Synopsis: Just Wake Up

A semi autobiographical novel based around my 18-year-old son’s near fatal drug overdose three years ago. He went from organ donor status to, five days later, sitting in the mandatory wheelchair for the ride out of the hospital. As we left, one of the doctors said to me, “the hardest part will be that he does not remember any of this, but you do.”

After rehab, I asked my son what he got from the experience and he said he learned how to make drugs from household items, smuggle anything into jail and that he was no God damn junkie like the rest of them. I learned that it is my obligation to spread the word of my experience to open the door to others to help unburden themselves of their shame and worry; not like an expert on the right way as it will not be a self-help manual but rather a story about the emotion, humor and hope that keeps all families in motion, with or without a known direction.

I think NaNoWriMo is the perfect format for starting this project as I see myself rambling on with no shortage of words or care for form; it will just feel good to get it out.