Learning the truth, again

We had just arrived at our vacation destination, Cancun Mexico. This was a much needed, much anticipated trip to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of my middle child. She had recently graduated with her Master's Degree and was about to embark on her very first "big girl" job. Her dad and I couldn't be more proud of her. Her graduation trip was a chance for the three of us to all take a deep exhale from the rigors of our crazy lives.

Energy was extremely high as the bellhop dropped our bags inside our ocean view room. Is there anything more glorious than that bright turquoise water washing over those white sands? Ahhhh.... I suddenly felt a small vibration in my pocket. I reached in and pulled out my cell phone. There was a text. Hmmm, I saw his name, my first born. He knows where I am, I thought. What could he possibly want?

Mom, I need to tell you something. I typed it up last night so here it is. I've been using for the past five months. I'm a mess. I should probably just kill myself. I probably will if I don't stop. This stuff on the street isn't heroin anymore. It's some sort of fentanyl/heroin/fake crap. The sickness is insane if I stop, the worst I've ever felt. My life is over. I'm sorry.

My heart sank into my stomach. I felt a mixture of deep sadness, fear and resentment. I was not about to let this kid ruin yet another celebration of his siblings. Not this time. My resolve was strong...for about 20 minutes...