Somerville Overcoming Addiction’s Candlelight Memorial Vigil brought people together to remember those who succumbed to the ravages of drug addiction, and to look forward with hope for those seeking help and healing. — Photos by Amy Swain

By Amy Swain

Tuesday, September 15 saw Somerville’s second annual Candlelight Memorial Vigil. The event was held at Somerville High School, put together by Somerville Overcoming Addiction (SOA), a local group dedicated to helping those affected by the disease of addiction.

A large part of what SOA works for is overcoming the stigma associated with addiction, and recognizing those struggling as individuals – friends, family, coworkers and peers – with a disease.

Matt Ganem, MC of the event, opened with remarks on that topic, and also by declaring the event less of a mourning, and more of a recognition of that idea. “Events like this are for healing. Let’s celebrate the lives of the people we lost. It’s not about mourning death; we’ve already been there. We’ve already been to the wakes and the funerals. It’s not about mourning death, it’s about embracing their life, carrying their memories.”

Amanda Rodrigues shared her story about growing up with two parents suffering from addiction.

Local talent Maggie Leon carried on the ceremony with a heartfelt original song entitled Where Has my Brother Gone. While the idea was not to mourn, the sentiment was very emotional for everyone in attendance.

As it was with the story Amanda Rodrigues shared about growing up with two parents suffering from addiction. Rodrigues shared her struggles, her triumphs, and reminded us of the dangers of projecting a negative future on a child of addicts. This, she says, can be more harmful to the child than the parents themselves. Through their constant attempts to better themselves throughout their lives, they taught her to do the same; to continue trying, no matter what.

Similarly, Joann Rivieccio shared her story of parenting two sons suffering from addiction. She told of the grief of not being able to find resources for a son she lost in 2009, and the joy she feels now, seeing the group come together, along with other organizations, to assist families struggling like hers had. “I want you all to know that you are not alone,” she said. “And I’m not here to speak about my family, I’m here for you.”

In a conversation I had with Riviecco after her speech, she disclosed that her story was just too sad. She said that her message was to let people know that it is okay to feel the void. “We don’t know how long it will take us to recover. We may never recover.” Still, she, as well as the rest of the group and those in attendance, continues to try, and to help others through the work of SOA.

Emma Smith-Benzen, Miss Preteen Massachusetts 2015, shared James Joyce’s acclaimed poem Feel no Guilt in Laughter, and Lucus McCain performed a haunting acoustic song. Candles were lit before members read lists of the many they have lost to this disease, and then a moment of silence, a prayer, both for those lost, and for those left behind to mourn.

Booths for organizations involved included Banyan Treatment Center, Cambridge Needle Exchange, Wicked Sober, OPEN (Overdose, Prevention and Education Network), Teen Challenge New England, Learn to Cope, and Cambridge Health Alliance. Each of these organizations are eager to help anyone who needs them. Anyone curious about getting help or helping others can visit websites for the above, or visit Somerville Overcoming Addiction on Facebook.