What do we do with our dead?And what do we do with the living?We celebrate their lives when they have died from an overdose. Grieving families and friends produce pictures from high school. There are jackets that were rarely worn in images that were quickly taken in places that person would never go again. We celebrate the spirit of the person who was taken far too soon. Oh if only we could see them again.What of the person who is addicted who is still living? A mile, or a block, or a city from your door. A text message that is not sent. A voice you are afraid to hear. Will they ask me for a thing or tell me a story that I am not able to take in? They would really like to see you. They would like for you to touch their shoulder blade as you assure them you will always love them.What do we do with our dead?And what do we do with the living?Addiction can be the living death.Addiction can be the cause of death.Why- if it feels like no one loves you.People who use drugs are people first.Love us and love them and learn to love ourselves.Amen.