I still mother them….

In eight years of running Face the Facts Delaware, I have stood in front of a lot of people. I’ve shared Vincent’s story more times than I can count. I’ve spoken at schools, community events, recovery meetings, and overdose awareness events. But today was the first time I ever stood before lawmakers and testified on a bill I believe in.

Walking into Legislative Hall in Dover felt different.

As I sat there listening, I kept thinking about how many people were willing to stand up and share some of the hardest parts of their lives. That takes courage. It’s not easy to tell strangers about your addiction, your recovery, your loss, or your mistakes. Yet person after person got up and did exactly that.

The testimony that stayed with me the most was Dennis Vickery’s story. I’ve had the privilege of watching Dennis grow into the man he is today. Listening to him speak was a reminder that recovery is possible and that people can build incredible lives when given the chance.

What struck me throughout the hearing was how often people lose sight of the fact that we’re talking about human beings.

Not statistics.

Not talking points.

Not political positions.

People.

People who are struggling. People who are hurting. People who have families who love them. People who deserve the opportunity to be here tomorrow.

Every day through Face the Facts Delaware, I meet people where they are. Sometimes they’re ready for treatment. Sometimes they’re ready for recovery. Sometimes they’re not ready for either. But I have learned that if someone is no longer alive, there is no chance for any of those things.

That’s why I support SB 249.

Not because it will solve addiction.

Not because it is a magic answer.

Because it has the potential to keep people alive until they find the gift of recovery.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

I left Dover grateful. Grateful for everyone who showed up. Grateful for every person who shared their story. Grateful to be part of a community that continues to fight for people who are often forgotten.

One thing Enzo said today really stuck with me. He talked about the collateral damage of overdose.

The collateral damage looks like human beings.

As someone who buried a 23-year-old son, I know exactly what that means.

And that’s why I will continue to show up, continue to speak, and continue to fight for policies that give people another chance.

Because dead people do not recover.