Stories of Lost Children
Alex, Our Only Child
by Bob Hopkins, Weatherford, TX, U.S.A.
On the morning of January 12, 2008, I slept late. Just before I awoke I had the most beautiful dream. I was in a gathering for a funeral, there was a room full of people and my heart felt wonder for where I was. I was then moved, alone, to the nearest door. I opened the door and it was to the outside where it was dark, rainy and cold. Suddenly there was an opening in the clouds just to my left. I saw the most beautiful night sky, full of bright twinkling stars with a backdrop created by the milky way. I then saw an Angel ascend into the clearing. The Angel was turned almost fully away from me but I could see that it was carrying something in its arms. The features on the Angles wings were so clear. The wings were ruffelled a bit and stained with dirt as if it had been in a heck of a fight. I was so shocked at what I was seeing that I turned to attempt to get someone's attention to show them what I was seeing as I could not believe my own eyes. Then, suddenly the Angel shot off into the stars at the speed of light leaving behind a white streak. I didn't understand the dream or vision till 12 hours later when the knock on the door delivered the horrible news that our 18 year old son, Alex had died early that morning of a possible heroin or methedone overdose. I was devastated by the news. My only child was gone. Suddenly, however, the dream made perfect sense to me. The Angel, had taken my son home. For reasons unknown to me, God was letting me know that the struggles of mental health and drug addiction were over. The Angel that had been fighting for my son had finally won. Alex had been struggling horribly with bipor disorder (the psychiatric catch-all for insurance companies)and major depression for several years. He, like so many kids with these problems, learned to self-medicate. Unfortunately, we had no idea he was using heroine and was prescribed a large script of methedone by his psychiatrist. I last saw him the evening before he died as he got out of the car and said, "I love you Dad". I said "I love you too Son". My pain is sometimes unbearable. Making it thru each day is a challenge as I have to play like everything is back to normal at work but it isn't and won't be for a long time. My wife doesn't understand my need to be alone right now. I spent all day this last Sunday at the cemetery mowing, weed-eating and cleaning as it does me good to just be near him. Regardless of his problems and the stress he brought us in the last few years, I loved him unconditionally and would give anything to hold him one more time...just to talk to him...to hear what his heart was feeling...what he thought of things, etc. God prepared me for his death, though it was a shock I know where he is and that he suffers no more from the torments of this world. I will see him again. With the love only a father knows...I love him and will always love him. My life has totally changed but my faith in my Lord and Savior is unwavered and from Alex's death I would only hope to save others from what he experienced. I love you son...I always will. Dad
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