I used to think I was broken—too sensitive, too emotional, too reactive, too much, or not enough. But the truth is, I wasn't hurt; I was grieving. And not the kind of grief that earns sympathy cards. I wasn't mourning someone who passed away; I was grieving someone who was right in front of me—my mom. 

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.