The Molly Angel Project

Mike, sometimes I don’t think you realize the impact you’ve had. Lots of men have the title of dad. And they’re good at it. The every day stuff. But there are VERY few who choose to take on that title with a kid like Chance. So many times I braced myself for you to walk away. To choose an easier path. But you didn’t. No matter how hard or scary. How ugly things get, you’re there. I’ve said before that I hate you missed the first words and steps. But I don’t know another man who would have been there through overdoses, court dates, rehabs and streets. And the most amazing part is you haven’t just been that for my son, you’ve been that for kids you didn’t know. I’ve seen you sit and tell a young man that there had to be something better. I’ve seen you talk to kids who don’t trust adults easily. And I’ve seen you show my son the amazing man he can be because you are willing to show him how. So happy Father’s Day. Chance called the other day and said “tell my pops I love him. Not because he loves my mom, but because he loves me too”.

It makes me so happy and so very proud to see people across our state embracing ways to save lives. The Safehaven Baby Boxes being installed are a huge step in the right direction!

Keep space in your heart of people who may be hurting this season. Christmas is hard for many people, for many reasons. Sometimes the best gift you can give is a silent understanding that they’re hurting, and the space they need to feel safe in their struggles.

This has sort of become a yearly post for me. Some days are harder than others. Today is a really hard one. I miss him so much it hurts. I miss my son - the way he was before addiction took him from me. He is alive, but it gets harder and harder to remember the way it used to be. This will be the 8th year I’ve spent the holidays without him and my heart breaks a little more every year. but I know I’m lucky I get to hear his voice. I got a picture of him not long ago and my baby faced little boy doesn’t look like he did the last time I saw him. The last time I hugged him. The last time we snuggled up to watch silly movies or read together. He grew up and I wasn’t there to see it. Life has changed. He’s changed. I’ve changed. But my heart hurts just the same, that never changes. And this tattered little present still goes under my tree. I guess it always will, I can’t stand the thought of not putting it there.

I don’t remember exactly what day it was. But it was a day in December of 2018. I talked to Chance that morning. Made sure I was gonna get to see him on Christmas Day. The last time I saw him on Christmas was December of 2015 so it was so important to me. I went out shopping that day and saw a set of his favorite cologne. So I bought it and wrapped it up and put it under the tree. A few days later he came by, I could tell something was bothering him. He spent the night that night but was gone when I got up the next morning. He finally answered my calls and texts and I yelled at him. We fought and fussed. But he said “I love you ma”. I talked to him a few times after that and then he checked himself into rehab. I thought “this is good! He’s choosing this!”

It wasn’t long before they called me and told me he’d been arrested there at the facility. I talk to my boyzee all the time on timed phone calls when he calls me collect, he writes to me and I write to him but this time of year it’s hard to face the reality that there are so many more Christmas mornings that I won’t get to see my son. So many more birthdays and mother’s days that we are gonna miss.

And every year I find this tattered present. I pull it out and I cry because I miss him.

I don’t care what differences you have with your kids. When you buy them a gift, remember the day. Cherish the moment you picked out that one thing meant just for them. It may not seem very important but trust me on this, it really is.

Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction

Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction

There is an old saying that when a red bird appears, our loved ones are near. This little fella has been hanging around our Purple chair for a while but today, while starting to get ready for the upcoming holidays, I walked out and he just stood there and looked at me. I’m pretty sure if he could he would want to bring some peace to all of the families who have a loved one represented on our Purple Chair. And since so many names are there, I decided to share the moment with everyone.

If you have a loved one you would like to add to the chair, let me know. If your loved o es name is already there and you’d like pictures, im happy to send them to you.

Please remember the families who will be celebrating this holiday season with a purple (empty) chair of their own - who have lost loved ones to addiction and over dose.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, there is help available. And until you or your loved one are ready for help, there is always hope.
The Molly Angel Project Mississippi Harm Reduction Initiative

Why are fentanyl testing strips so important?

Because the amount of Fentanyl to cause a fatal overdose would fit on a pencil lead.

Because the vast majority of pills being sold on the streets right now are contaminated with fentanyl.

Because more than 150 people die from fentanyl overdoses every single day.

Because fentanyl is now the LEADING cause of death in adults between 18-45 in the US

Because the only person who can find recovery is a person who is alive to get that far.

Huge thank you to WiseBatch for helping us keep more people safe here in Mississippi!

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction there is help available. And until you or your loved one are ready for help, there is always hope!
The Molly Angel Project
Mississippi Harm Reduction Initiative

Calling all friends and family!!! There is a local recovery house that is in need of some dressers for their residents. Let me know if you have anything you can spare and I’ll make arrangements to get it to them

August 31, addiction and overdose awareness.

It’s been more emotional and more healing than I expected. Remembering kids I knew, talking to parents and families I’ve just met. Knowing the faces of the grief we all live.

The chair stays. Not just today, but year round it has a place and it will be cherished and we will add names anytime we need to. As a community, supporting one another and remembering those we love. No one has to do this alone.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, there is help available. And until you or your loved one are ready for help, there is always hope.

The Molly Angel Project. Mississippi Harm Reduction Initiative

The Empty Chair. August 31, A day to commemorate loved ones lost to addiction and overdose.
I talked to Chance yesterday and decided my chair is for everyone. We were talking about the people we’ve both lost. Too many to count. And he said “you’ve been there for most of them” so my chair is for every single one of them.

If you’d like me to include your loved one, send me their names and I’ll write them on the chair. It will be OUR chair. For all of us brought together by the heart break we have all endured.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, there is help available. And until you or your loved one are ready for help, there is always hope.

The Molly Angel Project Mississippi Harm Reduction Initiative