I have read with great interest The Enterprise series on the use of OxyContin. All of the articles have been compelling as well as startling.
The articles read like a good book that you couldn't put down. I knew that there was a problem with drug abuse. I knew that there was a problem with the illegal use of OxyContin.
I was unaware, however, of the extent of the problem. The article in the April 3 edition of The Enterprise really moved me. (OxyContin, "I Hate You" by Samantha Light).
This was a heartfelt letter written to her father and the killer of her father, OxyContin. This article should be read to all young children who are at the age of experimentation.
These articles have hopefully opened the eyes of all parents that this killer is not selective as to who it will attack next.
No one is immune to this disease. Obviously, as described in Ms. Light's letter, drug abuse doesn't attack just young people. If the articles save just one person they were well worth the time and effort by all of those involved in its printing.
Perhaps the one life it saves will be your own son's or daughter's, or your own father's or mother's, or your own husband's or wife's, or even your own life.
BRIAN TATRO
Bridgewater
OxyContin stole my best friend
I, too, was a victim of losing my best friend to Oxycontin: Samantha Light's father.
The story was so familiar.
Once hanging out having fun, taking Samantha roller skating in D.W. Field park. Then it all changed.
The man I once knew and loved began asking to borrow money, and after a while coming to my home, stealing from me. Then he left us altogether.
I'm happy The Enterprise is opening everyone's eyes to this horrible drug and letting us share our stories.
My heart goes out to Samantha and all the rest of the families.
ROCHELLE KING
Brockton
Everyone should read Samantha's letter
Regarding a letter that ran in the Enterprise on April 3 by Samantha Light:
My heart goes out to this girl! Unbelievable story. I hope everyone reads her letter.
I don't know if we will ever win this war on drugs but certainly hope so. How many lives will it take before they learn?
NANCY O'CONNELL
Madison, ME
formerly of Brockton
Samantha is in my prayers
I read this letter and was so impressed with this girl's writing.
It was so sad. She is just a 14-year-old girl, but sounds so mature.
I felt so sorry for her, but I also believe she will go far in life.
I wish I could give her a hug. I don't think she wrote this expecting anyone to feel sorry for her, I think it came straight from her heart! Jesus loves you, sweetie! You are in my prayers.
JULIE FARIA
Bourne
Young author showed great maturity
Last night, I read one of the saddest letters I have ever read.
My heart goes out to this young girl, who at this young and innocent age has had to experience such evil as losing her father to drug abuse.
These drugs grab hold of people and they rarely let go.
Nobody is exempt from this happening to them. This can happen to the best and worst of them.
I have a friend who has battled heroin addiction, and it is definitely a terrible thing. These people become something they were not.
I was very impressed by the level of maturity she displayed in the composition of her letter. She seems like a strong girl with a very good head on her shoulders.
And she shouldn't worry because in all her successes in life, her father may not be here in person but he will be looking down on her from above with much pride.
JILL RAPHAEL
Bridgewater
Never stop fighting against drugs
My heart is crying for this poor child. Something needs to be done about this terrible drug.
The drug was intended for terminally ill patients, and has turned the country into a drug infested place. When people cannot afford Oxycontin, they turn to heroin.
It is killing so many people and destroying many families.
It needs to stop. I will put this child into my nightly prayers and pray she grows to be a strong, happy, healthy person.
I will never stop the fight against drugs.
RITA HILL
Halifax