Love and Repeat

By Mike Musgrove

I am struggling with this newsletter story. Maybe because it isn’t really a story, maybe because it isn’t as heartwarming as I would like it to be. Yesterday, I learned that another person near and dear to the mission was claimed by the opioid crisis. Today, I awoke to learn that it is All Souls’ Day. A day when Catholics around the world remember and pray for people who have departed from this earth. So, today, I am starting my day remembering those who have departed because of a horrid beast that steals the breath from our wonderfully made friends, neighbours and family members.  

I am not going quote the statistics of opioid deaths. You can look up the stats if you want. This is about the people, not the number, because when you are thinking about a person, one death is too many. 

I remember Hassan, who after we administered naloxone and CPR to reverse his overdose, cried and hugged me until the ambulance arrived. 6 months later, despite efforts to bring him back he departed from our lives. He had a warm smile, a brilliant mind, and he loved his family deeply. 

I remember Sarah, who left us two weeks ago. She welcomed me to SUMS 7 years ago and patiently helped me with my ignorance. She fought a lot, and she cared a lot. She was an artist, and she captured the world around her in her paintings. 

I remember John, who told stories and made us laugh. He had an amazing ability to brush off his own pain to help lift others out of theirs. I remember the day he apologized to me after an overdose and thanked me for saving him. I gave him a hug and said, “John, what is it going to take to get you out of this?” “No one having Naloxone” was his reply. Despite efforts to get him help, he died two weeks later, alone. 

Lastly, I remember our staff and many others who administer naloxone and CPR to save lives daily. Sometimes, despite their heroic efforts people do not survive and another precious soul departs, leaving scars behind. I love the staff at SUMS and I am often stunned at their willingness to do what it takes to save lives.  

In Romans, Paul wrote, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.”(12:9-10). While the crisis continues, we are planning programs that will help break the barriers that cause stagnancy. It is our goal to love sincerely and see lives find new way to stretch, move and navigate new paths to better destinations.  

Many of those reading this have been impacted by the opioid crisis and have suffered, or continue to suffer, the resulting pain of loss. All of us have a role to play in this assault on our loved ones. I suggest we start by hating that this is happening and grab on tight to the goodness that surrounds us. Then, take hold of the people who are around you and let them know they are precious, they are loved, and repeat. 

This weekend I will join with friends and sing mass at a funeral, share my condolences with his wife and family, then gather, sip some wine, and eat pizza with friends, love, and repeat.  

And repeat.