What a sweet mother, she did everything she could to help… and it sounds like she had a lot on her plate with two other children, so kudos to her for investing so much into Cole.💖
My older brother was big into drugs and selling back in the 90s when I was a young teenager. It wasn’t until this particular story, hearing about Cole’s experimenting, have I thought about how much times have changed and how different things are for kids these days. I too dabbled very innocently way back then - and I have a soon to be 18-year-old. It’s terrifying to think that some of the things we did as “kids,” is a matter of life or death for our own now.
I never experienced the time when dabbling wasn’t dangerous or a problem. I have a problem with viewing drug use as innocent fun, and I don’t think that everyone is allowed to have that label.
I got into drugs for a few years but I wasn't using opioids. One time I was given something that resembled the drug I had been using. Next thing I knew, my boyfriend was smacking me in the face so hard but I wanted to go back and kept trying through being slapped. I felt like I was in the arms of God, but I now know it's the feeling opioids give users. It took him and 2 other males to get me up to my apartment and in a cold shower and it snapped me awake. I could've died that day. After that, I was so scared of that feeling, so uncontrollable and drifting off into the abyss. I got clean shortly after. Take that same scenario from 20 years ago and fast forward to today I would be dead. I have been absolutely and completely honest with my son, and we talked his ear off multiple times about not even trying anything. Only meds you get from doctors and pharmacies, period. It is absolutely not worth your life to experiment with any drugs today. Glorifying drug days of old , it only makes kids think they're missing out. I have 1 child, not that it makes anything easier when you have more, but if I lost my son, my life's purpose would be no more. I feel like if I lost my son, it would really be the end of me. I watch these parents talk about their experiences and it reminds me how fragile even our grown boys are and how dangerous the world today is, these kids shouldn't be exposed to any of this.
This is so tragic. This young man had his whole life ahead of him. Im so sorry this happened to your son and to your family. Thank you for sharing your story. R.I.P Cole 🕊
Cole had substance abuse disorder. My son did as well. Addiction is a disorder. It’s a mental disorder that the US fails to acknowledge. My son also passed from a fentanyl overdose. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending my condolences.
Bless her heart. She fought and fought for her baby until he was no longer a baby in the eyes of the law and she still fought and did what she could😢😢💔💔 I’m so sorry. Mamma to mamma, 🫂💗.
@@LacedwithLacey2424 They maybe 18 but that's not an adult we mothers know this & these counselors should listen to us they don't have to tell us anything about our kids the law should be the same way.
You are a great mother & it's not your fault that this happened or that you didn't cry at first. I think you are a mother & everyone grieves differently. Look how you are sharing his story. Thank you God bless you
So sad. We have stop calling drug use ‘normal, natural’ and ‘experimenting’. Kids believe us when we minimize danger. He sounds like a WONDERFUL human. His entire life was destroyed with his dad’s death and then it’s so hard on kids with step parents etc. RIP!! ❤️ This beautiful mama makes SO many excellent points - she is a force for knowledge and good in this world. I hope more people can hear her! She is amazing.
Yes, “all kids experiment”, I hope not, but even so the experiment leads to a drug use disorder and/or death. Lovely kids, with lives to live and families who love them, such a tragic loss💔
His father did drugs, so it’s not inconceivable that Cole did, too. He was past the experimental stage, because people don’t “Robotrip”, unless they are desperate for a high. We need to stop accepting that people can effectively parent children, while they are high or drunk. We must stop normalizing it.
@@stephaniec5215 It is absolutely normal for kids to experiment. Go to a science class. Kids learn about the world in different ways. Fentanyl is the problem here, not kids or their parents.
You guys have no idea the education she provides to people about fentanyl poisoning. In the awareness of Narcan, saving lives. Her and a group of ladies to assemblies for schools for high school students that need to know about the dangers of illicit drugsl! They are really forced to be reckoned with, these ladies!
Praying for you through the holidays. Hope you and your family are blessed with peace and hope. Glowbelle, have added you & loved ones on my prayer wall.
One common thread in these tributes is that people have no idea and no way to tell what their normally relatively harmless drugs are cut with. Weed, pills, whatever it may be, can now be fatal. I'm sorry for your loss and hope that you will continue to share your and your son's story as it will help others.
Agreed. Initially I used to think as long as it's over the counter or prescribed then have at it. But the greatest thing is when you can heal and control your body and mind with just simple breathing techniques or trained thoughts
@kal22222 There are strips available to determine the presence of Fentanyl ( FTS) in any number of " doctored " medications. This goes for any preparation cut with Fentanyl. The cost is minimal, simple to perform & saves lives ! Emergency services carry a different type, & some are available to the addict & next of kin. I don't reside stateside & the protocols & practice may differ significantly.
There are kits that can be used to test drugs. The issue is that maybe these tests are not comprehensive, but also, addicts are not going to use these kits all of the time. Also, many of these parents don’t want to admit it, but their kids know what they are taking. Plenty of people are addicted to fentanyl.
I agree and another common trait seems to be snapchat. Almost every video someone mentions that craphole wastebucket of a social media platform as a primary source of where they got their dope -poison. 😢
There are now several other names for Naloxone ,Narcan is just one of the brand names. Sorry for your loss . I Lost my beautiful complicated son Dion last june 2nd 2023 at 6.23 a.m after 12 days on life support😔
You’re a loving beautiful wonderful mother. I’m so sorry for you loss…💔 such a difficult age to lose a father. You carry on, strong, and without fear, in honor of Cole, and his father. This life is a gift, but by no means easy.
Yes, she has experienced goodness only how much loss and she is still able to reach out to help others, that is not something we could manage to do. Sending the warmest of warm hugs and thanks for your courage❤
Hello from Illinios. I asked my kids, nephews, nieces, and their friends if they can't explain in words how they feel, pick out a song that relates to how you are feeling. It has worked for me and other parents to grasp the picture of how they are feeling. Thank you for your courage to share your stories and God Bless you all!
Ain’t that something you called the drug dealer up and that son of a gun has audacity to ask if you’re threatening him while he was selling drugs with poison in them!
When I was growing up all I was taught about drugs was don’t do it, it can kill you, it will destroy your life. Culturally I received the message that drug addicts are not good people. I didn’t know that people who use drugs are treating something within themselves whether it be grief, trauma, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, or something else. These stories are heartbreaking to watch not only because of the grief of their friends and families but for the pain and anguish the person endured. Life is hard, let’s all try to have compassion.
I'm so sorry you and your family is having To go Through This, you seem like a great mom and sounds like you did everything you could, addiction is such a beast, I've been clean now for 9 years only by The grace of God, getting clean was The hardest Thing I've ever done. Thank you so much for sharing your son's story and your story, he sounds like he was a great young man. Prayers for you and your family
What a wonderful mother, I'm in my late 20s and if I ever have kids or even with my friends with kids I will make sure to use parts of her story to help educate them on how you never know what's in a pill from a stranger. Thoughts are with you and your beautiful son
I hope your family gets some form of justice for Cole. The "kids" think they are bullet proof and invincible even though they know of danger. It's mind blowing how little the MSM is reporting on this epidemic. Makes you wonder why not. Thank you to Texas Pictures for these important stories. Parents need to be parents and educate themselves.
This woman is being extremely honest and I love the honesty because people NEED TO HEAR IT!! truly and wholeheartedly HESR it! The good, the bad and the ugly! I have three children two girls and one boy! They’re 16, 18 and almost 20! With my boy in the middle. It’s been terrifying to know what kids are doing now days and what they THINK they’re safe to just “try this one just once” but one time is all it takes to take someone’s life!!! It happens too often and it’s just heartbreaking! Please don’t mess with the crap!!
Beautiful & Strong family! Cole will be never be forgotten his experiences may save life's because of your bravery to share your testimony. Rest in Peace Cole ~ Fly high with the Angels ❤
Rebekah, so proud of you. I know its not easy telling his story and heartbreaking. I learned new things about Cole watching this. Love you and hugs. ♥️🙏🤗
‘Experimenting’ w/narcotics IS NOT NORMAL. The term is being applied in this case isn’t appropriate. He was an addict w/mental health issues. He had addictive behavior w/ everything he did.Had he come from a different environment the term ‘experimenting’ wouldn’t have been an option for him. He would’ve simply been labeled an out of control, combative teenager that abused drugs. Hearing her constantly say ‘experimenting w/drugs’ is cringy. He certainly should have been evaluated thoroughly for mental health issues early on. Grief counseling should have been a part of his regimen as well. He went through a horrible time unfortunately. He was self medicating to feel better mentally and emotionally. I hope his siblings are living a happy, peaceful life.
As an addict I agree. Never touched drugs or alcohol but I have all hallmarks of an addictive personality so I stay away from them for fear of death. Addictive personality disorder is so important to recognize in yourself and others. Specially I. Young people.
❤Such a Sweet Rebecca doing what a Mom does. God Bless You my Prayers go out to all of you Sweet Mom's. I'm 66 years old I Never was able too have Children, but I have 10 Sisters who do. I don't Stress hardly but when I start seeing documents like this, it can hit home. I Pray to God daily that this Ugly Epidemic ends. Your a Great Mom to struggle daily with his death and raising a Family. May Cole R.I.Heaven and May the Lord wrap his loving arms around y'all. God Bless You 🙌🙏🙌Sweet Rebecca
So sorry for your loss sweetie 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 I never had kids but when my brother passed away at 54 from an abdominal aneurysm , the thing I missed was his text as well ! 🙏🏻❤️
I can relate to everything you said your story is my son’s story. My son is still alive but on the streets … it’s so hard and everyday is a new fight! Am I losing?, it feels like it. 🥀
STOP IT IS NOT NORMAL for a child of ANY age to experiment with drugs. It’s shocking to me that people actually believe this it’s the same folks that think weed is harmless this is a lovely mom and I do have compassion for her but someone really needs to say these things to children I am very blessed that I did not have to deal with this. I don’t know how I would’ve done it. Bless you
I agree with you, perhaps we could say it a little more quietly, and I don’t have children and don’t live in the USA, but I hope there never comes a time when experimentation is considered normal. It is playing with fire.
My boys have never experimented with drugs. Never. They are now 26 and almost 29. They grew up with my weed cookies/brownies in the freezer, mushroom chocolates etc. Yet, they chose not to follow in my footsteps. They don't even drink. I never had to worry about them ever. They got all the drunk and stoned kids home, not all kids are the same.
@@sylviekinsexperimentation is considered normal today, unfortunately. Seems like too many kids and their parents feel it’s a “rite of passage”. I count my blessings everyday I didn’t have to deal with this. My heart goes out to these parents.
Mom you fought a good fight you did everything you could as a mom to protect your son I pray for you and your family my condolences go out to you all continue to pray and ask God to bring you peace❤
Cole was a rarity to have the tremendous fortune to survive the first time. To take ANY chance again absolutely proves his mental illness which leads so many to coping mechanisms. I WISH my precious cousin had a 2nd chance. HE MAY have understood the wakeup call surviving is. Instead he, like Cole, died alone in a hotel from fentanyl poisoning. No 2nd chances for my precious Michael.
This is so heartbreaking. I don't think there is anything normal or natural about a 13 year old experimenting with drugs. That's a big red flag. Sounds like Cole had alot of mental and emotional problems. He used drugs to self medicate. Mom definitely did her best, with what she could. If nothing else he knew Mom loved him.
So i believe you said your son passed 2021 correct? If so i appreciate that uou still proceeded to pursue answers over the 3 years scince .i have not been ready to get the coroner's report yet,and also all of my Sons medical and mental health records .But i will ...so i appreciate you shareing your process.🙏
Finally a mom I can relate to. Because weed is not ok and zi would have done the same thing! I'm calling the dope dealer going off! Weed is a DRUG! These parents act like it's ok. This mother and grandparents did all they can do!
Mom, your loved ones are closer than you know. They are pure conscious energy, and can hear your words. Instead of texts, they send you signs. Hummingbirds, butterflies, songs and sunsets. I died 3 times and was still in the room, although no one could see or hear me. Often he is sitting right beside you, sending you loving vibrations and hugs, especially in your quietest moments. He is still part of your life!
Thank you for sharing your story with Cole! I’m so lucky not to be in your situation with my kids who have experimented as younger. You and your Family did all you could with the knowledge you had, all love and respect! This was educating and easy to relate to. ❤❤❤
I'm so very sorry to hear the story of how you lost Cole to this scourge. My heart breaks for you. I have so much in common with your story.. 3 kids with a middle daughter and our eldest son has struggled with drug use periodically since the age of 15 or so when he started with weed. Now (he is 21) it is pills and he OD'd one night about a year ago but I was lucky that it was here in our home and I happened to hear what I thought was strange snoring one morning when I got up. It wasn't snoring. He ended up in the ICU in an induced coma for 24 hours but then made a complete recovery. But it hasn't scared him off of it. I live in fear all the time and like you - can only offer help that so far anyway, he hasn't chosen to take. We can only do the best that we know to do.. I am learning about this world as I go and trying to help him in any way he will let me. You were there for your son.. your love and care for him is unmistakable. I'm so very sorry it didn't save him.
Another tragedy. Only the heroin users died in my time being in my 20s in the 90s. The usual thing was that the heroin addicts died at around 27-28 after 7-8 years of abuse and some rehab attempts. The rest of us dabbling in drugs just have a bunch of stories. A tragedy that marajuana is legal now. Back then it was a big deal when we got hold of some pot and booze. It being so readily available and used by many of all ages sends the strong signal and without question leads to death as the stepping stone it is. Nobody but those in the obvious danger zone past in my time despite at times being totally wasted out of our minds.
I am so sad for you Becca, and you cry anytime you need to. I can't imagine the pain after everything Cole had been through. And I'm also so sorry for the family and friends that loved him too , I felt so bad for Grandpa . RIH Cole, you will never be forgotten
You should focus more on the kids that nobody remembers, the ones whose parents don't give a shit and who because of that turned to drugs and died. Yeah it's good to give the grieving parents a way to spread the message. But with these stories it's always "he was loved, he had a good life, he was talented, people liked him, his friends miss him. He only ever tried the pill once and then died." and nobody talks about the lost souls of young people who turned to drugs because they didn't have a loving family, who were abused and bullied, who were socially ostracized and then are forgotten or just remembered as "just another stupid junkie kid who got into fent" even if it was some other drug that was just laced. They are just as worthy of remembrance.
Totally agree. A life’s a life. Those stories are definitely covered on other channels, for example Soft White Underbelly. This channel is a public service announcement to the parents and families that either have no clue about illicit fentanyl laced into everything, or have the mindset that it would never happen to their loving, successful family. Would those families tune into a channel with shitty parents sharing a story about how they fucked up their kids so their kids turned to drugs? No. They’d say, well of course, and we aren’t like them so it’s not going to happen. It’s not their audience or messaging on this channel. Come to think of it, start the channel you want. That’s the best way to make it happen
Not to be crass....but the forgotten, ostracized kids that no one cares about including their parents...have no one to talk or care about them in death either
I am so sorry for your loss. Your son was a good kid dealing with some tough issues. You are a good mom. You did everything that a good mom would do to help her child. Thank you for sharing your story. I pray that you find peace and comfort during your time of grief. Keep fighting mom!!!! You keep fighting! You deserve justice.
Thank you for sharing your son’s and family’s story. My prayers are with you all. This hits close to home where I live and it’s seems this problem is rising rapidly in our NorCal area. Your pieces of advice at the end are helpful for this mom. I listen to these stories often but I don’t think of some of the things you said about checking in. I talk to my 11 and 8 year old now about being safe and what to look out for, but it’s difficult and scary. Thank you for the courage of sharing. Much peace and love ❤
Only drugusers can help themself, if they realy want to stop. I get headeggs not drinking coffee, i dont want to stop with coffee. The presure with education, jobb money, and young people not always know what to do in life, makes it eacy to pomp a pill from someone. I would never drink from a open bottle found on the street, but it looks like many young people would
Oh honey! My heart breaks for you! Don’t feel guilty. You were definitely in shock. I have a daughter who is a severe alcoholic and I don’t know where she is. I finally had to break my addiction to her. She is 32 and grown. I can’t control and keep her sober. My greatest fear is fentanyl because she does ask anyone for Klonipin. I’m so sorry you had to experience this with your child. The worst pain of all. You lost an ex also. There is no shame in addiction. We need to stop the stigma!
I understand how you said peaceful and calm when my son went to rehab in Florida for a year it was soo peaceful and I thought I was a bad mom feeling that way
Experimenting with drugs or alcohol is NOT normal. We need to change that saying. We need to find out why they are taking drugs 💊 and drinking. I don’t think that they want to die. I feel sorry for those mums who have lost their children in that manner. Please look after your kids. Ask questions. You are not taking over “ their “ privacy.
so sorry for loss of Cole! The loss of a parent is devastating to a child. My son also lost his dad and used drugs to cover his pain. Praying for this sweet mom!
It is probably either that, or she would be so distressed she could not speak. Thankfully for all of us listening, she is able to tell her story. The stigma and lack of recognition of the disease of addiction, will not help anyone to overcome.
Dear Rebekah, I’m truly sorry for your terrible loss of your beloved and loved son Cole! I really hope that there will be justice for your son so the person who’s responsible for poisoning Cole will face justice and hopefully never will be a free person. I know, this won’t bring your son back but there have to be consequences for such horrible crimes. And please don’t blame yourself on why you didn’t ask that day in the ER what Fentanyl was or is, for me as a parent it is more than understandable that you had enough in your head after almost losing your child to a Fentanyl overdose. I can’t stress this out enough but I am so thankful that Glen and his amazing team are literally fighting at the frontline with giving family members of Fentanyl Poisoning victims a voice and a platform to educate and to inform. Thanks Glen and Sheri and all the storytellers, y’all doing an amazingly important job! All the best from Germany 🇩🇪, Philipp
You dear momma are the kind of mother every child deserves to have and to be loved ❤ Im so sorry that you lost your precious beautiful boy to this ugly poison. I have a 14 year old boy who has crazy curly hair just like Cole, and i was always taught that curly heads have the most wildest craziest imaginations because they have stories of folklore hidden within each curl waiting to be revealed like a treasure, i was a rambunctious curly headed child and so are my kiddos, and cole reminds me so much of my son. This momma gave all of her love, dedication, fight and beyond for her precious Cole, although he may be gone for now, please take a bit of comfort in knowing that you will be greeted by cole when you leave this life, and enter the next life. I hope you are able to find some peace and healing in your remaining journey in this life ❤
Thankyou for your story, you have saved another life, mine. Two months and two days sober. Everybody self medicates, because emotions are hard to deal with, especially as a teenager. Its like playing russian roulette, but with 5 bullets in the chamber, not one. Its a different, dangerous world out there now. It sounds like you did everything possible to help him. You are an amazing mom. Plese seek out a grief counseling group. Do it for yourself.
"Everyone self medicates, bc emotions are hard to deal with, especially as a teenager." Do teenagers cry? I remember back when, in teenage years, if someone or something upset me, I might break down and have a good cry, which releases tension, then the next day things seemed easier to handle..
Yes! Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome is the cause of so many relapses of Substance Use Disorder. It can last 6 months to 3 years, on average, before the brain can heal from the addiction and the danger is not so great. We need more long-term treatment programs of 18 months or longer. This is not in a restrictive inpatient setting, the whole time, but it involves lots of monitoring (not to punish anyone, but to gauge their progress and needs) and support. I went through this about a decade ago, myself. I needed the full 2 years probation I had (I was blessed with a supportive PO and a great IOP treatment program) to get through it. Then, I went back to school to study addiction, to learn what happened to me and help others. I’m in a Master’s program, now. I’ve been paying as I go, so I can’t take as many classes as I would like to accelerate it, but I use the time to work and strengthen my recovery. Recovery is possible with the right help and support, but it definitely doesn’t happen overnight. Thanks for mentioning post- acute withdrawal syndrome! ❤
Don't let anyone shame you over Cole's drug dependency. Your husband had a drug addiction, which is a disease. Cole had a predisposition, hence his draw toward drug use. You did your best, as did your parents. Cole was the victim of unscrupulous dealers who don't care about the outcome of the drugs they push. Please accept my condolences.
No......drugs don't cause you to have bipolar . Coming from someone that is diagnosed with mental illness. Yes street drugs are used for coping and dealing with it.
Thank you! I have bipolar 1 - rapid cycling. According to statistics, many (if not most) people whose bipolar disorder is undiagnosed or untreated use substances to self medicate the symptoms. Going to a dual diagnosis treatment center got me my diagnosis, and changed my life! I finally had a starting point for managing my mental health, without self-medicating! ❤
You carry on because if nobody fights for our kids they are all doomed bless you heart and I'm so sorry for your loss but please keep fighting for your son and others
What a sweet mother, she did everything she could to help… and it sounds like she had a lot on her plate with two other children, so kudos to her for investing so much into Cole.💖
She’s an angel. So sad
She sure did!! I tried that with my son but the parents were using also!! 😡
My older brother was big into drugs and selling back in the 90s when I was a young teenager. It wasn’t until this particular story, hearing about Cole’s experimenting, have I thought about how much times have changed and how different things are for kids these days. I too dabbled very innocently way back then - and I have a soon to be 18-year-old. It’s terrifying to think that some of the things we did as “kids,” is a matter of life or death for our own now.
I never experienced the time when dabbling wasn’t dangerous or a problem. I have a problem with viewing drug use as innocent fun, and I don’t think that everyone is allowed to have that label.
Amen
staysafer*
I got into drugs for a few years but I wasn't using opioids. One time I was given something that resembled the drug I had been using. Next thing I knew, my boyfriend was smacking me in the face so hard but I wanted to go back and kept trying through being slapped. I felt like I was in the arms of God, but I now know it's the feeling opioids give users. It took him and 2 other males to get me up to my apartment and in a cold shower and it snapped me awake. I could've died that day. After that, I was so scared of that feeling, so uncontrollable and drifting off into the abyss. I got clean shortly after. Take that same scenario from 20 years ago and fast forward to today I would be dead. I have been absolutely and completely honest with my son, and we talked his ear off multiple times about not even trying anything. Only meds you get from doctors and pharmacies, period. It is absolutely not worth your life to experiment with any drugs today. Glorifying drug days of old , it only makes kids think they're missing out.
I have 1 child, not that it makes anything easier when you have more, but if I lost my son, my life's purpose would be no more.
I feel like if I lost my son, it would really be the end of me. I watch these parents talk about their experiences and it reminds me how fragile even our grown boys are and how dangerous the world today is, these kids shouldn't be exposed to any of this.
I was thinking the same exact thing. Nothing is safe...
This is so tragic. This young man had his whole life ahead of him. Im so sorry this happened to your son and to your family. Thank you for sharing your story. R.I.P Cole 🕊
He’s my brother’s age when I lost him to suicide. I’m so sorry to the family 💔
I'd take your Pic down honey. You look young in it and there's lot of sick people out there. Not worth it.
Sorry for you and your family, 🙏🏽.
My condolences may your beautiful brother RIP 😢
Cole had substance abuse disorder. My son did as well. Addiction is a disorder. It’s a mental disorder that the US fails to acknowledge. My son also passed from a fentanyl overdose.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending my condolences.
Processed foods, pharmaceuticals and vaccines also impact the brain negatively. No one talks about that.
I am sorry
Absolutely. I am so very sorry about your son❤🙏
🥲🙏🏽🙏🏽
A mental disorder🤔. Is that what it is called now ?
Bless her heart. She fought and fought for her baby until he was no longer a baby in the eyes of the law and she still fought and did what she could😢😢💔💔 I’m so sorry. Mamma to mamma, 🫂💗.
@@LacedwithLacey2424 They maybe 18 but that's not an adult we mothers know this & these counselors should listen to us they don't have to tell us anything about our kids the law should be the same way.
You are a great mother & it's not your fault that this happened or that you didn't cry at first. I think you are a mother & everyone grieves differently. Look how you are sharing his story. Thank you God bless you
I understand this mother. One of my daughters had Anorexia. It affected us so much. I can understand this lady. 😢
Way to go, mom! You are amazing. So sorry about Cole. But I hope he realized he had an amazing mom.
So sad. We have stop calling drug use ‘normal, natural’ and ‘experimenting’. Kids believe us when we minimize danger. He sounds like a WONDERFUL human. His entire life was destroyed with his dad’s death and then it’s so hard on kids with step parents etc. RIP!! ❤️ This beautiful mama makes SO many excellent points - she is a force for knowledge and good in this world. I hope more people can hear her! She is amazing.
Yes, “all kids experiment”, I hope not, but even so the experiment leads to a drug use disorder and/or death. Lovely kids, with lives to live and families who love them, such a tragic loss💔
His father did drugs, so it’s not inconceivable that Cole did, too. He was past the experimental stage, because people don’t “Robotrip”, unless they are desperate for a high. We need to stop accepting that people can effectively parent children, while they are high or drunk. We must stop normalizing it.
Exactly bc it’s not normal by any means.
@@stephaniec5215 It is absolutely normal for kids to experiment. Go to a science class. Kids learn about the world in different ways. Fentanyl is the problem here, not kids or their parents.
It's neither normal or natural.
It is the worst pain. 💔 I'm so sorry for your loss, mama. Thank you for telling your story and helping educate others 🙏
You guys have no idea the education she provides to people about fentanyl poisoning. In the awareness of Narcan, saving lives. Her and a group of ladies to assemblies for schools for high school students that need to know about the dangers of illicit drugsl! They are really forced to be reckoned with, these ladies!
Rebekah, I'm so sorry for your devastating loss of Cole. His bright spirit still shines. My heart aches for you. ❤❤❤
This is my life every day and it is so scary. I am burned out in every way. I am so sorry for your loss. This is absolutely heartbreaking.
I am so sorry and I hope you get some relief
I know this is only two months after your post. I hope that you are doing better.
Praying for you through the holidays. Hope you and your family are blessed with peace and hope. Glowbelle, have added you & loved ones on my prayer wall.
One common thread in these tributes is that people have no idea and no way to tell what their normally relatively harmless drugs are cut with. Weed, pills, whatever it may be, can now be fatal. I'm sorry for your loss and hope that you will continue to share your and your son's story as it will help others.
Agreed. Initially I used to think as long as it's over the counter or prescribed then have at it. But the greatest thing is when you can heal and control your body and mind with just simple breathing techniques or trained thoughts
@kal22222
There are strips available to determine the presence of Fentanyl ( FTS) in any number of " doctored " medications.
This goes for any preparation cut with Fentanyl. The cost is minimal, simple to perform & saves lives ! Emergency services carry a different type,
& some are available to the addict & next of kin. I don't reside stateside & the protocols & practice may differ significantly.
There are kits that can be used to test drugs. The issue is that maybe these tests are not comprehensive, but also, addicts are not going to use these kits all of the time. Also, many of these parents don’t want to admit it, but their kids know what they are taking. Plenty of people are addicted to fentanyl.
I agree and another common trait seems to be snapchat. Almost every video someone mentions that craphole wastebucket of a social media platform as a primary source of where they got their dope -poison. 😢
And that's EXACTLY why I cultivate my own cannabis. High quality product, gets one very high, and zero risk of toxic fentanyl added.
Loved the sweet way mom told Cole’s story. Your angel is proud of you❤
I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for you to lose your son. You are in my prayers.
There are now several other names for Naloxone ,Narcan is just one of the brand names.
Sorry for your loss .
I Lost my beautiful complicated son Dion last june 2nd 2023 at 6.23 a.m after 12 days on life support😔
Thank you for that info. So sorry for both of your losses. This is murder.
I am sorry for your loss
You’re a loving beautiful wonderful mother. I’m so sorry for you loss…💔 such a difficult age to lose a father. You carry on, strong, and without fear, in honor of Cole, and his father. This life is a gift, but by no means easy.
Great job Mom. Don’t give up the fight. You are stronger than you realize and helping other families more than you know. Rest in peace 😢
Even if your story helps one person to put down the drugs, ITS WORTH IT❤
Yes, she has experienced goodness only how much loss and she is still able to reach out to help others, that is not something we could manage to do. Sending the warmest of warm hugs and thanks for your courage❤
It's very sad to read about fentanyl and how families struggle with the aftermath of a death. It's 😢 tragic. Sending a ton of ❤️ from South Africa.
Hello from Illinios. I asked my kids, nephews, nieces, and their friends if they can't explain in words how they feel, pick out a song that relates to how you are feeling. It has worked for me and other parents to grasp the picture of how they are feeling. Thank you for your courage to share your stories and God Bless you all!
So sad that this young man will never get to live a full life. Please stop these drugs from entering the United States.
Ain’t that something you called the drug dealer up and that son of a gun has audacity to ask if you’re threatening him while he was selling drugs with poison in them!
The finality of death is so hard to cope with.
i struggle with it too
When I was growing up all I was taught about drugs was don’t do it, it can kill you, it will destroy your life. Culturally I received the message that drug addicts are not good people. I didn’t know that people who use drugs are treating something within themselves whether it be grief, trauma, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, or something else. These stories are heartbreaking to watch not only because of the grief of their friends and families but for the pain and anguish the person endured. Life is hard, let’s all try to have compassion.
I'm so sorry you and your family is having To go Through This, you seem like a great mom and sounds like you did everything you could, addiction is such a beast, I've been clean now for 9 years only by The grace of God, getting clean was The hardest Thing I've ever done. Thank you so much for sharing your son's story and your story, he sounds like he was a great young man. Prayers for you and your family
What a wonderful mother, I'm in my late 20s and if I ever have kids or even with my friends with kids I will make sure to use parts of her story to help educate them on how you never know what's in a pill from a stranger. Thoughts are with you and your beautiful son
So grateful you all showed the actual captions snap dealers use
Loosing a parent for anybody at any age is tough R.I.P to both.😢❤
I hope your family gets some form of justice for Cole. The "kids" think they are bullet proof and invincible even though they know of danger. It's mind blowing how little the MSM is reporting on this epidemic. Makes you wonder why not. Thank you to Texas Pictures for these important stories. Parents need to be parents and educate themselves.
thank you
This woman is being extremely honest and I love the honesty because people NEED TO HEAR IT!! truly and wholeheartedly HESR it! The good, the bad and the ugly! I have three children two girls and one boy! They’re 16, 18 and almost 20! With my boy in the middle. It’s been terrifying to know what kids are doing now days and what they THINK they’re safe to just “try this one just once” but one time is all it takes to take someone’s life!!! It happens too often and it’s just heartbreaking!
Please don’t mess with the crap!!
💕💕Sorry for your loss,I admire you your one amazing mom,most kids would do anything to have a mother like you,you did your best💕💕
Beautiful & Strong family! Cole will be never be forgotten his experiences may save life's because of your bravery to share your testimony. Rest in Peace Cole ~ Fly high with the Angels ❤
Super mom! You tried and went over and above! I am so heartbroken for you and your family. There, but for the grace of God, go I. You are a super mom.
Rebekah, so proud of you. I know its not easy telling his story and heartbreaking. I learned new things about Cole watching this. Love you and hugs. ♥️🙏🤗
‘Experimenting’ w/narcotics IS NOT NORMAL. The term is being applied in this case isn’t appropriate. He was an addict w/mental health issues. He had addictive behavior w/ everything he did.Had he come from a different environment the term ‘experimenting’ wouldn’t have been an option for him. He would’ve simply been labeled an out of control, combative teenager that abused drugs. Hearing her constantly say ‘experimenting w/drugs’ is cringy. He certainly should have been evaluated thoroughly for mental health issues early on. Grief counseling should have been a part of his regimen as well. He went through a horrible time unfortunately. He was self medicating to feel better mentally and emotionally. I hope his siblings are living a happy, peaceful life.
As a mental health clinician, I agree 100%.
As an addict I agree. Never touched drugs or alcohol but I have all hallmarks of an addictive personality so I stay away from them for fear of death. Addictive personality disorder is so important to recognize in yourself and others. Specially I. Young people.
❤Such a Sweet Rebecca doing what a Mom does. God Bless You my Prayers go out to all of you Sweet Mom's. I'm 66 years old I Never was able too have Children, but I have 10 Sisters who do. I don't Stress hardly but when I start seeing documents like this, it can hit home. I Pray to God daily that this Ugly Epidemic ends. Your a Great Mom to struggle daily with his death and raising a Family.
May Cole R.I.Heaven and May the Lord wrap his loving arms around y'all. God Bless You 🙌🙏🙌Sweet Rebecca
So sorry for your loss sweetie 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 I never had kids but when my brother passed away at 54 from an abdominal aneurysm , the thing I missed was his text as well ! 🙏🏻❤️
I can relate to everything you said your story is my son’s story. My son is still alive but on the streets … it’s so hard and everyday is a new fight! Am I losing?, it feels like it. 🥀
STOP IT IS NOT NORMAL for a child of ANY age to experiment with drugs.
It’s shocking to me that people actually believe this it’s the same folks that think weed is harmless this is a lovely mom and I do have compassion for her but someone really needs to say these things to children I am very blessed that I did not have to deal with this. I don’t know how I would’ve done it. Bless you
I agree with you, perhaps we could say it a little more quietly, and I don’t have children and don’t live in the USA, but I hope there never comes a time when experimentation is considered normal. It is playing with fire.
My boys have never experimented with drugs. Never. They are now 26 and almost 29. They grew up with my weed cookies/brownies in the freezer, mushroom chocolates etc. Yet, they chose not to follow in my footsteps. They don't even drink. I never had to worry about them ever. They got all the drunk and stoned kids home, not all kids are the same.
@@sylviekinsexperimentation is considered normal today, unfortunately. Seems like too many kids and their parents feel it’s a “rite of passage”. I count my blessings everyday I didn’t have to deal with this.
My heart goes out to these parents.
Mom you fought a good fight you did everything you could as a mom to protect your son I pray for you and your family my condolences go out to you all continue to pray and ask God to bring you peace❤
Cole was a rarity to have the tremendous fortune to survive the first time. To take ANY chance again absolutely proves his mental illness which leads so many to coping mechanisms. I WISH my precious cousin had a 2nd chance. HE MAY have understood the wakeup call surviving is. Instead he, like Cole, died alone in a hotel from fentanyl poisoning. No 2nd chances for my precious Michael.
I’m very sorry for your loss. Prayers
I am so sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss 🙏 ♥️
Thank you for having the courage to share Cole's and your story.
My heart is broken for you and your family 💔 thank you for sharing your journey with your Beautiful Cole 🙏
Such a sweet Mom..I have teenage grandchildren and I worry about them all the time. Sending hugs from California.
Such a lovely lady. God bless you for being brave enough to share your story. I hope it helps save some lives.
I'm so sorry 😔
This is so heartbreaking. I don't think there is anything normal or natural about a 13 year old experimenting with drugs. That's a big red flag. Sounds like Cole had alot of mental and emotional problems. He used drugs to self medicate. Mom definitely did her best, with what she could. If nothing else he knew Mom loved him.
So i believe you said your son passed 2021 correct? If so i appreciate that uou still proceeded to pursue answers over the 3 years scince .i have not been ready to get the coroner's report yet,and also all of my Sons medical and mental health records .But i will ...so i appreciate you shareing your process.🙏
Omg mom and family I'm so sorry 💔🕊🙏🏼 Addiction doesn't discriminate.
Such a sad story. And yes we know Mom
Its hard to explain the situations at the time.
Finally a mom I can relate to. Because weed is not ok and zi would have done the same thing! I'm calling the dope dealer going off! Weed is a DRUG! These parents act like it's ok. This mother and grandparents did all they can do!
Mom, your loved ones are closer than you know. They are pure conscious energy, and can hear your words. Instead of texts, they send you signs. Hummingbirds, butterflies, songs and sunsets. I died 3 times and was still in the room, although no one could see or hear me. Often he is sitting right beside you, sending you loving vibrations and hugs, especially in your quietest moments. He is still part of your life!
Thank you for sharing your story with Cole! I’m so lucky not to be in your situation with my kids who have experimented as younger. You and your Family did all you could with the knowledge you had, all love and respect! This was educating and easy to relate to. ❤❤❤
I'm so very sorry to hear the story of how you lost Cole to this scourge. My heart breaks for you. I have so much in common with your story.. 3 kids with a middle daughter and our eldest son has struggled with drug use periodically since the age of 15 or so when he started with weed. Now (he is 21) it is pills and he OD'd one night about a year ago but I was lucky that it was here in our home and I happened to hear what I thought was strange snoring one morning when I got up. It wasn't snoring. He ended up in the ICU in an induced coma for 24 hours but then made a complete recovery. But it hasn't scared him off of it. I live in fear all the time and like you - can only offer help that so far anyway, he hasn't chosen to take. We can only do the best that we know to do.. I am learning about this world as I go and trying to help him in any way he will let me. You were there for your son.. your love and care for him is unmistakable. I'm so very sorry it didn't save him.
This was so touching to me had a bit of 😢cuz very similar experiences ❤❤❤
By far, one of my favorite tributes. What a wonderful mom she seems to be. Very sorry for her loss.
Thank you for sharing your story about Cole!!!
Another tragedy. Only the heroin users died in my time being in my 20s in the 90s. The usual thing was that the heroin addicts died at around 27-28 after 7-8 years of abuse and some rehab attempts. The rest of us dabbling in drugs just have a bunch of stories. A tragedy that marajuana is legal now. Back then it was a big deal when we got hold of some pot and booze. It being so readily available and used by many of all ages sends the strong signal and without question leads to death as the stepping stone it is. Nobody but those in the obvious danger zone past in my time despite at times being totally wasted out of our minds.
I am so sad for you Becca, and you cry anytime you need to. I can't imagine the pain after everything Cole had been through. And I'm also so sorry for the family and friends that loved him too , I felt so bad for Grandpa . RIH Cole, you will never be forgotten
Drugs will cause a person not want to eat. I went through that when I came home from hospital from having surgery
You should focus more on the kids that nobody remembers, the ones whose parents don't give a shit and who because of that turned to drugs and died. Yeah it's good to give the grieving parents a way to spread the message. But with these stories it's always "he was loved, he had a good life, he was talented, people liked him, his friends miss him. He only ever tried the pill once and then died." and nobody talks about the lost souls of young people who turned to drugs because they didn't have a loving family, who were abused and bullied, who were socially ostracized and then are forgotten or just remembered as "just another stupid junkie kid who got into fent" even if it was some other drug that was just laced. They are just as worthy of remembrance.
Totally agree. A life’s a life. Those stories are definitely covered on other channels, for example Soft White Underbelly. This channel is a public service announcement to the parents and families that either have no clue about illicit fentanyl laced into everything, or have the mindset that it would never happen to their loving, successful family. Would those families tune into a channel with shitty parents sharing a story about how they fucked up their kids so their kids turned to drugs? No. They’d say, well of course, and we aren’t like them so it’s not going to happen. It’s not their audience or messaging on this channel. Come to think of it, start the channel you want. That’s the best way to make it happen
@@joe1071truth 💯! I’m keen on Soft White Underbelly too.
Not to be crass....but the forgotten, ostracized kids that no one cares about including their parents...have no one to talk or care about them in death either
Condolences to the family over the loss of father and son.❤
I am sorry you lost your son, Cole. You brought him to life in this video. What a sweet young man.
Continue to heal, you deserve it... You're a great Mom! ❤
I'm sorry your family had to go through this. I hope one day you get justice for him. Thank you for telling his story.
Please take care of yourself in the midst of all of this. ❤
My heart goes out to you and your family . May Cole Rest in peace.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your son was a good kid dealing with some tough issues. You are a good mom. You did everything that a good mom would do to help her child. Thank you for sharing your story. I pray that you find peace and comfort during your time of grief. Keep fighting mom!!!! You keep fighting! You deserve justice.
Thank you for sharing your son’s and family’s story. My prayers are with you all. This hits close to home where I live and it’s seems this problem is rising rapidly in our NorCal area. Your pieces of advice at the end are helpful for this mom. I listen to these stories often but I don’t think of some of the things you said about checking in. I talk to my 11 and 8 year old now about being safe and what to look out for, but it’s difficult and scary. Thank you for the courage of sharing. Much peace and love ❤
RIP Cole 🙏🙏🙏
Prayers and Healing for all who love you 🙏🙏🙏
Great Mum ❤
Only drugusers can help themself, if they realy want to stop. I get headeggs not drinking coffee, i dont want to stop with coffee. The presure with education, jobb money, and young people not always know what to do in life, makes it eacy to pomp a pill from someone. I would never drink from a open bottle found on the street, but it looks like many young people would
Oh honey! My heart breaks for you! Don’t feel guilty. You were definitely in shock. I have a daughter who is a severe alcoholic and I don’t know where she is. I finally had to break my addiction to her. She is 32 and grown. I can’t control and keep her sober. My greatest fear is fentanyl because she does ask anyone for Klonipin. I’m so sorry you had to experience this with your child. The worst pain of all. You lost an ex also. There is no shame in addiction. We need to stop the stigma!
I understand how you said peaceful and calm when my son went to rehab in Florida for a year it was soo peaceful and I thought I was a bad mom feeling that way
#colebrown stopdruguse my condolences
Experimenting with drugs or alcohol is NOT normal. We need to change that saying. We need to find out why they are taking drugs 💊 and drinking. I don’t think that they want to die. I feel sorry for those mums who have lost their children in that manner. Please look after your kids. Ask questions. You are not taking over “ their “ privacy.
So many questions honestly..but I’ll just say Rest In Peace Cole.
I m sorry that Cole is gone. My condolences.
so sorry for loss of Cole! The loss of a parent is devastating to a child. My son also lost his dad and used drugs to cover his pain. Praying for this sweet mom!
I'm so sorry for your loss may Cole rest in peace
Mama was very matter of fact.
It is probably either that, or she would be so distressed she could not speak. Thankfully for all of us listening, she is able to tell her story. The stigma and lack of recognition of the disease of addiction, will not help anyone to overcome.
Tragic story…..you did all you could. thanks for sharing.
RIP Cole🙏
Dear Rebekah, I’m truly sorry for your terrible loss of your beloved and loved son Cole!
I really hope that there will be justice for your son so the person who’s responsible for poisoning Cole will face justice and hopefully never will be a free person. I know, this won’t bring your son back but there have to be consequences for such horrible crimes.
And please don’t blame yourself on why you didn’t ask that day in the ER what Fentanyl was or is, for me as a parent it is more than understandable that you had enough in your head after almost losing your child to a Fentanyl overdose.
I can’t stress this out enough but I am so thankful that Glen and his amazing team are literally fighting at the frontline with giving family members of Fentanyl Poisoning victims a voice and a platform to educate and to inform.
Thanks Glen and Sheri and all the storytellers, y’all doing an amazingly important job!
All the best from Germany 🇩🇪, Philipp
You dear momma are the kind of mother every child deserves to have and to be loved ❤ Im so sorry that you lost your precious beautiful boy to this ugly poison. I have a 14 year old boy who has crazy curly hair just like Cole, and i was always taught that curly heads have the most wildest craziest imaginations because they have stories of folklore hidden within each curl waiting to be revealed like a treasure, i was a rambunctious curly headed child and so are my kiddos, and cole reminds me so much of my son. This momma gave all of her love, dedication, fight and beyond for her precious Cole, although he may be gone for now, please take a bit of comfort in knowing that you will be greeted by cole when you leave this life, and enter the next life. I hope you are able to find some peace and healing in your remaining journey in this life ❤
I’m glad I got out of the drug scene before fentanyl started appearing in stuff.
You did good mama!! You did everything!!! Hugs I’m sorry this happened to you
Thankyou for your story, you have saved another life, mine. Two months and two days sober. Everybody self medicates, because emotions are hard to deal with, especially as a teenager. Its like playing russian roulette, but with 5 bullets in the chamber, not one. Its a different, dangerous world out there now. It sounds like you did everything possible to help him. You are an amazing mom. Plese seek out a grief counseling group. Do it for yourself.
"Everyone self medicates, bc emotions are hard to deal with, especially as a teenager." Do teenagers cry?
I remember back when, in teenage years, if someone or something upset me, I might break down and have a good cry, which releases tension, then the next day things seemed easier to handle..
Protracted withdrawal is at play w fentanyl & all drugs .
Yes! Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome is the cause of so many relapses of Substance Use Disorder. It can last 6 months to 3 years, on average, before the brain can heal from the addiction and the danger is not so great. We need more long-term treatment programs of 18 months or longer. This is not in a restrictive inpatient setting, the whole time, but it involves lots of monitoring (not to punish anyone, but to gauge their progress and needs) and support. I went through this about a decade ago, myself. I needed the full 2 years probation I had (I was blessed with a supportive PO and a great IOP treatment program) to get through it. Then, I went back to school to study addiction, to learn what happened to me and help others. I’m in a Master’s program, now. I’ve been paying as I go, so I can’t take as many classes as I would like to accelerate it, but I use the time to work and strengthen my recovery. Recovery is possible with the right help and support, but it definitely doesn’t happen overnight. Thanks for mentioning post- acute withdrawal syndrome! ❤
Poor beautiful sweetheart 😔…. "Everybody deserves justice." … RIP Cole🕊️🩵👼🏻
I’m so 😢 sorry
Don't let anyone shame you over Cole's drug dependency. Your husband had a drug addiction, which is a disease. Cole had a predisposition, hence his draw toward drug use. You did your best, as did your parents. Cole was the victim of unscrupulous dealers who don't care about the outcome of the drugs they push. Please accept my condolences.
My brother also overdosed on methadone
Unfortunately this is possible as well, I am so very sorry❤
No......drugs don't cause you to have bipolar . Coming from someone that is diagnosed with mental illness. Yes street drugs are used for coping and dealing with it.
Thank you! I have bipolar 1 - rapid cycling. According to statistics, many (if not most) people whose bipolar disorder is undiagnosed or untreated use substances to self medicate the symptoms. Going to a dual diagnosis treatment center got me my diagnosis, and changed my life! I finally had a starting point for managing my mental health, without self-medicating! ❤
This was my Son's Classmate. I cannot believe I am watching a story about this young man. 💔
What a good, strong, brave mother.
You carry on because if nobody fights for our kids they are all doomed bless you heart and I'm so sorry for your loss but please keep fighting for your son and others