I had been out on my daily walk, approaching the Town Common and saw folks putting out purple flags. Remembered that International Overdose Awareness Day - Aug 31 was going to be celebrated with a vigil and prayers here later today. As I got closer I recognized Jim Derick and asked if he needed a hand. He did and pointed me to the box of flags.
I got busy spreading them out.
2104. Two thousand, one hundred and four.
Say that slowly. Let the number sink in. That is the number of MA residents who left us during 2020 due to an overdose. Recall a couple of years ago, the prevalence of the #2069 signs. While there is more help available today, the struggle is real.
I did go back to the Town Common for 6:30 PM
Jen Knight-Levine and Jim Derick opened the gathering welcoming the 70-80 folks who showed up.
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| Jen Knight-Levine and Jim Derick opened the gathering welcoming the 70-80 folks who showed up |
Rev Kathy McAdams and Rev Eric Cherry provided a moment of reflection
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| Rev Kathy McAdams and Rev Eric Cherry jointly provided a moment of reflection |
Kathy Truitt told the story of her and her son's struggles and how it empowers her to this day.
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| Kathy Truitt told the story of her and her son's struggles |
The group took a brief candle light walk on the Common to the Veterans Walkway for a final prayer.
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| a brief candle light walk on the Common to the Veterans Walkway for a final prayer |
For me, the one photo that tells the story of the evening and the constant struggle.
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| the one photo that tells the story of the evening and the constant struggle |
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