Saturday, October 13, 2007

Some Common Misconceptions

Brett's Dad and I have been asked several times about things that people who didn't know Brett have written on the internet. So, for the record, are some answers:
1. Brett did NOT keep a journal. He was too busy, and probably a bit too "macho" for that. He would definitely have thought that a little too effeminate for a real man to do. He did write random notes here and there, mostly in his Scheduler for school. Many of the notes were about Salvia. A ridiculous amount actually. He was a straight A student so I never had to check any of his work or ask him what he had for homework. Now I wish I had a reason to have looked in that Scheduler. All those references to Salvia definitely would have set off a red alarm for me.

2. Brett was NOT an alcoholic, wasn't on Prozac, wasn't on Accutane, didn't do other drugs. I know he had tried pot a few times but I believed that was normal for a senior in HS. I wasn't happy about it at all, but it really is a right of passage. I feel Salvia is far more dangerous than pot will ever be. Also, Brett was drug tested where he worked part time, as part of his employment requirements. He had 2 drug tests in 6 mos. and they were negative for all drugs. He was employed there when he died. His posthumous drug test showed no drugs, which isn't surprising since Salvia metabolizes within 15 mins. Thanks to Brett's posthumous drug sample, our medical examiner is the first in the country to develop a drug test for Salvia.

3. Brett was never treated for depression. He was actually never treated for anything. He was as healthy as a horse, since the day he was born! A few years in school he almost made perfect attendance because he was just never sick. Our whole family is like that, both his dad's and mine. And, no, there is no history of depression on either side of his family. And, no, he wasn't upset because he came from a divorced family. Actually he quite enjoyed it. He used to tell me how lucky he was, that he had 2 houses, 2 Christmas', 2 Easter's, 2 birthday's, and that he was an only child and that he liked getting all our attention. People were always amazed that the 3 of us would vacation together at the beach a couple of times each summer. Even tho Dennis and I were divorced we had a great relationship and it showed. We were meant to be friends and it worked out pretty wonderful for all of us. Brett was loved beyond belief and he knew it. That's the part that makes me happy every day, that Brett knew how much we loved him and worshiped the ground he walked on. He wrote about our love for him, and his love for us, in his last note to us. I will cherish it always.

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