I am a writer–and have been since I learned to write my name with a crayon. I’ve grown more sophisticated (and older) but no less in love with language and communication. I’ve also begun to draw, and am working on a series of illustrations about relationships. Meanwhile, when I think of it, I will share some creative work here. Enjoy–and please comment if you do.
Great site! 🙂
Love your new site.
Thank you.
What a true and beautiful story about Chad. He was beautiful and such a kind soul. He stayed with us for a week once and I had not seen him in several years. I wish addiction couldn’t have claimed such a wonderful young man. I will always remember him and lift prayers to him.
Thank you for your kind words. Are you related to Fred? I always assumed he’d somehow pull through. I didn’t understand the full extent of what was happening, or I’d have done more. Regret is a terrible thing. I thought he’d make it and work with kids. The true beauty of his soul was clear whenever children were around and thronged to him. I miss him terribly. Every so often, I catch him out of the corner of my eye. Thank you for this message.–Janice
Hi,
I’m working on a new book – Bruce Springsteen – I Was There.
I came across your accounts of seeing Bruce in concert and I was hoping you would grant me permission to use some of these in the book. Or would you like to write w fresh account of maybe the first time you saw Bruce in concert?
Sure, please feel free. I’d be delighted to be included.
Janice
Dear Ms. Schuster. I read your piece in the Washington Post, and I am very sorry for your loss. I know that finding the words to give voice to your loss cannot erase it, but I hope you find some genuine solace in writing about your son. My parents lost a son at a young age from addiction, my brother, and I know this is a hard lot. I hope you take comfort in your loved ones and your memories.
Hello:
You are right, it is a terrible lot to face. I find comfort in knowing that others can name what they have endured through my ability to describe what I have experienced. I hope your family found comfort over time. It is never easy to lose a child, and it is a hard and heavy burden to carry all one’s life.
Janice
Not sure if this is the right place to send this but I felt I had to contact you after reading the piece you wrote about your island of grief. My son James, forever 30, died 9/26/17. I can relate to it all. On one hand I feel like I should “do something “ and on the other hand it’s a feat that I show up for my two teenage daughters and my husband. I feel abandoned by “friends”, church, family and colleagues. I’m saddened that the experts know as much or less than I do about what works for those with SUD. Even grief FB groups are trying- look for signs, find comfort in the afterlife. Anyway, thanks again. I found comfort in your writing.
Hello:
Surely getting up and showing up for your daughters and husband is “doing” enough. It is so much, and takes so much. I find comfort in language, art, and connecting with others who have traveled this terrible road. Please do not judge yourself, and know that many of us are on a similar path, trying out best to find a way that opens, somewhere, to the light.
Janice
I just read your writing, Addiction Killed my Son, in today’s Cleveland Plain Dealer. I have only one life experience with substance abuse and death but your stunning article touched me on a level I can’t explain. Thank you, my perspective is altered. My heart breaks for you, Chad had everything but the core ability to heal. Bless you
I have words. But not
Enough to heal the despair
You bear as a mom.
Janice – Tonight stumbled across your writings on chronic pain from 2014 (I’ve suffered for more than 10 of my 37 years). I decided to google your name, in hopes that I would encounter a story of a happy ending, a life free from pain…
Unortunately, I discovered that you’re now struggling with the unimaginable loss of your son Chad.
I send you love, peace, and gratitude for your writing.
Dear Mrs Schuster,
In my Baltimore Sun paper, today ( June 4) I read your article regarding your ‘No Wheelchair’ experience at BWI. I can relate to this episode as I have experienced similar experiences on my last two flights into BWI from Florida aboard Southwest flights. My most recent arrival (11:30 p.m.) was especially distasteful as not only were there no wheelchairs or pushers, but the entrance door to the airport deplane area was locked which caused a 15-20 minute deplane time. Additionally, anticipating a no wheelchair and pusher, I had made arrangements for a family member to meet us at the gate. However, the arrangements that we were given were incorrect and the family menber was denied access to the gate area. Indeed, it was a very distressing situation. I have addressed this situation, in writing to the BWI airport manager with no reply as of yet. Like you, I wonder what will the airport do to rectify these situations.
Good luck with your approaching knee surgery. It will do wonders for you.
P,S. I am so sorry you had such a difficult time with the health team when your husband had surgery. Their treatment of his pain was completely unacceptable.
Best. wishes.
Rosemary H. Wittstadt
Thank you for taking time to write to me. I’m sorry you had such an abysmal experience too. And thank you for reading my other article. I appreciate your time and that you took time to write.
Janice
I wrote a comment above relating to ms. Schuster’s experience at BWI airport .
Thank you for sharing your haikus and life experiences. I enjoy your writing. I found your page while searching for frenectomy reviews, as I suffer from severe tmj and three physicians have now recommended the procedure. I’m 36 and not going to listen to that advice I have learned a lot from your page about the “opioid crisis” and gotten inspired to write some poetry. Wishing you pain free days.
Thank you for your kind words. I wish you well on your journey, and am glad that you are inspired to write. It is such a gift to tap into your creative spirit.
Janice