USA First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff

The woman came to get her that afternoon and dropped to her knees crying when she
found out. We had a Celebration of Life for Rachel that April at Turkey Lake Park. About
125 people came, including that woman, to tell me her story.
In the early days, I was embarrassed and upset. Then as the years went on, I tried to
help Rachel. Always there to talk. I would take her to lunch. She confided in me about
things a father does not need to hear about. There’s a stigma that we develop, we don’t
talk about our “addicts”. The stigma that others have; they are just addict drug users,
garbage, thieves, why bother with them. They could change if they wanted to. This
includes our family, friends, nurses, doctors, and first responders. I’ve seen it and it sure
needs to change. Rachel didn’t want to be an addict. Yes, she chose to use in those
beginning times, but once that devil grabbed her, it’s very hard to cut him off. Talk about
your loved ones. Make people uncomfortable. And help reverse the stigma.
I write this letter to talk about Rachel and her journey. And to build awareness of
Substance Use Disorder, the opioid problem in our community and the dangers of gangs,
street drugs and fentanyl.
It would be healing to have a memorial where our children can be visited, honored, and
remembered by friends and family. Having this memorial is also equally important to show
that this is being acknowledged. Our beautiful children are not just statistics. Being able to
have their beautiful faces memorialized in our State Capitol would be an amazing
testament to our government’s commitment to our children and their families that are left
behind.
On that Thursday, February 7, 2019, my Rachel was planning on making a new life.
Instead, her ashes are buried at the Dr Phillips Cemetery.
Rachel Amber Bal is now Forever 33. Rachel did not plan on dying that day.
Wesley T Bal
Orlando, FL
256