Heavy heart today

Yesterday I heard the news that a young man who I knew had passed away.  I do not know the details of his passing but my heart is heavy for his family and friends who had so much love for him. This young man came into our lives over 30 years ago. He was my son Andy's "best friend" when they were in grade school. He spend many hours playing at our house with both Andy and Ashton. We moved from the area and I did not see that boy for many years. I ran into him next at a very hard time in my life. I was at an Narcotics Anonynous meeting and this tall healthy looking man grabbed me and said, " are you mama Dodge? " I could not figure out who he was until he told me. We stayed after the meeting and talked for a long time about the hold of addiction. He was very open and shared many feelings about the many times he had disappointed his family. The time spend in jail and how this was the time. This time he would beat this beast. Never again would he put his family and himself though the struggles addiction had caused. I watched this "boy" become stronger and clearer as time went by.
      I did not see this young man coming after a while.  I ran into his mother one day and she told me he was doing well but still fighting hard to improve his life.  Then to see his obituary in the paper shook me up pretty bad. 
        Addiction kills.  It kills family, friends, jobs, and lives. I have lost several cousins to this killer. I have lost several friends. I am sad this young man's mother has to bury her son. She was his greatest supporter and strength.  He had so many hopes and dreams.  RIP your struggle is over.