AUDIO – ANN FARABEE –

Oct. 18, 2023 – She and I spent much of the next day at the funeral home. Standing by the casket, she cried constantly and uncontrollably. I just sat with my head down, unable to offer encouraging words, like a mother should.

For some reason, I glanced up and saw the vase with a single rose that she had sent to the funeral home for him. It had a card attached with the words she had requested, Love U 4-Ever. The word love, however, was replaced with a picture of a heart. I stared at it for a long time, shaking my head.

A heart. Of all things, I thought. Her heart was broken. My heart was crushed. Love U 4-Ever? She had gotten herself into something this mama could not fix. Why had God allowed my child to become an addict, bringing suffering to herself and to our family? I mean, she had grown up in CHURCH! My goodness! I had tried so hard to teach her the right way and instill Godly principles in her life.

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