WILMINGTON, MA – Wilmington School Superintendent Mary DeLai published her weekly blog post on Tuesday, in which she encourages Wilmington to end the stigma, judgement and shame surrounding drug and alcohol addiction. Read DeLai’s blog post HERE or below:
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to lend a hand to our community’s “Wilmington Supports Recovery” Holiday Drive. An amazing group of volunteers spent the morning gathering, sifting, sorting and wrapping all of the donations that were received for individuals and families in need. The outpouring of support from the Wilmington community was just overwhelming. With tear-filled eyes, we stepped back to notice that every table in the West Intermediate Cafeteria was covered with donated goods – everything from toiletries and games, to coats and shoes. The looks on the faces of the employees from the facilities who came to collect the items were heartwarming.
As fulfilling as it was to be able to help in this way, this event was a poignant reminder of the fact that while many of us experience joy and happiness during this holiday season, there are those who struggle to find peace in their lives. While we so often witness acts of kindness for those who are ill or who struggle financially, this event was different in that our focus was on the oft-overlooked individuals struggling to overcome addiction.
For those who have not been touched by the struggles of addiction, it’s a messy battle. For better or worse, our society seems to judge harshly those who “abuse” drugs or alcohol. Sometimes I wonder if the judgement enables us to avoid the self-reflection that might expose our own foibles and shortcomings. Having seen individuals struggle with substance use disorder, the apt phrase “there but for the grace of God, go I” comes to mind. It seems that so many individuals could well be just one crisis shy of an unhealthy physical or emotional dependence that could lead to abuse or addiction.
Unfortunately, stigma is what prevents many from seeking the help they so badly need and deserve. Stigma is about shame and shaming another, in my humble opinion, is just another form of bullying. Events like our recent Recovery Drive and the response that we received from our community make me hopeful. I hope that our community will continue to build on the work we have begun and actively campaign to end the stigma, judgement, and shame.
As we reflect back on the year that is about to end, we can’t help but remember all the acts of violence – physical and emotional – that humans have inflicted on one another this year. We do need to acknowledge that, as a species, we can do better. That work begins right here at home. It’s about how we support each other. As we start the new year, we have an important choice. We can choose judgement, fear, or hate; or we can choose hope. I choose hope.
“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.” ~ Samuel Smiles
I wish each and every one of our families a safe, relaxing, and joyous holiday. I look forward to the year ahead and all the great things we will accomplish in our schools and in our community.
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook! Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter! Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE! Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com!
Wilmington Apple 