1000 Last Goodbyes
When Samantha Waters' first born son Mason graduated from preschool, the teacher asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. He said, "I just can’t decide! There are too many things I want to be!" No one, let alone Mason himself, had "drug addict" on the list. Fast forward to 5th grade and the DARE program where Mason was the only boy picked to read his essay aloud.
As Mason’s determination and passion grew, he built several successful businesses. He was finally living the dream of an entrepreneur after years of struggling.
The dream became a slow motion movie in her mind, as addiction entered the picture. Mason's family watched in shock as his life fell apart, ultimately living in the parking garages of Vegas. Samantha was heartsick as the chaos twisted and ravaged her family’s lives. Angry, sad, guilt-ridden, confused, and terrified, Samantha set out on a voyage for answers, help, and hopefully, a rescue for her son.
Advice for the loved ones of addicts comes in droves: “Detach. Use tough love. Let him hit rock bottom. Don’t be an enabler. Pray Harder, He Needs to Try Harder.”
Samantha wondered if there was a different choice: “How can I support him with science and kindness? How could going with my mother’s heart be wrong? What if I met him where he was? How can I tell my story and help others?”
Addiction affects 20 million Americans, according to Shatterproof.com. Yet we never expect it to hit our families. This story is the captivating journey of Samantha’s quest for answers and peace as the chaos of addiction twisted and ravaged her family’s lives. Mason told her once while he was incarcerated, “Thanks for never giving up on me, you don’t know what that means to know that someone on the outside is rooting for you.” With courage and strength tears she made sure she never did.
Samantha Waters
-author of 1000 Last Goodbyes -Navigating the Waves of addiction
One Mom’s Quest to Find Peace in Her Son’s Journey
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Thank you.
