick was excited about the prospect of picking pumpkins at Marks cousins’ farm!
Over the years, we lost touch, and sadly did not know of Maddies passing until today.
My heart goes out to you, and to Maddie especially for her struggles.
Rest in Peace Maddie, you earned your wings!
Sam Mahoney Family
Godspeed, Maddie–Godspeed xx
No one can ever really know our depths–our joy, our struggles, our resilience and our heartbreak. I only hope you have found a measure of peace.
To the family–thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for never giving up on her. I am so sorry for your loss.
My heart goes out to all Maddie’s loved ones. She clearly was surrounded by such an amazing support system… proving that this horrible addiction can truly take anyone no matter how much love you surround them with. This obituary especially touched me because she sounds a lot like my good friend that I lost to opioids earlier this year. She was a mother of two. She was the definition of an extrovert… talking to everyone wherever she went. Constantly exuding and spreading her artistic talent into the world. It was and continues to be really hard for me to look past all the darkness. I am still in denial. I am still angry. Though this obituary helped to remind me that she was way more then the darkness of her addiction. To remember all that she did for me. I just wish I could have done more for her.
I do not know much about addiction, but my heart aches for the family that loved her so much. Please know that God knows Mattie’s heart and I know she is with our heavenly Father, at peace with herself and this harsh world of today!!
God Bless Mattie’s family!!
Nancy Fowlkes Reid
Rocky Mount, NC
I could have written this obituary, but about my brother. Hes been gone six months and all I can say is people need to educate themselves about the disease that is addiction. I dont know why some recover and some never do but Im thankful that my brother knew Jesus and Jesus knew him!
Im so sorry for your loss of such a beautiful soul….it must be genetic, because your soul is beautiful….you shared this painful story to make us all more aware , and perhaps save lives. Thank you. May you find comfort and peace during this time of sorrow.God bless.
We all must do everything we can to stop this disease and help all those effected by it.
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My sympathy got derailed by Kate’s comment that “Its easy to see a photo of a beautiful, young white woman and feel empathy, Yes, her sister happened to be white, but how does that make it “easy” to empathize?
I see her
I want to thank the writer of this beautiful obituary. I myself am an addict 8 1/2 years clean who spiraled so fast in the final years that I did not believe I would see my 30th birthday nor did I care. She was a friend of a friend, but I lost many of my own friends while in recovery and I find it so hard and sad when families hide the addiction even after death like it was a dark secret not a devastating illness. Ive only seen 2 others like this and it is beautiful and heartwarming to see a family wanting to bring about awareness. Thank you so much for honoring her memory this way
I know exactly how you feel we lost our son age 31. He tried so hard to get sober,. Our last time together was beautiful. We all hugged and said how much we loved each other. He then left 4hourd latter he was gone. I would do anything to have him back. Where did I go wrong?
I am so sorry the world lost Maddie so young. Addiction is a disease, not a disgrace.
The obituary was an outstanding tribute to her life and loss.May she rest in peace and may her loved ones find comfort in their faith.
Those of you who have clicked the “dislike” selection will one day be touched by this monster; hopefully you will be shown more compassion than you are showing here.
There is help for anyone who truely wants it, that includes families of the addicted.
JUDGE NOT UNTIL YOU HAVE WALKED IN MY SHOES.
God bless
You have written a brutally honest tribute to the beautiful sister you loved. As the mother of an addict, I wept while I read it. Drug addiction becomes a brain disease. If the government really wanted to help, they would dedicate money to the scientists who are working on new medications for addicts, as well as vaccines that would guard against becoming an addict in the first place. Sadly, these researchers have difficulty securing grants and funding. May the beautiful memories of your sister, and the comfort you can derive from knowing her pain is over, bring you some peace.
I am sorry for your loss. I just recently lost my baby sister due to a known fatal interaction of LOW DOSE prescription klonopin & a MILD opioid she got to ease fibromyalgia pain.
I am a chronic pain patient born with a rare orthopedic syndrome & have multiple prosthetic joints. I am on fentanyl 24/7 simply to be able to have a relatively normal life. Without opioids I would be in severe pain & needless suffering. That’s no way to live. Because the public/media blames ME, & doctors who help me, for street drug addiction, I am treated like a criminal, a junkie & have severe restrictions on my life just to be able to manage my pain.
I am “tied” to mandatory dr appts, restrictions preventing me from taking vacations for more than 2 weeks (only limited amounts of meds are dispensed, as it is believed – though multiple studies have refuted the theory – to prevent drugs from ending up on the street) & forget about ever travelling internationally – my drugs would run out (& they have before due to all of the rules/regs) landing me in the hospital in the agony of uncontrolled pain & withdrawal. Not to mention when that happens, I am assumed to be & treated like, a drug-seeking junkie. My pain is left uncontrolled & I literally pray to die due to the suffering.
Please stop making ME pay for someone else’s addiction. The solution to opioid addiction isn’t by punishing me, it’s by helping the addicts. Please let me live my life – getting rid of my drugs because you blame them for a loved one’s death only ends MY life, too.
~Sara Donadei
My condolences to the family.
As l read this l felt it was like a page from my daughter’s life. My daughter Michelle passed away a year ago October 29th, 2017.
Everywhere she went people she met fell in love with her. She was fun and kind and always thinking of others.
Her life was filled with prescrption opiates addiction going through rehab for over fifteen years after a devastating divorce being married 17 years. I did get to enjoy her for nine full months being drug free. One day a friend picked her up and asked her to house sit, not knowing she had gone to a doctor visit she was given a prescription for an opioate for back pain. Two days later she died in her sleep, she wasn’t expecting to die, she expected to get up in the morning attend her college class and work her afternoon shift.
She was so proud of being sober of opioid addiction and her hard work.
In a moment of weakness it took one PA to write out that fateful prescription to end her life.
I fought so hard all of these years against medical providers writing out prescriptions like handing candy to a child.
Not to take away from Maddie and her life, we are losing our children, family members and l ask when will it stop?
Norma
Thank you for your honest summary of your sister’s life and her struggle against the disease that eventually ended it.. An ancient book says there’s a time coming to the earth when no one will say I am sick. Addiction, depression and anxiety are all included in the sicknesses that afflict us all, no matter our age, race or social status. Thanks for asking each of us, especially authority figures and healthcare personnel, to see the person and not the disease. Compassion is needed now. The situation is beyond critical, it is pandemic. Your loss is our loss too. We are all affected.
Wow, even her child couldn’t pull her back. I’m so sorry for your loss. Junkies need help and we need to find a way to get it to them.
My heart ached when I read this. I cannot begin to fathom the pain this family has endured. I have a picture of my daughter and her son, the resemblance is hauntingly similar. Unlike Maddie, my grandson has been reunified with his mother. The anguish Maddies family has endured is beyond words. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your candour, and for sharing Madfies Story. God bless.
God bless your family for having the courage to share Maddie’s story. Sadly, a friend of mine is raising her granddaughter. Her daughter was also addicted and her so-called friends let her die. Literally, dumped her off at the hospital after hours of unconsciousness. I am praying for your family!
My heart goes out to you and your family..I have never felt so Not Alone as I do now. Your words touched my heart and my Hurt I struggle everyday and I feel my familys pain always. Memory Eternal Maddie
I believe the single most damaging concept about addiction is that is is a disease, and people are powerless. Addiction is a thought distortion linked to past trauma and it can be corrected. No one is powerless and such thoughts are self-defeating.
I cried while reading this. My heart is wounded, though I cannot possibly grasp and the depths of your grief. Im also furious at the disaster that is our societys method of dealing with the opioid crisis. So many bright lights gone forever. As a father of two young daughters, I am with you in sorrow. Thank you for such a beautiful and humanizing portrait. From my family to yours, may peace find you this holiday season.
What a moving obituary. I admire your openess so much. I also had a beautiful daughter who was smart, beautiful, funny and a joy to be around. She was put on pain pills after hurting her back. She struggled for over 10 years with her addiction. At times she would be doing great and then she would relapse. It is all a very sad cycle. She took her own life in 2014 at the age of 38. A total shock to all of us, as we thought she was doing great. I know that her death was a result of pain pills. I do put some blame on doctors who so readily prescribe these things. Since her death, I have become so much more aware of what a huge epidemic this is and just how many people it affects daily. It happens to the best people, no matter what their life situations are. It is a disease that some people just can’t overcome. God Bless Your Family!
Im so extremely sorry for your loss i DO understand losing a child. Lost my first son as an infant in 87, i lost a second son to suicide in 2012 he was 19 yrs old n now im losing my 33 yr old son to a heroin addiction. I fear he wont survive this.. I know the heart wrenching agony of knowing that you child is dying slowly to the demom of addiction. Every knock at the door every time my cell rings its instant fear that ive lost another son. Until he choices to try recovery he will ne at a constant risk of immediate death
My heart goes out to u and your family as well as heartfelt prayers for ypur own healing
The pain of the death of a child to any manner never goes away but we do get better at dealing with it with new coping skills
I dont think i can possibly survive burying another of my sons. I really dont. Be well be strong be happy you will oneday be able to think of her without feeling like ypir heart os neimg ripped grom your chest this i can promise
I am so very sorry for your loss. There, but for the grace of God, go I. One of the hardest things for loved ones to deal with, and something that happens to everyone, regardless of intelligence, Home life, or economics. Unfortunately, there are no easy answers. None. One day at a time is something too many of us deal with. Whether the addict, or their family. God bless.
I’m so sorry, I wish what I’m suffering from was a disease but unfortunately it’s not. It was a choice to begin using and the hold on me is stronger than me so I guess that would be a weakness on my part. I wish everyone the strength to battle their addiction and those who aren’t make the right choice and don’t swallow that first pill.
This really resonated with me. My 33-yr old brother has been struggling with heroin addiction and trying to remain optimistic is an everyday battle. You are right that we need to separate the addict from our sibling, which is difficult for me. I am so sorry to hear of your loss and will keep your bright lights with me on cloudy days. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Performing Arts Students meet NOT try Opiates …. Performing is the the Only High … Now Beautiful Maddie is gone and many will never have the opportunity to see her perform …. Tragic
I am sorry to the parents of this young woman. 1,468 days and counting for this addict since I last used. If you ask me how I did it, I will say go to meetings, take it one day at a time and a find your higher power. If you are struggling, get to a meeting and ask for help. Today.
I’m so sorry for your loss. We just lost my sister to opiate addiction on the 13th. The last line really hit home for me, about her being infinite and also – our grief being infinite as well. My sister longed more than anything to be independent and free. Now she is. My heart goes out to your family from our family, and to all affected by this disease and crisis. For what it’s worth, you aren’t alone. Neither is she. Sending you light and love during this inexplicably hard time, and for the days to come. In solidarity. 💜
I’m very sorry for the loss of this young woman and mother. The mis-treatment of addicts that get arrested and come into lock-up HAS TO STOP. I should know, I’m a longtime addict in recovery 17+yrs on methadone maintenance. I’ve had my fair shares of arrests and the worst were in Union Avenue New Haven, CT. If your an addict and especially are dope-sick they treat you like scum of the earth. They make you feel like “you deserve what you got for getting high”. And God forbid you may need medical attention, they will ignore you calling for them. Sadly the treatment that Maddie experienced didn’t surprise me at all. It’s the way it is in lock-up and you can ask anyone that’s ever gotten arrested. Listen, it doesn’t have to be the Hilton, of course, but attention to medical problems and basic needs should be met. Hopefully this will shed light to treatment in lock-ups.
I am truly sorry for your loss i struggled with meth addiction for many years and addiction sucks it is absolutely hell to live through not only for the person but for everyone who loves them your family is in my thoughts and prayers
this is the most beautifully written obituary I have ever read. I am sorry for your loss. Maddie’s humanity and light shine through in these words.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I could so relate to what you have written. I just lost my 42 year old son to a fentanyl overdose. I was searching high and low as to what to say in an obituary and came across yours which paralleled my life with my son. I hope you don’t mind but I have used some of your words that you have so eloquently written in your obituary. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.