Jennifer Dickson 1980-2008
Massachusetts
Heroin
"Remembering a lost soul..."
Posted by Milissa Shuman, Jennifer's Cousin
 

My cousin Jennifer was such a bright woman. We, along with my brother and several other cousins, were really close growing up. We spent all of our time together when we were younger, mostly during the summer as Jennifer at the time lived in North Carolina.

I do not know when Jennifer’s addiction had started, but I know when it ended. Her addiction ended when her life ended on June 30, 2008, 12 days after her 28th birthday.

Jennifer was always so outgoing and she always made you laugh. She was an extremely caring person. No one knew she had this addiction. If they did know about her addiction, they did not know how to help her. Now she is gone and it has not even been a week. We all miss her so much.

When we grew older we didn't spend so much time together, which is a blessing that I regret. I call it a blessing because I wasn't around to really witness her when she was high. This means I won't remember her that way. It's something, however, that I regret because I feel that I neglected her.

I hope wherever she is now, she is looking down on us and knows we love and miss her so very much.

R.I.P. Jenn. We will NEVER forget you. I hope you met up with Grandpa, Gladys, Anne and David. Watch over each other and the rest of us!!
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 My twin sister also lost her battle with drug addiction. It was 7 days after our 19th birthday. I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. It is devastating and my heart cries for your family...Time will pass...it never gets any easier, but you can survive this.
Lisa Silvano
Thank you everyone for your kind words. I will try hard to not blame myself or my actions (or non-actions?) I wish there was something we could do to end the epidemic, but I fear it will never end. This is so hard. My brother, who is also a heroin addict, went to his first NA meeting tonight on his own accord. I'm so proud of him. I will pray for all of you and your loved ones when I pray for mine. Thank you again
milissa shuman
Millissa - Jennifer is in my daily prayers. I pray everyday for the madness of addiction to end. Please remeber that you are not to blame, addiction is like the Devil, uncontrollable. May God ease your grief a little and know that Jennifer is in a much better place, God's arms. Peace,
John Kelly Sean Patrick's Dad
Milissa, I am so sorry you must deal with this pain. Sorry another beautiful life has ended because of drugs. Because of heroin. My son too, lost his war with heroin. When they leave us so abruptly, we will spend many hours and days blaming oursleves for what we could have done, or didn't. You loved her. Believe that she knows this and let that guilt go. It is hard to do. I know. But you loved her. She was loved. And will never be forgotten. Tell her story. Reach out. Love and Peace...
Angela Gwynn Mother of Dallas Nguyen
Milissa,thank you for sharing Jenns story with us. Please know that you are not alone in your grief. My son died March 5th 2008 of a heroin overdose. I will agree you are blessed to have only good memories of your cousin. Please let go of the guilt you did not neglect her. God's peace be with you.
Theresa Basting Mother of Jason Basting
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