Im writing this as catharsis for myselftelling the truth as I see it. I dont believe anyone has the chutzpa to print it. I believe as a species, particularly gay species, we dont like to look at the truthit is rarely pretty and is often quite messy and ugly, not to mention painful.
The truth as I see it is that my parents were right, my teachers were right, and (as amazing as it may be) my government was right! They were absolutely on target when they lectured and educated and video taped (ad nauseam) the message ALCOHOL AND MARIJUANA USE LEADS TO HEROIN USEWHICH WILL KILL YOU!
I, of course, thought this was propaganda and lies. Does anyone out there think Paiges family agrees today? Is anyone out there still naive enough to believe Paiges death was an unfortunate isolated event? I have believed in this town for ten years and have, up close and personal, watched our community deteriorate as the drug use increased. When I met Paige, ten years ago, she indulged in an occasional joint and a beer. Today shes dead from drugsthats the truth. The truth, not dressed up and not sugar coated so that people can swallow it easier.
The second part of the truth, as I see it, is that many people contributed to her death. Those who partied with her, you know who you are, as well as those who looked the other way. Will guilt and shame and remorse bring her back? I think not! But maybe we can use her death as a wake up call. Maybe we can honor her as she deserves to be honored. How? Its an individual journey and it begins with honesty. This community has resources available to fight this disease called addiction. Each one of us has a responsibility to face the truth and do whatever we can to fight this killing monster called addiction, honestly for Paige, for ourselves. Wake up!
Tricia McCoy
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7/11/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.