A New Milford Mother’s Tribute to Her Son Who She Lost to Addiction
Leeann Gilbert wasn't able to write about her son, Clayton after he died from heroin addiction two years ago, but now she's ready.
Her name is Leeann Gilbert and she lost the love of her life, her son, Clayton Otto Young, back on Nov. 6, 2016. Clayton was 21-years-old when he lost his battle with heroin. Maybe you're wondering why I'm telling you this. It's because my wife Mindy and I thought the same horrendous ending was in store for our son, Ethan James.
I can't pretend to know what Clayton's mom, Leeann has gone through since her son's death but my wife and I can relate to the struggles a parent suffers through when their son or daughter becomes addicted to heroin. My wife and I truly thought our son, Ethan would not be on this earth much longer when his addiction was at its absolute worst. Trying to prepare for that worst-case scenario was absolutely brutal! Thank God our son fought his way out of his heroin addiction. He is currently a passionate performing singer/songwriter and the frontman for an outstanding area band called Fiction. I just so wish Clayton could have talked with my son Ethan.
Leeann had not been able to tell her son's story until two years after his death. Her heartfelt loving tribute is called, "The Obit I Didn't Have the Courage to Write Two Years Ago." The following are just a few excerpts from Leeann's tribute/obit to her son, Clayton.
Clayton was bright, sweet, kind, giving, loving and put everyone he cared about before himself.
He loved music. He was a gifted musician and he had a gifted singing voice and he could sing everything.
This disease is cruel. It doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care who you are or who your family is. It can destroy you. It destroyed him no matter how many times and how hard he
fought and it was a horror to watch. The road we traveled by his side during his fight was a nightmare.
My wish is for everyone to remember the handsome, smart, sweet amazing person he was. His disease did not define him.
Because of Claytons' intense love of music, his mom Leeanne would like to honor his memory by sharing in the celebration of his life with the community by joining together for a viewing of the film, Bohemian Rhapsody on Monday, November 12 at 7 pm at the Bank Street Theatre in New Milford. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Hero Project, an organization that addresses heroin and opiate addiction.
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