Susan Claire
Susan Claire
Jeffrey
Jeffrey
Jeffrey
Tuesday 30th April 2019
James shares his journey of grief after losing his son Jeffrey to an overdose and his efforts to raise awareness through community projects.
42 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
About this podcast
Author:
Susan Claire
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Sobriety Success Stories
Creative Recovery Journeys
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Empowering Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
54 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!A Father's Heart: James' Journey Through Grief and Advocacy
But because he died of a drug overdose, there's nothing that publicly celebrates the life of the addict, and so a year after he died, I rented a public building downtown and created an event called Celebration of Courage and Recovery.
James' world changed forever when his son, Jeffrey, passed away from an accidental overdose at just 24. Jeffrey was not just a son; he was a passionate young man with dreams of running his family's bicycle shop. His unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life made him a cherished member of his community.
In this deeply moving episode of 'Grieving Overdose Death', James opens up about his grief and the ways he’s found to cope with the immense loss. He talks candidly about the rocky relationship he sometimes had with Jeffrey, the heartbreak of finding drug paraphernalia in their home, and the pride he felt when Jeffrey managed to complete his last semester of college despite his struggles with heroin. James doesn't just mourn; he acts.
From dispensing Narcan at his shop to organizing community events like the Celebration of Courage and Recovery, he’s turned his pain into purpose. These efforts aim to raise awareness about overdose deaths and support others walking a similar path. James shares his belief that addiction is a physical disease, not a moral failing, and reflects on how he still seeks signs from Jeffrey, keeping his memory alive.
This episode is a raw, honest look at a father's journey through grief, love, and advocacy. It's a testament to the enduring bond between parent and child, even in the face of unimaginable loss.