Updated Note from Founder:

From the founder of Indelible Lives, Inc.

Indelible Lives, Inc. was created in honor and memory of my son, Jeremiah Douglas Edwards, known to most as JD. 

Jeremiah was born on March 1st, 1997 he stole every single one of our hearts. He was the first love of my life, my first child, the first grandchild, the first boy in our family, the first of 5 wonderful siblings, and so much more. But his journey didn’t begin like most. From the very start, there was stress, loss, and illness.

Regardless of the love he was surrounded by he struggled with mental health at a very young age. Even in his darkest moment there was a smile, or a laugh, or a comment that touched deep.  In addition to the mental health battle he was in, he started to self medicate, he was still so young. 

He battled against suicidal thoughts,   had many diagnosed, and undiagnosed mental health challenges. He would try anything that could numb  the pain.   

JD  became a larger-than-life adult. He was passionate, sweet, wild, outrageous, controversial, talented,  and a genius with a heart that loved so deeply it hurt. And sometimes, life overwhelmed him in ways he couldn’t process. 

In 2020 while we were all in the middle of a pandemic JD tried to get help, he tried to come home and live with us, and for a short time it worked. JD got his car on the road, had a room he was renting, started boxing, working with an MMA gym, and he was excited to be a part of that community. He was still self medicating, and on September 20th, 2020,   he bought “heroin” from a friend., in a moment of weakness. This person sold him fentanyl instead and  watched him overdose, robbed him of his phone, and other belongings, and left him to be found as a John Doe, in a back parking lot in Lowell MA.

The devastation of losing JD still hangs in the air, it remains a part of every aspect of life. The sadness is often relentless for those of us who feel the massive hole left  in our lives.  What remains is the love, the stories from friends and family, and  once in a while a new picture or video that surfaces. 

I can not possibly do any justice to JD’s life, his story, or his struggles with this short letter.    My hope is that creating this organization is just the beginning of finding ways to help people  and their families, who have struggled with mental health challenges and addiction. To help them find a way to navigate this crazy beautiful life, and honor the spirit of who JD was to us all. 

Thank you ,and JFS,

Charity – Jd’s Mom

Why I decided to be a part of Indelible Lives, Inc. can be summed by an adaption of a Loren Eiseley writing called The Starfish Story:

An old man was walking on the beach one morning after a storm. In the distance, he could see someone moving like a dancer. As he came closer, he saw that it was a young woman picking up starfish and gently throwing them into the ocean. “Young lady, why are you throwing them into the ocean?”

“The sun is coming up, and the tide is going out, and if I do not throw them in they will die,” she said.

“But young lady, do you not realize that there are many miles of beach and thousands of starfish? You cannot possibly make a difference.”

The Young woman listened politely, then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea.

“It made a difference for that one.”

Nobody can solve all the world’s problems by themselves, but if everyone committed to helping one person, it could make all the difference in their world.

• Shawn

Helen’s WHY

Because we loved him. From that first moment right after he arrived into the world, everything

changed. Our world was bigger, softer, funnier, there was wonder everywhere.

And then the knowing came. He was troubled, he knew pain and despair and through it all, he

loved, was loyal, and a self-appointed protector of his family and friends. He saw inequality and

injustice and wanted a change. With his great intellect, he was frustrated when he could not fix

everything.

He truly was a “light” in this world. A kind of a Pied Pipper for some, his kindness was generous

and true. It is impossible to describe all he did for us even through his pain and tragedy. We so

miss hearing “Hey! “ followed by a huge hug. We knew he would change the world for the better,

he did for his closest but did not have the time to reach further. His mark remains on us, he still

makes us smile, and we still love him, and feel his love.

Some say “Only the good die young” … well this one did …He is in Gods arms now…and

knowing him makes me think he is petitioning for the good changes to come…for all.

Why Indelible Live.com? Because we need awareness, support, safety, acceptance, and

serious help to be available to those afflicted by addiction. Let’s create and build a culture where

these attributes flourish for all. A culture where there are more places and people to reach out

to and know you are welcome if and when addiction seeks you. We can do this, with your help

and the Love of God!

We love you, JD…forever and always…