Book excerpt: We never think that OUR CHILD will be labeled an "addict." From the moment of their birth, we taught them love, compassion, sharing, hope, manners, patience, faith, and so many more qualities to live by, only wanting them to flourish as a better version of ourselves. When we learn that our child has been using drugs, our minds seem to immediately compare our own youth when drinking or maybe even smoking marijuana. Unfortunately, this is the furthest comparison from the reality of what's ahead. This book is filled with over 160 real-life stories from grieving mothers through our initial discovery of our child's drug use to the devastating end of their journey. We have shared what we have learned, the emotional ups-and-downs, the "enabling," "tough love," "unconditional love," the effect within ourselves and our family, and what we wished we would have known or even done differently. Nobody wants to talk about it when it's happening to them or how families are completely lost when fighting this disease. We believe that these real-life stories will further awareness and help provide comfort and navigation to those who are struggling. You are not alone. By sharing our stories, others will see many of the same struggles and situations mothers have lived as well as the resources we have found along the way. This book is our opportunity to share the painful experiences mamas have endured to help and guide those on the same journey. Although this book sadly cannot bring our children back from the tragic loss resulting from the drug pandemic, perhaps these stories from real mothers who have survived this loss can help you understand and guide you through the most challenging situation that anyone could possibly have even considered-the loss of their child. This book will not provide you with "professional" guidance; however, you will be able to see a small view into this painful journey that us grieving mothers of this pandemic now carry as a life sentence. Lastly, this book is devoted to all the precious children we have lost and to all mothers who are struggling to survive this devastating loss; to the families still fighting for the life of their children. May these stories give you hope and insight, and may God give you strength to never give up.