Every year on August 31, people worldwide come together for a cause that is painfully personal to many—International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). This day is more than just a date on the calendar; it's a powerful movement. It's an opportunity to grieve, remember, educate, and, most importantly, spark change.

It has been a decade since we lost our 20-year-old son, Charles, to suicide on June 5, 2015, after many years of struggle with anxiety, depression, and ultimately an opioid addiction. Has it been ten years? Why is the longing in the tenth year causing more anguish than in years 7, 8, or 9?

Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. Often, the pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You may experience a range of complex and unexpected emotions, including shock, anger, disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness.