Vince's Story

Vince - happy, smart, vibrant, easy going and could easily connect with anyone. He had a special way about him. He decided to use cocaine - to have a good time - and over the years it took control of him. Although he fought his addiction every day, he still maintained a sense of pride. He would wake up and state with the best of intentions, "I am going to own my day..." Even on the last day of his life, he felt he was in control. He was constantly fighting for his sobriety. May 1st, 2007 he had the intention of owning his day. He woke up at 5 am, full of energy, focusing on what he planned on doing that day. I left for work and when I came home, my worst nightmare came true. He chose to use cocaine and after a few short hours, he suffered a major heart attack. It was too late. The drug had won. He would be taken from us forever. He could not be saved from that split second choice to use. Vince would put happy face stickers on his desk calendar on his sober days, so he could see his accomplishments. The day he died, I looked at the calendar - and he had marked that day with a happy face sticker - he didn't plan on using that day. Now, I think of the quote well known in recovery circles - "just for today". His story proves just how much today matters.

Vince never would have believed this happened to him, or that his loved ones would be living this nightmare. He was born on November 23, 1965. He was a lovable, happy child with a quiet nature. He had a wonderful upbringing in a strong, stable, happy home with many friends and family. He had the kind of life that some kids only dream of - cabins, fishing, dirt bikes, a pool in his backyard, family trips to Hawaii and Mexico. Vince loved his family and they loved him. They were very close. So much so, he followed in his fathers' footsteps and became a plumber, pipefitter and gas fitter. He was a smart, capable man, and retained everything he learned with ease. He was a hard worker and helped to build the family business. Vince also flew small planes. There was no stopping Vince and his abilities. His story proves how destructive drugs are. He had the world in his hands and was full of hope - and it was all taken away because of cocaine.

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