Losing a Child to Addiction

[@ELCAPATAZ]

I'm going through a very bad alcohol addiction. I feel so helpless. Please pray for me.

[@KatrinaBirliba]

ELCAPATAZ Prayers coming your way 💛

[@RoRo-wd3bw]

Ik you can recover, you are Strong

[@terrycarleson6371]

Great

[@MONKEYstyle404]

The fact you can share that and ask for prayers is awesome. "I do not know who in this vast audience today may need to hear the message of forgiveness inherent in this parable, but however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holand, 'The Laborers in the Vineyard.' Step by step. We stumble, sometimes we fall. But that's why we have Christ. You can learn through your trials. Don't give up, Jesus never has. Progress, not perfection. Keep asking for help. Learn coping mechanisms. You're loved

[@jmcooper62]

Praying for you Elcapataz, don't give up. With love.

[@dylangillming8516]

I never heard this story before. This was my MTC branch president’s wife. She was always a positive influence in our branch. Glad to here that her testimony is still so strong after this tragedy

[@xdivineHART]

Dylgillm . I feel like I've seen her before, I can't remember.

[@trevorwilkerson8769]

She is in several LDS films at the visitor center and other LDS theme movies

[@madiantin]

@@xdivineHART Does she portray Mary Magdalene in one of the church films? She looks similar to that actress.

[@emilybrinkerhoff6825]

I'm grateful that she shared her story ❤💕❤

[@reneolmos5112]

This video has come as an answer to a prayer.... oh man...

[@churchofjesuschrist]

We are happy to hear that this video was helpful for you. Thank you for watching!

[@reginaldthomas7411]

Check out your mind

[@Hemomancer]

I appreciate how you include a transcript of what she went through. It is hard for me to watch things like this because it is so painful. But by reading it, I can still be strengthened. Thank you. :-)

[@Heroics64]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm a young man who has had problems with addiction for many years and one of my major motivations for stopping was the pain it caused my mother. I will do everything in my power in this life in the name of the lord and for the sake of all the sons, daughters mothers and fathers to put an end to this unnecessary suffering.

[@RaeannPeck]

You make me smile, because I'm so glad you found your way free. I lost my amazing son 21 months ago, but knowing you came out of addiction because of your love for your mom, does my heart good.

[@jessicaalluin]

infodroid so proud of that you could stop. Wished my son could.....

[@felipemendes4954]

There's still hope

[@darkesttimeline7026]

This video was amazing. As someone in the shoes of Chase who's struggling with addiction, it gave me perspective of my parents and how they feel. I'm sorry mom and dad. I'm really trying my best. Thank you Heavenly Father for letting me watch this video

[@lauriesmith3443]

Judd, I hope you are doing well and remember how much your earthly and Heavenly parents love you.

[@yakob1248]

I hope your doing well man.

[@felipemendes4954]

Don't you give up! I may not know you but I know you can overcome it! Good luck :)

[@mycheesesteak]

Good luck, DT. Please do your best. May God bless!

[@SusanDianeHowell]

A dear friend and colleague lost her son the same way. She won't talk about it and holds her deep hurt inside, smiling so the public won't see her heartbroken anguish. Shauna is the voice for the voiceless. Thank you.

[@anniegasai]

Heavenly Father is the most powerful healer. He loves us and want us to be happy!

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Thank you for sharing your insights!

[@aneeqamalik4640]

God is our Helper but, to all those who have harmed themselves with poisons, imagine God watching you... He has given us a body so that we can live & man-made poisons (drugs, dirtiness, etc) will only slowly kill God's creation.

[@reginaldthomas7411]

Thanks

[@dwyanewade8645]

Keep these coming.. I need to hear these stories. Great hope in these

[@tonideveraux8484]

I lost a child to addiction. I have found love, joy, and acceptance due Father’s overwhelming love and mercy.

[@RICHTOM79]

Tonight you are in my prayers...316 John

[@Idahoborn66]

Our son is 60 days clean again. It is hard to be too hopeful, but we are holding on to the joy we have now. Thank you for your story. My prayers the past several years have simply been to help me love him and accept him without requiring anything from him. I no longer ask him for anything, or expect anything from him. Leaning on the Lord has been helpful/necessary. Thank you for sharing this story. Things like this are hard to admit, especially when it looks like things are smooth for everyone around you.

[@tanyaprocunier880]

I'm scared to lose my 20 year old daughter to alcohol. I pray for her but I feel so helpless and sad. I want to protect her from harm but don't know where to begin. She lives with her boyfriend who is a bartender which I don't think helps. Sorry for your loss.

[@maribelhilario2148]

Tanya Procunier please continue loving her and praying for her. It is not easy when we see our children going in wrong way, you are a good mom. Remember that before they were our children they were children of our Heavenly Father, he knows her and he will give you direction in this hard time. You are not alone. God with is you.

[@buttercup6212]

Thank you for your testimony... I have put my family, friends, and community through so much torture in my addiction.. I am sorry for your loss.. Thank God for saving us

[@RaeannPeck]

wishing the best for you.

[@LiaCatalinaEscobar]

this story broke my heart. Thanks for sharing

[@mirnaanthony13]

Thank you for this.. I’m going through the same thing right now the only difference is that my son is not gone yet.. 😥 I feel so alone... but I have faith in God that he will recover 🙏🏽God bless your heart!

[@MarleeCraig]

Thank you Sister for sharing a very difficult trial with us. Whilst our experiences are different, I too understand what it's like to cry and plead with the Lord for help in difficult trials. I wish you and your family joy and comfort on the road to healing. God bless ♥️

[@rubengodinezp1181]

I appreciate the help from our church

[@elton3891]

You are a amazing mum. Thank you for your gracious love for your kids.

[@louie-laur]

Thank you for putting your heart out there and sharing.

[@dhoradaluz2880]

I love you Shaunna. This has touched me, and your life is an example to me and so many, many more.

[@laura.louise]

My older brother just died from addiction. I think the actual worst part of it all is seeing and hearing my father crying. I don't have children and I'm heartbroken but the level of pain and sorrow I see in my father seems more unbearable for me than my brother's death.

[@ELCAPATAZ]

My gosh! I'm so sorry to hear about your brother's passing and the pain you and your family are going through. I'm addicted to alcohol and it's killing me and my mom. I want to stop making her cry.

[@tangerinesky3336]

@@ELCAPATAZ Find an AA meeting and get a sponsor.

[@RaeannPeck]

@@ELCAPATAZ www.mormonchannel.org/listen/collection/addiction-recovery-program-audio addictionrecovery.lds.org/bc/content/arp/content/manuals/ARPGuide_English_36764.pdf I hope these links will help you. The church has such a powerful addiction recovery program. The manual is written by people who are in long term recovery.

[@stzimmerman]

Thank-you Sister Thompson for your great example, for the work of your career. I hope you know how beautiful the light of Christ is in your eyes and it shows on your face. I hope it only gets brighter and brighter. I am so sorry for your loss. I am so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed your life and family and that you recognize His help.

[@zainnaqvi88]

losing a child as a parent IS the worst nightmare they can go through. please love your parents! parents are God in the eye of a child.

[@matthew-ou7xc]

Thank you for sharing, I just lost my 28 year old daughter this past week. we had been in this struggle for most of her 20's. She was actually doing so well. everything in her life seemed to be falling into place. I am hurting so much right now but I know my faith will get me through.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

@Vickie Mitchell, we're so sorry to hear of your loss and pain. We wish we could reach out and give you a hug! Your faith in Jesus Christ will get you through, but we know grief is a heavy burden. Seek God's help, and seek help from friends and family, from your brothers and sisters in the gospel, and from professionals. We know Jesus Christ loves and is aware of you, your family, and your daughter. Take care! www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/grief?lang=eng&_r=1

[@gemmawalker5137]

I hope your doing ok, I am struggling so much right now like your daughter was... shes at peace, in no harm surrounded by god and his angels.... im crying as I write this 😢 I envy her.. but I have to keep going, ill think of you in my prayers but I pray for an end to my suffering xxx

[@elvisjohnson1208]

So beautiful. My daughter at 17 got hooked on crack. I Didn't know how to handle it. I had never been around ppl on drugs. Their father burnt up in a fire drunk. She was 12, my son 11, and my other daughter was 9. Christy was on crack for 14yrs She's been clean for 9. My son then got on meth. We did everything To get him straight but we couldn't. He was murdered almost 3yrs ago. We've never found his body and Nobody's been arrested. The police don't, but I do. I Feel like I'm in a nightmare and it never ends.I pray everyday and night to get justice for him and peace for my family and me. My Youngest daughter works in a hospital, she said everyday their load with ppl who have overdosed. To any one who reads pray Everyday for the world, pray your children never get on drugs and Most of all tell them how much you love them.

[@jerryutah4]

Wow, that was powerful.

[@kirbyawesome5077]

Stories like these are always sad, but they have such a good message

[@cookie4sale875]

Kirby Awesome agree with you

[@trevorwilkerson8769]

I think we need to understand more about the physiological effects of addiction too. Poor nutrition seems to be a common theme in the life of addicts.

[@RaeannPeck]

@@trevorwilkerson8769 Not necessarily. You may be thinking of addicts who fit the homeless stereotype. You'd be surprised how many are on the elevator with you, in the lane next to you, sitting in the office cubicle next to yours, or in church with you. They are often ordinary, otherwise healthy people.

[@timothybarnes3598]

Thank you for teaching us this is a nice story.

[@stocktonperry6172]

oh my gosh.... this really helps me.. especally since I'm 14 and things like this can happen. deep message. thanks

[@Cimfamlover]

I can imagine how hard this was for you thanks for sharing your story

[@yenifercardozo7919]

El Evangelio me a dado la esperanza que necesito para seguir adelante! He aprendido a poner mi confianza en Nuestro Padre Celestial, él tiene todo poder para ayudarnos a transitar por nuestras tribulaciones! El puede darnos el consuelo que necesitamos cuando acudimos a él! Y confiamos plenamente en el! La adicción a las drogas puede y a destruido familias! Pero gracias al evangelio, a Jesucristo tengo esa esperanza en mi corazón de que todo va a estar bien, solo debemos aferrarnos fuertemente a las verdades del Evangelio y mirar hacia adelante, mirar hacia Jesucristo! Trust in Christ and our Heavenly Father! They have the power to help us!

[@jacobandersen6075]

What an amazing woman. I’ve seen her in many church videos, including her portrayal of Ishmael’s wife in the new Book of Mormon videos, and I would never have thought that she could be going through something like this. We just never know.

[@zaramarland8402]

My goodness, I'm so sorry. :,( Thankyou so much for sharing your story.

[@chrisa6455]

Thank you for sharing your personal story

[@debbietucker3514]

This was a tender mercy tonight finding this video.

[@Cimfamlover]

Thanks for sharing this story it’s hard to go through this 😕

[@sesispace5972]

Everyone has struggles and I do too. I just know that God loves us and will help us if we are willing to be helped. I just want all of my sins are forgiven and go to Heaven to love with Him again someday❤️🌻🇲🇨

[@lindastoner6649]

God be with you! Let peace and love and joy fill your heart 💓

[@l.richmondchilds9548]

I have walked with you through an almost identical story... I have revived my Son from Death we too have learned to trust but he is now 31 years old but every now he then he asks questions about the Gospel. We live on Prayer 🙏 and Hope. May the Lord continue to bless and comfort you both.HE. LIVES, OUR PROPHET, PRIEST AND 👑 KING. HIS GRACE IS, REALLY IS ; SUFFICIENT I am ill now and hang on to ALL of my Blessings and Pray for His Grace. I YOU HAVE BEEN A WONDERFUL ACTRESS OF FAITH. THANKS BE TO OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN and his Earthly Angels that are all around us.

[@MissMadisonRuby]

I really needed this video. Love these ♥️

[@rcascott7354]

I know what you mean about feeling helpless my oldest child has tried suicide 2x now it's like I'm in a race to save a life and I don't know if she is going to make through this and I feel like I'm dieing inside

[@ezzyb.1750]

Our school did a talk about this, the many stories with people getting hurt from this. After the presentation ever one was sad, ( we are okay now) but it was sad that people do this.

[@bilygates2509]

Preparing for the worst isn’t easy.. I’m so broken ...

[@claudiarobichaud4944]

Please pray for my son Daniel Doyle. He's been on drugs for over 20 years. He can't get off the drugs, I haven't heard from my son for over eight months. I am so afraid that he's not going to make it. When Dan was about 8years old we all became born again. I had to go back to work so I didn't have enough time to spend with Dan. I feel so bad, maybe I could have done something to help my son.!!

[@churchofjesuschrist]

@Claudia Robichaud, we're late replying to your comment, but we know our Heavenly Father is there and that He hears your prayers of faith for your son Daniel. Despite the hopelessness you may feel, healing is possible through Jesus Christ and His Atonement. We invite you and anyone else interested to join the Church's Addiction Recovery Program, the "how" of recovery and healing for anyone affected by addiction. It is a process of studying and applying the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ to find the power to recover from addiction. Anyone is welcome, and there are also programs available for spouses and family members affected by a loved one's addiction. Learn more and find a meeting here: addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org/home?lang=eng

[@yungjittletang9741]

The powerful Heavenly Father is so powerful and he can turn darkness into light and he is the light in a dark room Amen. 🙏🏿

[@fierce_melons-_-936]

im so sorry for you 😭

[@lissettediaz2124]

I just feel like no one should go through this. How can we make drugs go

[@kiray1835]

i love You God and Jesus! Amen

[@wicho9789]

God bless yall were all beautiful

[@aheart4learning788]

Thank you

[@rpal320]

My heart aches for you!

[@MegWasHere2011]

Great story

[@dougnoble6986]

What do you do when they don't die and it just keeps going on and on and on and on and never gets better????? 15yrs and no end in site, almost died once in ICU 60 days. The only time we could relax was when he was in prison for 4 yrs. Then he got out and it started all over again my wife is at her wits end. Peace and Joy are hard to come by these days but I do agree they are there if you look for them. Addiction is a special kind of hell that just won't let up. Every time the phone rings every time a letter comes with his name on it. always there. It is very scary to say the least.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Doug, this sounds very difficult. We're sorry to hear of your family's challenges. We know Heavenly Father loves you and is aware of you. Take care.

[@joelcurty5618]

Drug addiction is a terrible problem that no church can help it's the person that has to ask for it . Treatment for drugs is a deadly road and has to be handled in a treatment center and a places that is away from those that had turned him to the drugs an Intervention . If you force one thing that you will suffer yet the person that is abusing will suffer his own life to drugs . That no church can help with is highly trained medical people that can take him from the bottom to the top . Drug abuse is hard on the family you just can't have the person go back he will need treatment

[@SamWatson5]

He was trying to break that mom’s heart. Also remember Heavenly Father loves you and his son Jesus Christ loves you

[@logansmising26]

im not religious but this video helps me.

[@bbuyack]

This lady is an actor in a lot of great church films. Is she just an actor here, or is this about her actual family member?

[@churchofjesuschrist]

This is Shauna's real story about tragically losing her son to addiction. She does act in other Church films, and we are so grateful to be able to share her story this time. Thanks for watching!

[@bbuyack]

Yes - she plays the mother in God's Plan for his families shown in the temple visitor's center and it's our family's favorite film. Knowing that she's not just an actor makes it all the more powerful.

[@laurfred2742]

This is a message for Shauna. I am terribly sorry to hear about what you've gone through. I had a similar experience with my father who ended his life when I was 12, after his life long struggle with drugs. But I wanted to tell you that it was the video you were in, that is played in the Gods Plan for Families exhibits in visitors centers, that is so special to me. I was 17 and had just met the missionaries, who brought me to see that video.. I cried, as I thought about my father, never hearing before that I would see him again someday. That was the day I decided that I wanted to go to church, and learn more. The spirit pierced my soul. Here I am now 11 years later, with a family of my own, and a life that has been miraculously changed through the gospel. Your face brings back such special memories :) My husband even proposed to me at the end of that exhibit in that visitors center. Thanks for being a part of my story, and thanks for sharinf yours. Hugs!!

[@Titi0980]

Mormon Channel I was wondering about the same thing. Thank you for sharing her story!

[@jennuy279]

The story of her son inspired me and taught us how can we overcome our challenges in life...she is also the actress from the 12 steps to change :)

[@keithhepworth4934]

I see her in lots of church-produced videos, is this her own story or a dramatization of someone else’s? Either way it was very powerful.

[@regtre34]

Keith Hepworth hi, it’s is her story about her son chase

[@whitesapphire8641]

I’m not a Christian, but I have lost my only child to drugs.i don’t think there’s any solace in losing a child. I am spiritual but it’s with nature not man made religion.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

@White Sapphire, we're so sorry to hear of the loss of your child. Grief is a heavy burden. In the Bible, Jesus Christ invites each of us who carry heavy burdens to come unto Him, and He will give us rest: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Seek God's help, and seek help from friends and family, and from professionals. We know Jesus Christ loves and is aware of you and your family, and His gospel can bring you peace and joy despite this great challenge. www.comeuntochrist.org/beliefs/purpose-of-life

[@whitesapphire8641]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Any ancient religion written by mankind I’m not interested in. Thank you for your condolences but please respect my own beliefs without you trying to promote your church.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

@White Sapphire, we didn't mean to cause offense, but to simply share a message of hope. We respect you and your beliefs. Take care!

[@taliajoyce8344]

God Bless 💖

[@kbtan8986]

DON'T BE SAD MY BROTHER BECAUSE ALSO OF THIS JUMPED DOWN LAST TWO YRS AGO. DONT WORRIES MY BROTHER BECAUSE OF LORD JESUS CHRIST HE HAVE RISEN TO HEAVEN. THANKYOU THE COMFORTER HOLY GHOST AMEN........... SPIRIT

[@Cimfamlover]

Rip chase ☹️you will be missed 1 like equals one prayer

[@mrbigdog6216]

At least I'm not the only one

[@Reastar]

god is always with us everyday we love are heavenly father

[@jamesm8002]

Dang what kind of 13 year old does drugs

[@tangerinesky3336]

Common age for addicts and alcoholics to begin their addiction.

[@RaeannPeck]

Good kids who make a mistake with friends, or who have their wisdom teeth extracted, have a surgery, or serious injury.

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

What form of parenting did you use when he was tiny? Stiff, strict parenting trains a child to grow up to have suffering. Nobody wants to talk about this. Where are the leaders who think it is better to tell us how perfect the past prophets were for year after year instead of teaching parents how to be kind and tender with your children. We have lost a whole generation of good parenting skills and all of this at a time when we need every skill possible to fight evil in our lives. Nobody talks about this in conference. The only thing said is sandwiched between the "husbands treat your wives with respect" talks and never brought out. I am so filled with pain and anger right now that I have about had it.

[@christinaalejandra]

How can I find this video in Spanish?

[@rhino_drift9244]

what the song name i trust in god

[@arthistoryalli2]

Is this a real story? Or actor portrayal?

[@churchofjesuschrist]

This is Shauna's real story about tragically losing her son to addiction. Thanks for watching!

[@justonlebaron1115]

She is the person that lost her son

[@aneeqamalik4640]

either way, it's very common... which is foolish b/c hurting urself not only ruins ur own life but others around u, too (family, friends, etc).

[@artakzarobyan9556]

Grâce. Douie

[@Cimfamlover]

My dad committed sucide he struggled with addiction

[@RaeannPeck]

SO terribly sorry Awesome Kid. That kind of pain is in my family too. So sorry.

[@tangerinesky3336]

Addiction is a family disease. Go to Al-Anon meetings (not church Al-Anon, but the real deal Al-Anon) for the help you need when your loved one (dead or living) has a problem with drugs or alchohol. The meeting schedule is on-line.

[@RaeannPeck]

The church program is excellent.

[@michaelweight1799]

The guy playing her husband is my aunt's ex husband.

[@oldmor3651]

You sister have the greatest gift to mankind. And that is being one of the choice few who have the fullness of Gods real doctrine on earth. This gift, if manicured, utilized by its prescription allows you to NEVER AGAIN say you have lost your dear precious son, who you must know was called upon to help in the Lords Plan in ways you will discover discredits the horrible pain you are feeling concerning the way our young brother travelled on before our own departure day. Surely his might and stregnths will afford you the best accomodations for your day that you wont have to deal with now. Its already taken care of. Iron out your hurt and be another like hims mom and save them.

[@RaeannPeck]

You would imagine love is that easily shut off. Grief is related to deep love. Even those of us with tremendous faith and awareness of God's goodness miss our children. We may even be blessed with assuring revelation that all is well with them; nevertheless, there is sorrow in having lost their presence for the remainder of our lives We cannot save others when we could not save our own. Nevertheless, I am again serving an addiction recovery mission. God has a wonderful addiction recovery effort in the church.

[@nonamenovember5530]

the drug war is the blame lol.