The National Addiction Memorial honors the loved ones we’ve lost.

My nephew Michael was a smart, talented, and outgoing person. He could make friends with anyone and was often the life of the party, or class clown, when he was young. He effortlessly played guitar and drums. Michael could pick up on any type of music and join in and this was his passion. In his late teens he started making some poor decisions as many young people do. He seemed to always be the one to get caught for every little thing. This led to multiple misdemeanors for simple possession, petty theft, trespassing, etc. Once he was on the radar of the local cops, it never stopped. He was a suspect for everything. With his long but unremarkable record and being on probation constantly it was difficult for him to get ahead. Hard to find a good job, apartment, etc. He eventually became addicted to heroin. In December 2018 he started a 90 day rehab program. He came home in March 2019 and was doing great. He got a good full-time job that he loved, was paying his bills, etc. Michael was his old self again and we enjoyed being around him. He was spending time with his two kids, who are 4 and 5 years old. He was seemingly in that "good place" and improving each day. On October 26th 2019, alone in his home, he choose heroin for the last time and it won. I don't have any answers but something has to change. We need to get this drug off the street. The legal system needs to stop setting up petty, non-violent offenders for failure with each and every conviction. Work programs and mental health assistance are a must!

Bruce Alfred Merkler, 63, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2020 in Easton, PA, where he resided for the past four years. Born in Plainfield, NJ, Bruce was raised in Westfield by his mother, Marie “Dosie” Sisto Merkler, and his father, Larry Merkler, among many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Bruce graduated from Westfield High School in 1974 and continued higher education classes in construction while living in Phoenix, AZ. Bruce worked in construction his entire career, most notably as a superintendent for commercial construction sites in New Jersey, New York, Arizona, and California, building movie theaters, retail stores, large apartment buildings, schools, and office buildings. A life-long Oakland Raiders fan, Bruce’s tattoo of the Raider emblem showed his pride for his favorite team. Bruce always brought a smile and a laugh to anyone, as he was always ready to crack a joke. He made friends with everybody he met, and those who were lucky to be close with him, knew how much he valued the relationships he built. His generosity will never be forgotten, as you could always look to him for a favor, no matter how big or small. He is survived by a daughter, a sister, a niece, and two nephews, along with his ex-wife and best friend.

Brett had a heart of gold...he would do anything for anybody.
He had such great potential but the demon drug took it all away.
We can not lose one more beautiful life to this disease.

It is almost impossible to capture a person on a tribute page. Our mother will not be defined as an addict with a mental illness, but rather as a human being who was loving, generous, funny, beautiful, strong and resilient. Mom embodied the spirit of helping those around her, regardless of how others saw her or her peers. We miss her every day but know she is at peace.

"Love as powerful as your mother's for you
leaves it's own mark. To have been loved
so deeply, even though the person who loved
us is gone, will give us some protection forever."
- J.K. Rowling

Let me introduce you to Ryan Moore. As a 25 year old, Ryan loved life and all it had to offer. Ryan loved music, playing drums, and going to concerts, especially with mosh pits. His favorite band was “A Day to Remember”. He was caring, empathetic, and had the biggest heart. He had many new things in his life – his own apartment, a girlfriend, a job cooking at a restaurant that he loved. He worked many hours, but said that was good because it kept him busy and gave him a chance to save some money. Ryan told me that he wanted to set up a weight bench in the basement so that he could start working out again. Working out made him feel good. Ryan did not have much in his apartment, but what he had I know meant a lot to him. Ryan was working hard on being an adult and being independent. As his mom, I was so proud of him, but I was also scared.
Having a child that suffers from substance use disorders and been to rehab more than once, leaves you cautious. I did not ask the hard questions to my son because I was scared of the answers. Now I live with the guilt of those unasked and unanswered questions.
I never sent Ryan money. I was afraid that he would buy drugs or alcohol. Instead, I sent care packages. In early December 2018, I sent Ryan a care package. Ryan lived in CT while I live in FL. Ryan texted me on Sunday, December 16 that he received the package and loved the blanket. We said that we loved each other. At 4:00pm on Monday, December 17, 2018, my life forever changed. I got the call that Ryan was dead. My youngest son was gone. Died alone in his apartment. It was ruled accidental overdose (heroin with fentanyl) but I call it drug–induced homicide. No one was ever charged with his murder.
The bright and promising future for my son is gone. Ryan’s addicted brain won the battle and he lost the fight on December 17, 2018 at only 25 years young. I found out after his death that he was going into rehab that day. I will never see my son married, become a father, go to college, or become an uncle to his brother’s children. I miss his smile. I miss his laugh. I mostly miss his hugs. There are no more new memories to be made. All I can do is make sure that Ryan did not die in vain. He was too special to this world to be forgotten. It was my job to teach Ryan about the world. Now it's my job to teach the world about Ryan. Opioids killed my son. I am forever changed because I am forever heartbroken.
I am Forever Ryan’s Mom. Remember his name, Ryan Moore.

Our mother had a beautiful soul. She was the strongest woman we ever could have known. She had a laugh that would light up a room and she made an impact on everyone she met. Her addiction began with physical pain and doctors who thought they were doing right. Even in the middle of it, she uprooted her life and moved home to take care of her dying mom, which she did with strength, compassion, and love. She fought this storm that she was never meant to come out of. I don't know why God called her home when he did, why things happened, but I know it wasn't in vain. Because of her, I have begun a new career path, starting with becoming a peer specialist, and I will devote the rest of my life to helping others win the battle she couldn't. Her loss will allow others to live. Family was everything to her and this loss has propelled her children, and our children, to places we never thought we'd be. Because of Mom, we are strong and resilient. Because of Mom, we are kind and compassionate.

Logan Thomas Walls was always a child with a big smile! He was delightful, fearless, and curious. He was also an introvert, a follower, and a people pleaser - he wanted to bring happiness to others. As he grew older, he felt different, and he had pain that he covered up. Logan suffered with depression and low self esteem. But, as a contrast, he was gifted in music and taught himself to play the bass, guitar, and keyboard! He was beginning to develop his talents in acting, voice-over acting, and audio recording. He was always so humble and self-deprecating but his talents were exceptional! One night, he wanted to celebrate. He found an acquaintance and now Logan is gone from this earth. I didn't get to see him for five days. It was agonizing to not see my son, hold him, hug him, touch his forehead, kiss his cheek. There are many: "I wish's"; "why didn't I"; "why him Lord"; "if only I could have"; and many other questions. Something good has to come from the loss of my son!

Evan was an only child who had an exciting and adventurous life. He traveled the world. Having grown up in the Clearwater, Florida, area his whole life, he had a passion for the water. His happiest times were boating with his father and many wonderful friends over his lifetime. He most loved lobster diving in the FL keys. He also loved golfing. Evan was very intelligent, well rounded, and so kindhearted. He had no tattoos or body piercings. He fought hard to beat his addiction, especially the last few years before his death. He was in and out of rehab and that was a battle alone, just handling the insurance companies and finding the right level of care at just the right time. Evan had the biggest heart and expressed so much love and gratitude for the support given by his parents and by me. I know he’s still with me. I want to write a book about it all. He was an amazing person on so many levels aside from his addiction. When he smiled he smiled with his whole face. However, he would tell me about the shame he felt and the guilt for its impact to his parents lives. He was hurting emotionally so badly and also developed very serious health issues related to the addiction that complicated his rehab. Evan kept the 11th Step Prayer over his bed, “Lord make me a channel of Thy peace...” which ends “It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. Amen”

Chris was loving and kind. His family and friends meant the world to him. He was loved by many and will be missed by many.

Tommy fought long and hard to beat his addiction. He was a kind son and brother who we all miss dearly--more than words can express.

Logan was always a brother to look up to or a son to be proud of. He taught himself many different instruments including guitar and piano that helped brighten up those around him. He may have had his faults but that didn't stop him from loving or being loved. This world is too uncertain to let loved ones slip through the cracks. If you or someone you know is trubbled with something, either major or minor, lend an ear. It's the least that could be done and it may save a life.

Tyler had a large heart and was a very understanding young man, who was kind, generous, and very smart. He graduated eighth in his class out of 347 students. He went away to university on an academic scholarship. While in high school, he loved to play tennis, and he was captain his senior year, was a member of several clubs, including the chess club and debate team. He loved soccer, he liked to go fishing and hiking, and he was very active. He was a precious, precious soul. Forever 22. Never forgotten, always loved, always remembered. Tyler James Kemp: Son, brother, uncle, friend.

Parker was my husband and the love of my life. He had a crack addiction and was an alcoholic. He passed away due to these two diseases.

Jared was amazing. He was smart and kind and patient. He struggled very much with his addiction. He helped many people who were also struggling. He was such a great gift. He had such a talent with people. He was always trying to make you laugh. He was sensitive. Being a grown man he would show emotion. He was just simply amazing.

He was a wonderful son and daddy, so caring and loving. I love and miss my son Alan so so much.

I miss her beautiful smile and the way she could make you laugh on your worst day. She was always smiling, no matter how her day was going. She was a very loving young lady who lost her battle to addiction on September 22, 2015. A day I will never forget.

December 23rd would have been Hope’s 23rd birthday. Instead, we lost her to carfentanil, 100 times more deadly than fentanyl on August 16th. Her father found her dead in her car at the parking lot behind Dillard’s. What’s burned in my mind is the image of her, dead in the hospital, ash grey, with her eyes open and blood running from her mouth. Then we went to the funeral home the next day to see her before she was cremated, which is what she wanted. Her body was frozen, and wax was on her lips to keep them closed. No one can EVER understand the agony of losing your child, EVER! It’s all you think about, all day, every day. Crying, depressed, and there’s nothing anyone can do. We are suffering, realizing that it’s for the rest of our lives. I’m so sorry for all of us that have lost a child. This was MURDER, and I will do whatever is possible to find this person. You have no idea that what you did has ruined our lives. God Bless you Hope Margaret. I only pray that I see you again. I love you more than anything.
Your loving Father and Mother.

Tiffany (TJ) Milner was a vibrant, loving mom. Her daughter was her every breath. She was committed to her community and helping anyone who needed her. She believed in education and was working on furthering her own education. Every day, I miss her smile, her voice, her strength, and wisdom. I miss seeing her with her daughter and all the giggles and laughter. If only I had known her inner battle with opioids due to chronic pain. My heart aches for her.😇

My son was a Beautiful Loving Caring Man. Very talented artist! He is missed in this world by his family and seven siblings here on Earth. Gone but not forgotten! 😇❤️🙏🏼