Today marks 2 1/2 years that my son departed. No, not on a trip abroad, no not even leaving for college where I might be sad that I wouldn’t see him for a few weeks or months. No, he left forever when he died as a result of alcohol poisoning from binge drinking.
2 1/2 years ago on January 24, 2015, was the last day I held my 20-year-old son, hugged his muscular body, told him I loved him, stroked his smooth skin, inhaled his scent hoping to never ever forget any of his 20+ years and prayed that God would take him quickly after “existing” in a coma for 7 days.
I share this memory in hopes that those who (take the time) to read will not just think “oh, that’s a shame” but actually commit their lives, YOUR LIFE, to making a change to alter our ever so accepted binge drinking culture. People die, kids die, Christian DIED, Tim Piazza died and there are many more at risk.
Binge drinking and alcohol poisoning go hand in hand. Go to any concert, tailgate, college parties, even parents parties at home- it’s happening and it’s real and it can happen to your kid, too! Never in a million years did I think my life could have turned out the way it has. But truth be told, just like the opioid epidemic, binge drinking is taking lives in a way that we never could have imagined. Binge drinking results from poor choices–in the aftermath, survivors are left reeling. No one is invincible, and Christian found this out the hard way.
Alcohol when abused can kill. Vomiting and becoming unresponsive should never be considered humorous in any way. These are the dangerous and life-threating symptoms of alcohol poisoning. What we have learned is that education can save lives. We know since we receive emails telling us thanks, and because of Christian and our presentations many students have made the call! Every single person who hears a “Don’t Stall, Just Call” presentation becomes responsible for saving lives in the future! Now they will know. #dontstalljustcall