My youngest daughter told me she thinks I am an activist a few days ago.  I didn’t think so. I have never looked at myself like that at all. She said she was discussing this with my friend, who is a school teacher.  This brought a grin to my face. I love that my daughter is getting educated.

Now that I get to thinking about it, I may have some activist like behaviors.  I certainly have decided that in 2018 I will no longer be treated like I have the plague because someone I love suffers from addiction.  Matter of fact, I have decided that it is high time for our small community to become educated.

I decided to speak at our local Tribal Council meeting in February.  That was a bit hard. I was the last person lined up to speak and I had to wait almost a full two hours!! This gave me plenty of time to sweat and be nervous and replay what I wanted to say over and over.

Now, next week I am going to promote Black Balloon Day!! This is on March 6th.  I am so exicted to tie a black balloon on my house and on my vehicles!!  This is because  someone I love dearly is affected by addiction and to honor someone lost to an overdose.  So if you have someone you love affected by addiction, you can tie a black ballooon on your car or at your house.  Take a photo and use the hashtage #BlackBalloonDay on Facebook and Instagram to show your support.

I will be hosting another event or two to bring awareness in our community in 2018.  I will keep you posted.  Addiction is not a moral failing, it is a chronic neurological disorder.  I plan to keep bringing opportunities to educate others on this and to bring back love and compassion to those suffering and their families and anyone who needs it.