Stories Help Us Make Sense of the Unimaginable

By Teresa Carnes

I never imagined I would be telling this story. I never imagined I would be living it.

My daughter, Kaylee, was bright, beautiful, and full of dreams. She had a laugh that could fill a room and a heart that felt everything deeply. She also struggled silently at times, loudly at others with the grip of addiction. Her battle wasn’t a reflection of weakness; it was a reflection of a world that too often doesn’t know how to help.

Kaylee died after developing an infection from injecting heroin. That sentence is still hard to write. This isn’t how I envisioned telling our story. I always believed it would be the two of us sitting together, sharing her recovery journey, telling others that healing is possible.

I didn’t choose this story. But I can choose to use it to shape the future for others.

Stories Help Us Make Sense of the Unimaginable

When you lose a child, everything changes. Time, sound, breath nothing feels the same. I found myself drowning in grief, guilt, anger, and questions. What helped me begin to heal wasn’t answers it was telling her story. Our story.

Storytelling became a way to hold on to Kaylee’s memory, to bring meaning to unimaginable loss, and to connect with others walking a similar path.

Your Voice Can Break Stigma

For too long, addiction has been shrouded in shame and silence. We don’t whisper about cancer or diabetes, but we tiptoe around overdose, heroin, and mental health. I used to do it too.

But I learned that silence doesn’t protect us it isolates us.

When I started sharing Kaylee’s story, people listened. Some came forward with their own pain. Others simply said, “Thank you. I thought I was the only one.”

There’s a quiet revolution happening and it starts with brave voices speaking out.

Stories Create Change

One story can change a law. One voice can start a movement. One mother’s heartbreak can light the way for another family still searching for hope.

That’s why I speak. That’s why I write. That’s why I show up even when it hurts because maybe, just maybe, my story will prevent someone else’s.

Maybe a struggling teen will see herself in Kaylee. Maybe a parent will recognize the signs earlier. Maybe a policymaker will understand that recovery support isn’t a luxury it’s a lifeline.

You Don’t Have to Be a Writer Just Be Real

If you’ve experienced loss, trauma, addiction, or any kind of pain you don’t need perfect words. You just need courage.

Speak from the heart. Be honest. Even if your voice shakes, let it speak.

Start small:

Write a letter to the one you lost.

Share a moment that changed you.

Say their name out loud.

You never know who needs to hear your story.

Your Story Matters

I will never stop missing Kaylee. But I will keep telling her story not just because I love her, but because her life had meaning, and her story still has power.

If you’re reading this and holding pain in your chest, I want you to know: your voice matters. Your story can heal. It can connect. It can change lives.

And that, more than anything, is why we must keep telling our stories.

Call to Action: Speak. Share. Support.

If you’ve lost someone to addiction or love someone who’s struggling I invite you to share your story too.

Post your reflection.

Light a candle.

Start the conversation in your community.