Where we are today!
Here we are! Our own dedicated website! Sometimes I can’t believe where we are today, compared to my initial reason for wanting to form the Michael Glynn Memorial Coalition. Back in the summer of 2008, my only goal was to raise funds to provide a safe, alcohol-free graduation celebration for our youngest son and his classmates, in 2009. Graduations have been difficult for me to attend, and I was experiencing serious flashbacks and worry for that upcoming graduation, especially. This wonderful community I now belong too, came through with help, and that event was hugely successful! Although I had no plans to advance any “work” of the MGM Coalition, God and Michael must have had other plans. And here we are.
We now offer a plethora of substance use/abuse prevention curriculum to the students in our school, as well as behavioral health and suicide prevention training for students and adults in the community. It has become a full-time job, and I love it. I often hesitate to say that I love my job, because I know the only reason I am doing what I am doing now, is because of Michael’s death. On one hand it seems wrong; but on the other hand, it feels right to make something positive come from his death. I know we are making a difference. Kids are resonating with our messages, and positive changes are happening.
After Michael’s death, I found it comforting to write my thoughts and feelings. I continued to use the Caring Bridge website as my platform. When I quit that, a dear friend had printed all of my posts and asked me to compile them into a book. It took 10 years for me to do that, but it was at a time that I needed to, for me. It must be time for me again, as I now have this blog as a newfound platform to share with you all.
In this blog, you will not only read about my thoughts and opinions, but I will also share with you the many events and activities that we offer! You will find pictures of our students, see evaluation and survey results, and find ways you too can be involved.
As always, I appreciate any feedback about the coalition, its purpose and mission, and what we can do to continue to advance the goal of substance use/abuse prevention - and keep our kids healthy and alive! Please use the “Contact Us” page on this website, to share all of your ideas and opinions. I welcome them all - the good, as well as the not-so-good!
Thank you all for helping me navigate my own personal grief all these years, and for supporting our new and forever ultimate goal - helping all of our youth to be drug/alcohol-free, and able to live a long, healthy and productive life!