A message of “Hope”

Lori Hatfield and her son Michael carrying the banner at International Overdose Awareness Day in Edmonton August 2021

Recently our family celebrated an important day and a rewarding gift!

We celebrated my son Michael’s graduation from the Calgary Drug Court Treatment Program in Alberta!

There were many people who supported Michael and our family throughout this journey. Our deepest thanks and love to each and every one of you who encouraged us to never give up hope.

To Moms Stop The Harm and Holding Hope Peer Support groups - I don't know if we would be where we are today if I hadn't found you.

You provided me with knowledge and understanding and a belief in a different way, a better way and guided me towards acceptance and empathy, compassion and love, boundaries versus tough love and how everyone is unique in what works for them.

You showed me the many different paths that might work, and that the path had to be Michael’s choice, and not mine.

We fought with you against injustices, to stand up for him, to speak on his behalf, to get him the help he wanted when nobody else would listen to him because they didn't see the value in him.

You have changed my life forever, our lives forever. You have made me a much better mother, an advocate and an overall better individual ~ thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have changed my world in countless, positive ways and for that I am eternally grateful.

Lori Hatfield - Lethbridge, AB