A life lost
Read more
Click here to read more stories of the Gazette's series on heroin and its impact on Rock County.
Photo
Jacob Mayfield played football with The Vikings his freshman year, 2004.
Photo
Jacob Mayfield at the Parker High commencement on June 6, 2008.
Photo
Jacob Mayfield and friend Kayla Stephens at the DECA competition in Atlanta, Georgia in April 2008.
Photo
Jacob Mayfield's mother Kayla continues to display his numerous awards celebrating athletic and academic accomplishments in the room that was his before he died of a heroin overdose in July.
Know the signs
Signs and symptoms of heroin use include:
-- Euphoria
-- Drowsiness
-- Impaired mental functioning
-- Slowed respiration
-- Constricted pupils
-- Nausea
-- Sweating and itching
-- Trouble urinating, even though the bladder is full
Signs of a hroin overdose include:
-- Shallow breathing
-- Pinpoint pupils
-- Clammy skin
-- Convulsions
-- Coma
Source: National Institutes of Health
JANESVILLE — Jacob Mayfield earned his share of medals from basketball and business-club competitions.
The sad reminders of his promising life hang on the wall in his tidy bedroom.
Jacob once planned to go to college and become an accountant.
But heroin killed the 18-year-old Parker High School graduate.
The deadliest of all illicit drugs also is suspected in the deaths of at least 10 other Rock County people since January 2008.
Jacob did not die in some dingy back alley of a big city. His heart stopped beating in the driveway of his neat, middle class home on Janesville’s west side.
Jacob’s mother, Kala Mayfield, refuses to let her son’s death pass quietly. She knows others are at risk. She understands it is too easy for parents to think heroin is someone else’s problem.
“They do not believe their kids will do heroin,” she says.
“They don’t think it can happen to them.”
Haunting thought
On Feb. 5, Kala celebrated her child’s 19th birthday by taking a bouquet of fresh flowers and a balloon to his burial vault. She goes to the mausoleum often and sometimes finds carnations left by Jacob’s friends.
Ever since his death July 3, Kala wrestles with the same haunting thought: Heroin is a junkie’s drug. Only the worst of the street users take it, right? How could it rob the promising life of her smart son?
Kala’s generation understood the danger. But teenagers and young adults apparently do not. They are experimenting with the deadly drug, enjoying the euphoria and putting their lives at risk.
“I don’t know if I was making excuses or being naïve,” Kala says, recalling the months leading up to Jacob’s overdose. “I did not think he had a serious problem. After the fact, I started checking things out. I wanted to know about heroin.”
She once asked Jacob if he was doing heroin. When he replied, ‘Yes,’ she became angry, and he assured her he wouldn’t do it again.
Both said no more.
A couple of times, Kala found Jacob in a stupor. She thought he had been drinking and smoking pot. Police cited him at the beginning of his senior year for possession of marijuana and a pipe in his car.
“I knew you couldn’t die from pot,” Kala says. “I thought in the long term he will grow out of it.”
‘A lot of natural ability’
Jacob enrolled in advanced classes through high school. He took part in Washington Seminar for advanced government students and interviewed former presidential candidate John Kerry during a trip to Washington, D.C.
During his senior year, Jacob also took part in national DECA competition, which includes only the top 3 percent of business and marketing students across the nation. DECA, or Distributive Education Clubs of America, is an association of marketing and management students.
“Jake had a promising career interest in business,” says John Zimmerman, who teaches business education at Parker. “He was excellent in DECA. He had a lot of natural ability. Jake would ask for extra things to do. He wanted to soak it all in.”
Because Jacob loved DECA so much, his mother has started a scholarship at Blackhawk Credit Union in his memory. It will go to a graduating DECA student from Parker High School.
Teacher Crystal Callison characterizes Jacob as kind and respectful. She taught him advanced English in his freshman and senior years.
“Jake had a lot of potential to do many things in the world,” she says. “He also was well liked by all kinds of students, from those in advanced placement classes to those on the margins.”
Jacob’s dad died in November 2007 during first semester of his senior year. In his last month at school, Jacob missed classes and sometimes came to school sleepy. Callison did not suspect drug abuse.
“I’ve been heartbroken,” she says. “I don’t think you ever get over the loss of potential. It is scary when you look at other students and wonder what you’re missing.”
After graduation, Jacob was planning to attend UW-Rock County. He assured his mother he was going to make a lot of money one day and would take care of her. Kala is divorced and worked at General Motors for many years.
At 6 foot 4, Jacob dwarfed his mom. He often came up behind her and rested his chin lovingly on her head. Then he jokingly asked when she was going to grow up.
In retrospect, Kala believes she saw Jacob high on heroin two times. She doesn’t know how long he was using heroin, but she believes he must have snorted it because he was afraid of needles.
Snorting is the process of inhaling heroin powder through the nose, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues. Initially, the drug produces a warm feeling of euphoria. Then the user goes “on the nod,” an alternately wakeful and drowsy state.
Kala knows her son had two sets of friends: those who did not use drugs and those who did. She wanted Jacob to get out of Janesville after graduation to get away from the kids who were using, but he preferred to start college close to home.
‘A poor choice’
The day before he died, Jacob and his mother ran errands around town and stopped for ice cream. They laughed. They talked about self-esteem. They bought a video game.
Later, Jacob invited a friend to visit at the house. They played a video game in the garage. At 7:30 the next morning, Kala found her son passed out in the car in the driveway.
Kala and her other son, Joshua, were unable to remove him from the car so they left him there. Joshua moved the car in the garage so Jacob would not be in the sun, and Kala placed a pillow behind his head. Both checked on him throughout the morning. They believed he was passed out from drug use and would sleep it off. At about 12:50 p.m., Kala found her son not breathing. She called 911 and started life-saving efforts.
The Janesville Police Department and emergency medical services responded and transported Jacob to Mercy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A detective found small bags of a powdery white substance and several empty bags in the car.
The Rock County coroner’s report said Jacob’s blood sample was consistent with acute heroin overdose. The coroner did not find evidence to support suicidal intent.
“I don’t think he intended to do it,” Kala says. “He just made a poor choice.”
Kala now warns classes of Janesville high school students about the deadly danger of drug abuse.
“Heroin does not care who it touches,” she tells them.
“It touches people who are poor and people who have money. Kids try it, they like it and they try it again. If I help one of you say, ‘No,’ that is my ultimate goal. If I can save one of you, then something good has come of my son’s death.”
In one class, she asked how many students knew someone who uses heroin.
“All of them raised their hands,” Kala says. “One girl just sat and cried.”
The grieving mother attends a support group called Compassionate Friends, which meets in Madison.
“You try to understand what happened,” she explains. “You wonder when all the puppy dog eyes will quit. It’s not just that people feel sad for you. But they wonder what they would do if it were them.”
She went through the motions without Jacob at Christmas. She visited him at the mausoleum on his February birthday. She dreads the one-year anniversary of his death.
“I talk to Jacob every day,” Kala says.
“In the morning, I go outside, tell Jacob I love him and blow him a kiss—and I do it again at night. I am not a big church-going person, but this changes your life. I have faith. For me, it is thinking that he is up there and hoping that he is safe and happy. You want to think your loved one is in heaven.
“That is what sustains me.”
Apr 22, 2009 at 11 p.m.
Suggest removal
jake was a truely amazing person. sure he made a bad choice, but im sure all of you have made a bad choice in your life. Kala by the way is great person she is trying so hard to do anyting to change the path of one child if she does that im sure there will be a spot for her in heaven. All of you that have said bad things about her need to go lay down just stop talking. She did what she thought was right and even if it didnt work she is doing everything she can to fix it. Jacob will never be forgotten for the people that knew him and cared for him. so please stop saying bad comments about her im sure if you were in her shoes you would feel horrible if people said that about you. you do have a right to a opinion but if it is negitive please keep it to yourself because im sure kala is already having a hard enough time with this. I knew jake only for alittle while but when i did hangout with him he could bring a smile to anyones face. Jake was always the funny one and you will never be forgotten love you man
Apr 22, 2009 at 4:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
For all of those people who are wondering what happened that night you will probably never know. There are a handful of Jakes close friends and his family that knows the majority of what happend but I truly believe that needs to stay with them. Everyone that is blaming his friend and family for this needs to stop. Jake loved his friends and family very much. I was really close to Jake and I know that personally. He would not want to see all of you putting the blame on his friends and family. So out of respect for Jake please stop doing that. Missing you more and more everyday bakeo.
Apr 22, 2009 at 4:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
To anyone who didn't know Jake and commented on this story trying to blame him, his mother, brother, father, friends, or anyone close to him...
I hope you take a good look at yourself and where you are in life, cause my friend Jake woulda been miles ahead of you..
Missin you Bake-O.
Apr 21, 2009 at 10:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
These comments give off the impression that Jacob was with others, wether it be his friend or girlfriend, all night. Is it even possible that no one saw ANYTHING? The only thing that makes sense to me is that this had to have happened when he was around one of the two. This raises many questions in my head, did his friend take part in this with him? where was his girlfriend as he was overdosing? It seems like the number of unreacting people is growing.
Apr 21, 2009 at 10:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
As I read these comments, I have noticed that the number of high school aged students is increasing. This to me is wonderful because it means awareness is increasing. It also goes to show the wonderful friends Jacob had and that he is very truly missed. However, hw - you have sparked my interest. The article states Jacob had a friend over to play video games that night and was found at 7:30 the next day. What happened that night?? Did his friend have a part in this? parkergrad says he spent the night with his girlfriend, was she there that morning? Does that mean he was at the house all night? The article leaves it very unclear the details of the night. This bothers me as a parent because I am always concerned with the people my children are with and what they are doing and where. They have such a large influence in my childrens' lives, did Kala know who Jacob was with? I realize he was 18 and able to make his own choices, but was he home all night? I wish that the paper would have done a better job answering these questions to make the situation less unclear. Nonetheless, my heart goes out to the family.
Apr 21, 2009 at 9:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
i was a good friend of bakeo and i know that none of the family thought this would happen. if they did, obviously they would have done something. it is a little ridciculous reading some of the things that you people are sayign on here, dont you think the mayfields have been thru enough? bakeo texted me the night before he died inviting me over but i had other plans. everyday i wish i wouldve cancelled them. the people he was with that night were so lucky they had one last time with him. everyday i think about what happened that night and i guess i will never know. something couldve happened when he was with his friends or when he spent the night with his girlfriend and i only wish i was there sayins STOP. bakeo - i miss you man, never forgotten. look over us all.
Apr 21, 2009 at 3:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
I graduated with Jacob, however i did not know him well. I have heard many stories about the night before he died, and I am not sure what happened. I do know though that he enjoyed his day, having spent time with his mother, friends, and girlfriend. I know these people are thankful for their time with Jacob, and it is not right for any of you to criticize anyone or their actions. Yes, hw, he could have overdosed long before his mother found him, but it is not right for anyone to try to determine whos fault was whos and when. Leave it alone and let the people involved be.
Apr 21, 2009 at 3:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
His close friend - I commend you for emphasizing the positives in Jacob's life. People need to realize that tragedies such as this do happen to everyday people. I wish you well. I have great respect for Kala after reading the article, I cannot imagine the pain and suffering she goes through everyday. I hope that you too are well and I wish you luck in life. As far as all of you that are placing the blame on family that did not act that morning, who do you think you are? You do not know them or how you would act, so why criticize and hurt them more. Also, overdoeses can occur several hours prior to the victim being found, who knows that this did not happen long before Kala found her son? Who knows what Jacob had done late the night before or early that morning, and who can say that his friend he was playing video games with has no knowledge of the situation? You people cannot continue to blame the family, they have suffered enough. Once again Kala, I commend you and wish you well.
Apr 21, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
HISCLOSEFRIEND, very well said. If only grown adults could have the compassion you as a child have. Jake was a very lucky boy to have had you as a friend. As far as the rediculous comments on here, I know they hurt, but please just ignore those people. There are some people on this earth that see themselves as perfect individuals, and LOVE to pick apart anyone. Hindsight is ALWAYS 20/20, and some people that weren't involved don't let an opportunity pass to say that the hindsight would have been exactly what they would have done because they are safe in doing so because there is absolutely no way to prove them wrong. So, you just hold your head high, along with Kala and the rest of Jakes' friends and family and wipe those people off your shoulder like a pesty fly and know that you are fortunate enough to know and speak the truth! My heart is aching for all of you, and I pray for your healing, and I will be eternally grateful to Kala for turning a tragedy into a positive.
Apr 21, 2009 at 12:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
I think that allowing people to leave comments about this incident was a STUPID idea gazette. Way to go with that one. For those of you that DO NOT KNOW Jake, Kala, Josh, or his father. Honestly how good does it make you feel to say the things you did? Yeah I know that it was all opinion, but seriously....I am glad that you decided to post it on here. You should have kept it to yourself or talked about it with someone besides having yourself look like cold heartless person that has NO sympathy for his grieving mother. Did you need to make yourself feel better by saying that his father was a "poor role model" and his mother makes poor choices??? How many of you honestly know what your kids are doing all the time, like who they hang out with and what they are really doing? Trust me, you don’t. I see how kids are and they talk about what they have told their parents they are doing, when really they are out doing who knows what, and I know this because I am still in high school, I am a senior at Parker and I see and hear a lot of it, the lies and drug use. I can guarantee that your child has tried or is doing a drug behind your back and will never tell you about it or lie straight to your face. Think about how it would feel to lose a child and having to face an empty home, their empty bedroom, never being able to see their smile or receive a hug from them ever again. That is what Kala has to go through everyday. I know that she is living with her choice of letting him sleep in the car, if you read the article, she checked on him to see if he was ok. Jake told her that he would never do heroin again, she believed him. Like any mother would do or want to do. Not everyone would think "oh just because he told me he tried it once means that’s what he did and that’s why he is like that." She did not know the things she does now about heroin. Jake did make a poor choice, but I know that it was not intentional; he had everything going for him. he had just graduated from high school, he was going to U Rock in the fall, he was about to go on a trip to Mexico with a bunch of his friends, he had an amazing girlfriend that I am very close to, and he was sooo smart and that was going to take him very far. My group of friends and I see now the problem he had, and we are so sorry that it had to happen for us to realize it. Kala is one of the nicest people I have met. She was always offered us food or drinks every time we went to Jake’s house, she would always tell Jake to make sure he got us something. I applaud Kala for being as strong as she is, I appreciate all her effort to reach out to kids to tell them what could happen; I know that I would never be able to do what she has done. For those of you that have nothing but criticism and hateful things to say, Back Off. Let her grieve and cope with her loss; you are not making things any easier. I am grateful to have been one of Jake’s best friends. I will never forget him.
Apr 20, 2009 at 10:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
P.S. I agree, you have every right to be angry at the situation, but I plead with you that you don't let that anger become who you are, and I also apologize for my assumptions of your expectations. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Apr 20, 2009 at 10:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
Hannah, I am so sorry that you are in such a terrible situation. Trust me when I say, I know how you feel. Although my hubby isn't an alcoholic, I have many family members who are, along with drug addicts as well as an ex who smoked pot so much we basically lost everything. So, I do understand your grief, although not entirely. I have compassion for you, and I certainly will keep you in my prayers. I really don't know what to tell you other than, don't let his habits rob you of your optimism. ((hugs))
Apr 20, 2009 at 10 p.m.
Suggest removal
People who did not know Jake or his mother should not be judging either of them. Kala is one of the best mothers that I know. She did everything for his kids. Her kids always come first to her. Jake was a great person and one of my best friends. He was kind and loved every one of his friends. You are missed greatly Jake I love you and always thinking about you.
Apr 20, 2009 at 8:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
On Monday night A&E has a program called Intervention watch it sometime it's a real eye opener .
Apr 20, 2009 at 7 p.m.
Suggest removal
As a close family friend of the Mayfields I just want to say that Kayla and Josh have been though enough. If you do not have anything nice to say then do not say anything at all. Maybe some of you should stop trying to pull the splinter out of their eye when you just might have a log in yours! Kayla has always been a great mother, and Josh a great brother. Thank you Kayla for being the strong woman that you always have been. We love both of you very much and always will.
Apr 20, 2009 at 6:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
"Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a ... big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suite on hire purchase in a range of ... fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who ... you are on Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing ... junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all ... in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, ... brats you spawned to replace yourselves. Choose your future. Choose life... But why would I want to do a thing like that? I chose not to choose life. I chose somethin' else. And the reasons? There are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?"
- Mark "Rent-boy" Renton (Trainspotting)
Apr 20, 2009 at 3:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
Hannah, I tend to find you humorous and enlightening. That is why this remark about 'no one expects to become an addict' made me want to address you. You sound as if you are a one hit wonder. Your standards are pretty high, and your expectations are higher it seems. That doesn't leave much room for mistakes in your eyes does it? What I personally meant by no one expects to become an addict is, any amount of teaching and preaching won't effect a disturbed mind. When all hope is lost, or some other dysfunctional way of thinking evolves in someone's life, all common sense can leave the brain immediately. Mental conditions can make a person do things that are completely out of character. And with the exception to a few, I don't think that a person who is seeking some sort of band-aid is premeditating the idea of becoming a junkie who will eventually lose everything in their life, including their life. It is quite the opposite, they are looking for something to better their current situation. I as well as you can't fathom the idea of being an addict, to me is just scares me to death, but to someone else, it is completely different in their eyes. I am not sure if you have ever been connected with anyone who has had any sort of mental condition, but the mind gets all mixed up, and life is not as it should be until they get 'fixed'. I can attest to that personally. I won't go into the whole song and dance but with a small go around with depression, I still can't believe the person I was during that time. It certainly wasn't who God put on this earth. I am just fortuneate that I was strong enough to seek help and receive it. I pray that you can be a little bit more compassionate towards others that you might not understand. :)
Apr 20, 2009 at 2:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
I did not know Jacob "Bakeo" Mayfeild, but i have lost friends and family to drug usage. Moat of you probably did no know jacob, but that does NOT give you the right to critisize him or his family for that matter. Some of you blame this tragic loss on the community, some of you have blamed it on his father saying "his father was a poor roll model." And some of you blame it on his mother. Your comments are ignorant. You dont know why Jacob did what he did. The mayfeild family has been through enough with out your negative comments and disrespect twards the Mayfeild family. how would you feel if your mother, son, brother, sister, daughter, grandchild, nephew, neice, husband, wife, or close friend died from a drug over dose? i know for a fact that you would not want to recieve comments liek the ones you are posting. so think about that before you comment about the loss of a family. My deepest deepest sympathy to the Mayfeils family and the friends of Jacob "bakeo" Mayfeild. Rest In Peace "Bakeo". may he watch over the loved ones he left behind.
Apr 20, 2009 at 2:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
OKAY let me try to say this in the nicest way possible..i dont really know how im going to do that but... Josh is an amazing person and was an amazing brother. he loved his brother dearly they were like bestfriends. i know josh very good has the biggest heart ever. he loves and takes care of his mom very well. the people that are putting rude comments obviously dont know josh or his mother because they are the most giving caring loving people i know Kala is doing all she can now to stop others from doing heroine. i give her major props if i had a son and he died from a drug i would never want to hear or speak of that drug again. She goes to classes to learn about heroine and thats an extremely amazing thing to do. Can you imagine how hard that is for her to face the thing that killed her son every week. She is doing the right thing and speaking out and influeing people. I know she saved lives with the words she spoke.Maybe for all you jerks who think you know what your talking about you dont! so stop judging people you dont know. ILY MAYFIELD FAMILY<3 R.I.P BAKEO your truely missed
Apr 20, 2009 at 1 p.m.
Suggest removal
thank you for sharing this touching story, I really don't have any other comments other than thank you for opening up and letting other families see what happened and can happen
Apr 20, 2009 at 12:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
So sorry if my comments offended some, or seemd a tad radical. I grew up on the south side of Chicago in the 60's and 70's, and I have seen what junk does to entire generations.
My condolences to the family on their loss, and I hope they realize that no amount if intervention will ever stop someone from using if they really want to.
Apr 20, 2009 at 11:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
myview~ I agree with you wholeheartedly. Kala is showing some rare courage doing what she's doing. She's allowing others to walk around that "mine field" that so many seem to walk through over and over again even though they know what will happen if they do. If more people like her don't at least step up and try, we can't put a dent in this!
Apr 20, 2009 at 10:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
In reading this article, anyone who is a parent, surely, must feel Kala Mayfield's pain. She should receive commendation for her act of bravery in revealing this painful chapter of her life. Parenting is not a perfect program. Many parents will look back at decisions made and come up with a different, better, solution to have tried. My thanks to you, Kala, and my hope that the information contained within this article will save other parents from similar grief and tragedy.
Apr 20, 2009 at 8:44 a.m.
Suggest removal
SPIKESMOM, I pray that your anger can be replaced with the desire to really love your loved ones and friends and learn from the information that is available. Many times addicts fool those closest to them. A stranger on the street sometimes can tell more about your loved one than you because there is no connection and emotions don't get in the way of facts. I am not saying you don't love your loved ones, I am hoping that is not what you are reading in my words, but what I am saying is, please still tell this person whom you lost that you still love him/her, and you are so sorry that they had to hurt alone. :(
Apr 20, 2009 at 8 a.m.
Suggest removal
After reading the list in the paper of heroin deaths I realized I had a connection to 4 of them. 3 that I already knew about, I was acquainted with various family members but the 4th I knew personally and I just discovered the actual cause of his death yesterday. I really thought he was smarter than that. I was sad when he died. Now I'm really angry at him. These 4 came from completely different walks of life. They were rich, poor, young and old.
On another note, I think anytime an emergency call is made to someone that has OD'd, whether the person has died or not, there should be a public record of the call. "Heroin (or other drug) overdose in the 100 block of ABC St. at 2:00pm, Saturday" Maybe if people actually knew how close to home this drug really is maybe it will be taken more seriously and something can actually be done about it. You know everyone is saying that there is no way this is happening in my neighborhood. People would be surprised.
Apr 20, 2009 at 7:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
Excellent post LogicalGuy.
Apr 20, 2009 at 4:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
I did not get that the mother, brother or reporter were looking to find blame. The I believe the point here is to educate. Consider the following: 1. heroin is in Janesville. 2. Smart kids use drugs. 3. Kids with a good relationship with their parents do drugs. For those who have teenagers, think. It sounds like Jacob was deserving of his mother's trust. As for not calling for help sooner, Ms. Mayfield will no doubt live with those thoughts. Do you have a teenager you trust? Parents, do you know EVERY person your child spends time with? Teenagers are secretive. Take some lessons from Ms. Mayfields willingness to share her story. No blame, just the facts.
Apr 19, 2009 at 11:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
Everyone raised their hand? Wow. Good luck to the family; We'll be praying for you.
Apr 19, 2009 at 11:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
I really feel there are a lot of kneejerk reactions here to a sad story. Especially the guy who suggests the death penalty for people who deal heroin.
What happened is very very sad, but to say 'heroin is invading our city and killing our children' is probably gross overstatement. There were 6 heroin deaths in rock county last year. Statistically speaking, that seems incredibly low.
Heroin, as we can see, is an incredibly dangerous drug. But with all the hyperbole in schools and from parents, its hard for kids to gauge the actual danger level. From the old people (you know who you are, many of you post here) who still believe the 'facts' from the government propaganda film reefer madness, it starts there.
You tell a kid marijuana is dangerous, theres lots of peer pressure out there, people lurking around corners waiting to sell you drugs, and if you don't do their drugs they're going to beat you up.
So obviously, a kid is going to think 'Everyone else is doing it, why shouldn't I. My friend Bill does it, he's still alive'
And then the kids will obviously compare marijuana to heroin and figure that the odds must be fairly close. I mean, 6 people die from heroin overdoses, how many people in rock county die from alcohol related incidents?
And thats a very simple, but flawed comparison for kids to make. They're kids, they dont know that.
The point? If you want to curb heroin abuse, good for you. You will never stop it. Drug use fluctuates over time. You cant control the larger picture. Do you want to protect your kid? Then stop lying to your kids. Stop overreacting, stop trying to 'SAVE THE KIDS' and be honest with your kid. If you lie to a kid about one thing, and they figure it out, you're a liar for life. Thats why D.A.R.E failed and thats why the just say no campaign failed. Hysteria and rhetoric instead of truth and compassion.
And if your kid admits he has been using heroin, SHIP THEM TO REHAB. Don't take their word for it when they say they'll stop.
P.S. To DA David O'Leary or anyone in general: Can anyone point me to a story about heroin thats in our middle schools in rock county? I cant seem to find any proof. Even on the gazette's site.
Apr 19, 2009 at 10:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
From the WIDEC website... http://www.wisconsindec.org/
==============
The Wisconsin Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (WIDEC) is a multi-disciplinary partnership that supports communities in assessing service needs, coordinating efforts and keeping children safe and free from the exposure to dangerous drug environments.
==============
WIDEC defines ‘Drug Endangered Child’ as
---Any child, born or unborn,* at risk of neglect, or sexual or physical abuse, or emotional abuse, or mental harm by the parent’s or caregiver’s use, distribution or manufacture of any controlled substance or the parent’s or caregiver’s failure to protect the child from the exposure to the use, distribution or manufacture of any controlled substance.
==============
Listed at the [DRUG] link (left side of screen) are various drugs and the prominent characteristics of use/abuse, as well as significant warning signs to identify drug endangered children.
==============
Brochure: "How to Identify a DEC" is a fantastic brochure produced by the Iowa Alliance for Drug Endangered Children.
link: http://www.drugshurtkids.com/warning.php...
Other printed materials are located at the [RESOURCES] link on the left side of the screen.
===============
To see what communities had an existing DEC program as of last September (Rock Co is not listed):
http://www.wisconsindec.org/ExistingCoun...
==============
Community involvement from everyone is essential. WIDEC realizes that statewide awareness and involvement go hand in hand. Together we can proactively work as a team to send the message that Wisconsin values the safety of children, and will not accept child neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse due to drugs
Apr 19, 2009 at 9:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
As far as the comment that articles like this should be omitted from public forum, I disagree. I believe these things SHOULD be discussed, that is how people learn about these things. I do agree though that some people have no tact and say things that most would only think, if even that. But, if all of us who are offended by such comments can make a choice to ignore those comments, and cease the power of the offender, I do believe the power of those comments could be minimized. Just a thought. :) You will always have those who would rather believe that there is always someone ELSE to blame. That will never change, we just have to choose to eliminate those bad seeds from our way of thinking, don't let them breed negativity.
Apr 19, 2009 at 9:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
This is so sad. I will not "look (type) at you with the puppy dog eyes", dear Mother, I will give you a standing ovation and applaud your willingness to put your unhealed wound out there to help at least one other soul be saved! I thank you for that. I thank you for caring about my children and others' children so much, that you put your own heart in the hands of others when you certainly could be hiding from the world and looking at your ownself with those puppy dog eyes. Thank you SO much Kala for being the person you are. Without knowing you personally, I feel the love and strength you have for your son as well as for your community. You continue to be strong and continue to tell your boys you love them! I go to bed every single evening thanking God that my family has all laid down peacefully and safe. And I understand completely that this could happen to anyone. NO ONE expects to become an addict. NO ONE! You just never know what tomorrow will bring, so we all must live the fullest for today. Prayers and hugs to you Kala, and your family and friends!
Apr 19, 2009 at 9:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
bearfan you make me extremely mad. whoever on here doesn't know bakeo [jacob] or the family shouldn't even say anything. i've known bakeo since i was in kindergarten, and his family also. kala is the most caring woman i have ever met and his brother josh has the biggest heart. if kala and josh would have thought that bakeo was in danger they would have called. when bakeo makes promises he kept them, heroin obviously took over. especially making a promise to his mother, he would have kept it. and she is one that would believe him; they had an amazing relationship and so did jake and josh.
if you don't know anything about the family don't say anything, because a people with no respect and that are saying cruel things are truly pissing people off.
rest in peace bakeo <3 i love you && miss you!
Apr 19, 2009 at 9:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
Does this story really need comments? really people!? do your opinions matter so much to publicize them. The family of this young man has gone through enough turmoil, let him rest with dignity. Turn off the comments gazette staff...come on!
Apr 19, 2009 at 7:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
Some one should have told the kid just say NO.O that's right janesville area dont have a drug problem, and MOM and DAD think there little angel's dont do drugs HA wake up people this crap will kill,talk to them kick them in the butt if you have to,get involved with what they are doing,be a pain in the butt if you have to but be there for them.
Apr 19, 2009 at 7:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
I do not know what it is like to use illegal drugs, I never touched them. I do know they can kill. I do not know what it is like to be a parent who knows their child is doing drugs. I do not know what it is like to lose a child to anything, but drugs in this case. I can say that I commend Kayla for taking her lose and trying to educate others... that everyone can be affected by drugs.
Kayla, I am sorry to hear this story of Jacob. I cannot imagine what you continue to feel. I do commend you for taking on the educational approach. There are many negative routes to take, but you seem to be trying to help another parent that is in the shoes you have worn!
Apr 19, 2009 at 7:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
the gazette staff should remove all of the comments.. kayla didnt tell her story for people to write some rude comments.. shes trying to educate people on this deadly drug that is becoming very popular in janesville
Apr 19, 2009 at 7:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
crafty
Apr 19, 2009 at 12:34 p.m.
Suggest removal THE WAR ON DRUGS IN IT'S PRESENT FORM DOES NOT WORK. If you want a "War On Drugs" that works, we need to cut the fat out of the present one. It has become a cash crop for the authorities. As long as that is the case, it will never work.
AREN'T YOU GLAD WE ARE FILLING UP OUR PRISONS WITH DRUG DEALERS? SURE IS WORKING!
*********************************************
Crafty what would you suggest they do with the
drug dealers ?
Apr 19, 2009 at 6:28 p.m.
Suggest removal
Jacob had a poor role model for a father. This doesn't make his late father a bad person. Just unfortunate the circumstances had to be that way. His father died way too young just as Jacob did. Very tragic.
.....There GAZETTE editorial staff, is that good enough for you? Are you done playing God now?
Apr 19, 2009 at 6:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
BearFan I think you are making a good point here. Initially when I read the story I thought maybe he was responsive, just sleepy, etc...but when I went back over it-it clearly stated 'they believed he was passed out from drug use and would sleep it off.'
Teenage boys can be deep sleepers BUT-if you know drugs are or have been involved that takes it to a whole new level. With that being said-you are absolutely correct-it is never okay to be witness to ANYONE passed out from drugs or alcohol to the point they cannot be moved and not call 911. I am sure Kayla lives with this guilt everyday. I found it was interesting the heading of that piece was 'A Poor Choice.' Maybe that was meant for both Mother and Son. In Kayla's defense I think it's worth mentioning how the sickness of the user can really suck those closest in-that's why the Alanon Program was formed. It's great that she's telling her story-us Adults need the education too.
Apr 19, 2009 at 4:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
I got u bearfan...
PS
who cares if the bears suck
Apr 19, 2009 at 4:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
Ok everyone who thinks I have no heart...I have enormous sorrow for this mother and her other son. The point that I was trying to make is that had her son received prompt medical attention HE could be giving us this public service warning instead of his mother. I truly cannot believe that she or any of the other people who commented could think that her son was just tired from staying up too late. Drug use or alcohol consumption HAD to have been suspected. IN EITHER CASE if someone is unresponsive you call 911! That is just common sense. My condolences to the mother and hopefully people who read this will take all drug use more seriously including alcohol and pot as both can be just as dangerous (pot can be laced with anything).
Apr 19, 2009 at 4:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Im not condemning the mother. Just stating what I would have done.
Apr 19, 2009 at 4:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
**who would have immediately called the paramedics? (except Bear Fan, of course)** I HAVE and would do it again. You never know what kids use. Think about it...If one of your children are passed out , would you call paramedics? I would hope so.
Apr 19, 2009 at 3:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
we are putting our resourses into combating drugs and getting all of them off the street, yet we legalize alchohol that kills thousands a year just in wisconsin alone. everyone says marijuana leads to cocaine and heroin use, my question is how many pot heads do you know that are dead because they used marijuana none, to the contrary studies in europe prove that by allowing personal use of marijuana people dont use harder drugs and even became just marijuana users. the government needs to get the hint that drug policies need to change and now. legalize marijuana and use the money and resources to combat and outlaw alchohol and other hard narcotics and go after dealers. and give these kids around here something to do. IT IS A NO BRAINER
Apr 19, 2009 at 3:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
Anyone contemplating trying heroin for the first time should be forced to watch the movie "Trainspotting" a few times. Just seeing what those characters go through as a result of doing this particular drug was enough to make me cringe at the very thought of even being in the same building as the stuff. Sorry to hear about this boy's death. I'm sure the death of his father probably had something to do with his state of mind. I wonder if school counselors knew this happened, and if they tried to at least speak with the boy to see how he was handling it. The percentage of children losing a parent to death has to be pretty low; I would think that would be a warning sign to at least speak with a kid a few times. At least in a divorce, you know your parent is still walking the planet somewhere.
Apr 19, 2009 at 3:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
Alcohol abuse among our young people is indeed a plague. With proms and graduations coming up, I'd like to try, once more, to write about that topic. I'm looking to interview local parents who once allowed kids to drink in their homes but now regret it. I'd give equal time to a parent who wants to justify hosting drinking parties. Call me at 755-8252 or e-mail: fschultz@gazettextra.com -- Gazette reporter Frank Schultz
Apr 19, 2009 at 3:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
She couldn't call 911? If my son isn't responsive while sitting in a car in the driveway, I'm calling for help. What did she need to see to call?
Apr 19, 2009 at 3:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
For those of you who are so perfect and can sit here and condemn this mother...how dare you. In life you can question everything you do. Life is full of what ifs. No one can predict the future. Did she know these would be the last moments she would see him? No she didnt! Dont you think she questions herself everday. It is not my place or yours to do that for her. The big story should be on how she is reaching out to the kids of this community, which to be honest noone else is attempting. So instead of critizing her moments on that life changing morning, get out and help instead of making judgements that are not yours to make.
Apr 19, 2009 at 3:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
fbcoach-I hope those parents who allow the drinking see themselves and change their ways but I doubt that will happen. But you are wrong on one point. Their children may not be driving but others leave those parties and drive themselves and other teens home drunk.
Apr 19, 2009 at 2:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
So where are the "lat's make drugs legal" folks on a story like this one? He was 18 - doesn't he have the "right" to use drugs if he wants to?
--
Let's not lose sight of how many kids also die from Alcohol use! Heroin gets the headline - and the shock value is strong, but booze will mess up more teen lives in Janesville than heroin ever will.
Apr 19, 2009 at 2:43 p.m.
Apr 19, 2009 at 2:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
As a teacher, I hope this will be a wake up to ALL parents not only about drug use but about drinking as well. I have never worked in a town where parents PROMOTED alcohol use. All over this town every weekend parents are buying booze/beer for kids and getting them drunk in their basement. Thinking, "Well at least they aren't driving." This attitude leads to pot must be okay then parents, even in this horrible case, think while pot can't kill them. Which they allow and condone, this then leads to heroine or cocaine.
**
Things which we allow, are things we promote. To long have the parents in this town promoted drinking and drug use.
Apr 19, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Thank you Janesville gazette for this series! Being a drug counselor myself, many young people turn to heroin after becoming addicted to presciption pain meds. like oxycontin and vicodin. Do me a favor and take a look in your medicine cabnet, if you no longer use the meds, please get rid of them. Next week the county will have drug drop off to dispose of these medications. Thank you Kayla for having the streghth to tell your story!
Apr 19, 2009 at 2:28 p.m.
Suggest removal
Thank you Janesville gazette for this series! Being a drug counselor myself, many young people turn to heroin after becoming addicted to presciption pain meds. like oxycontin and vicodin. Do me a favor and take a look in your medicine cabnet, if you no longer use the meds, please get rid of them. Next week the county will have drug drop off to dispose of these medications. Thank you Kayla for having the streghth to tell you story!
Apr 19, 2009 at 1:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
A very well written story, Ms. Lux. A beautifully expressed balance of news and human interest. It should be required reading for teens and parents. Thank you.
Apr 19, 2009 at 1:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
I first want to give a thank you to the Gazette for bringing attention to an ever growing problem in our community (and for that matter the country). It makes me sad to see people judging the mother for "choices" she made the day her son died. She did the best she could with the knowledge she had. I'm pretty sure that's why she's sharing Jacob's story so other families might not have to go through the same pain as she did.
Apr 19, 2009 at 1:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
Janesville has a terrible drug problem that needs to be addressed sooner than later. Take the cities extra money that they seem to have and hire more police officers. Some people think they have such a perfect family and if you talk to your teenager, they will never do drugs-People WAKE UP there is no perfect families. Teenagers only tell you what you want to hear, they will hide and lie about the rest. SAD WORLD!!!!!
Apr 19, 2009 at 1:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
people why blame the prents for the use of any drug the society we live in is full of bad choices I dont believe that parents are to BLAME I read all these blogs and there all negitive ITS the person who used not the parent fault.My condolences to His family.
Apr 19, 2009 at 1:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
With all due respect, appreciation and admiration to Kayla for telling her story and working to make a difference after such a horrible trajedy, you have to admit-the way this story was written-one could easily understand a response such as BearFan's. Why jump all over him for his honesty and opinion? My first thoughts were the same as his-but then when I studied the short paragraph-I came to the opinion that justice wasn't given in that brief paragraph to why she responded the way she did. I am left to assume that there is more to the decision to leave him in the car-maybe her son had a history of being hard to wake, maybe he was semi-awake and said he just wanted to sleep, she obviously knew he was breathing. I, personally think this story could have been written better to give the reader a better understanding of the parent's position. This story was released leaving the subject wide open to negative criticism-that should not have happened. Kayla-I am so sorry for your loss and can not imagine the pain. Thank you for trying to save others from going through what you went through. God Bless!
Apr 19, 2009 at 1:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
Turn the comments off. Nothing good will come of it.
Apr 19, 2009 at 1:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
The truth is, the sellers of heroin don't have to "push" it on anybody.
Apr 19, 2009 at 1:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
Crafty...You are partially correct. Putting these poeple away would work if we did more to stop the spread before and after, educate better, and show less tolerance for acts. Simply put we don't attack the problem enough. It's like we try to cut out the cancer, but we are cutting after the wound instead of before it...so it just spreads again. But I say use the jails and prisons as much as you can, along with the other efforts!
Apr 19, 2009 at 1:11 p.m.
Apr 19, 2009 at 1:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
My sincere condolences to this family. Heroin is very addictive, and I hope this family doesn't have it hurt them anymore. Now lets go after the people who are pushing this stuff upon our good citizens. Many of you know who these people are. Enough is enough. If you know a family member using any kind of illicit drug, come down on them and demand they turn in the people helping them produce or use it.
Apr 19, 2009 at 12:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
One thing that should scare the crap out of these teenagers "experimenting" with heroin is that even old junkies die of overdoes. Sometimes it is an extremely potent batch or something has been added to the drug itself. After so many deaths from heroin in Janesville do these kids think it won't happen to them? If anything learn from the terrible deaths of the others before you keep taking a drug that is famous for overdoses and you are the next statistic.
Apr 19, 2009 at 12:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
THE WAR ON DRUGS IN IT'S PRESENT FORM DOES NOT WORK. If you want a "War On Drugs" that works, we need to cut the fat out of the present one. It has become a cash crop for the authorities. As long as that is the case, it will never work.
AREN'T YOU GLAD WE ARE FILLING UP OUR PRISONS WITH DRUG DEALERS? SURE IS WORKING!
Apr 19, 2009 at 11:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
There seems to be an epidemic of stories that are trying to make us scared -- really scared -- about this or that. What purpose could such stories have? Could it be that they justify increased spending on the so-called war on drugs? They are never used to argue, for example, that the police cause the drug use to go underground and thereby cause the deaths of kids because there's no possibility that this drug use could be monitored, regulated, etc.
Apr 19, 2009 at 11:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
I have known Kala, Jacob & Josh for about 15 years. He was one of my sons best friends. I know Kala--and above all-she loves her boys! How DARE anyone insinuate, ( or as in the bearfan moron,just come right out and say it) that she didnt call because she was afraid he would get in trouble! Or insinuate that she was negligent in any way.
I dont think ANY of us were there, that awful morning.
We dont know what went on, but we all know it was living hell for both Kala AND Josh.
Dont judge her--who knows what YOU would have done in the same situation? What any of us would have done? Surely, you dont really think that if she knew he had ingested heroin, that she would have just left him alone!?!?
We can never get Jacob back. He will be missed.
But I admire Kala for being brave enough to share this horrible (and intimate) story about him, to try to help others!
Apr 19, 2009 at 11:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
SG-
although i agree with some of what you are saying, i dont think that dealers deserve to die. i am sorry for your loss, and i know how it feels to lose someone to that drug, physically and mentally. it is the young and the old that are selling. i know a 16 year old girl that is selling heroin, and using it. she doesnt deserve to die, she needs help. the problem is where the heroin is coming from and how it is getting into our country. i just wonder how all of it gets in so easily...
Apr 19, 2009 at 11:22 a.m.
Apr 19, 2009 at 11:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
I chastised Bear Fan for his "She let him die" cruelty. And while yes, the article did state that they both thought Jacob was 'sleeping off' some drug use, what she did not know that morning was that he had used Heroin the night before and he was in danger. He had said he tried it, wouldn't do it again, daily life appears normal with no screamingly obvious signs of drug use or abuse... who would have immediately called the paramedics? (except Bear Fan, of course) In July of 2008 there was no publicity about the widepsread increasing use of Heroin as a 'recreational' drug in our area, and Kala shares her heartbreak with the benefit of a knowledge she gained after Jacob died. That is the whole point of the Gazettes efforts now in this series- to educate people to the widespread use of Heroin in our area and the signs to be aware of. Her willingness to be honest and speak up will help educate other parents so that they can be aware of signs and the dangers of potential opiate overdose. If one family, one child, is more aware of the dangers and difficulty differentiating between normal deep sleep and potential fatal opiate respiratory supression because Kala told Jacob's story, it will be worthwhile. And now I'm done with this public forum- thank you to the Gazette for telling this story. Jacob, you are loved, and missed.
Apr 19, 2009 at 11:03 a.m.
Suggest removal
In retrospect, this mother could have done something else. I’m sure that even she sees that. But at that place and moment chances are most of us would have done much the same. Make the young man comfortable and check on him every so often. Only he knew that he had taken heroin, a risk he willingly took with a terrible consequence that can only really be blamed on him. I can relate to this mother’s sorrow and grief and I can find no fault with her actions on that day.
.
I can think of something that can be done to prevent such things from happening in the future, though many will say it’s unrealistic. We live in an age of self-indulgence. As parents, we find it difficult to strenuously object to the self-indulgence of our children when we so readily engage in self-indulgences. Parents, put away the intoxicants. Not just on a shelf, but out of your lives. Lead your lives as if your children are watching everything you do, because they are. Don’t be afraid to object to your children’s behavior because you behaved similarly when you were young. Be honest with them about the things that you once did and explain why it was wrong and that you wish you hadn’t had to learn the hard way. And then prohibit any drug use (including alcohol) and never compromise that stance.
.
Lead by example and be firm. And if their friends’ families don’t do the same, make them get new friends. You must start when they are very young. The longer you wait to lead them, the less effective it will be.
Apr 19, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
You could die from pot. Pot leads to stronger drugs. Stronger drugs lead to....or can lead to death.
It's so tragic to lose a child especially when it could be prevented. I'm proud of Jacob's mother for telling his story.
Kids....it can happen to you. No matter how old you are. Say no. Walk away. Talk to someone. Get help if you're using. We would much rather keep you here on earth than send you to heaven.
Apr 19, 2009 at 10:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
One question. One question to which there is no adequate answer.
WHY?
Apr 19, 2009 at 9:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
I stronlgy believe that the Janesville Gazette should refuse all "posted comments" on stories like these. They do realize, well they should, that some people don't have hearts and don't care about how much their hurting others, like this kids family and friends. Stories like this one should be told and that's all! Thanks you sick minded people for hurting this family's feelings even more by your postings...
Apr 19, 2009 at 9:56 a.m.
Suggest removal
luckyparent: you chastized BearFan by saying " nor did she have reason to think that morning that she was seeing anything but a tired teenager...and wasn't ready to wake up."
But the story clearly states: "Kala and her other son, Joshua.... believed he was passed out from drug use and would sleep it off."
That being said-this family is extremely brave and caring-enough to share their story for others to learn from-and in telling the story, they undoubtedly cared about their own son. How could they have imagined this outcome? Who can doubt that they would change things they did had they known? They want US to know. The story should be read for what it is-a lesson learned and a lesson shared. Not an (another) invitation to turn on them or each other.
Apr 19, 2009 at 9:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
This is a very sad story!! I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes, I couldn't imagine having to go thru any of that. My thoughts and prayers are with you Kala, Joshua, and Jacob's friend and family!
Apr 19, 2009 at 9:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
No need to beat up on the mother. Losing a child is something that haunts you and hurts for the rest of your life.
Beat up on the people who deal this death. Lobby for penalties such as the death penalty for dealing in this poison.
Apr 19, 2009 at 9:39 a.m.
Suggest removal
bear fan you are out of line with your post. but i kind of figured there would be people like you all over this with rude things to say.hope the rude comments you made make you feel good about yourself today.
Apr 19, 2009 at 9:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
I do NOT want to beat anyone up here,but their were "SO" many signs here that were leading up to the end for this child,but ignoring the problem (maybe the person in question will outgrow it)was the parents/child's demise. Parents are suppose to teach right from wrong,but the old saying goes,you can lead the horse to water,but you can't make him drink it,same goes for knowledge. Kala my heart feels the pain you have,death is so final,no second chances,just "one" MORE TIME TO SAY I LOVE YOU,"I" can relate!! The hate circle is waiting to pounce ,but "NO" cigar today!!
Apr 19, 2009 at 9:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
Bear Fan, and everyone else who plans to post a remark on this article...you need to understand that what is written is only part of the story before you spout off in judgements. Of course she would have called 911 if she suspected danger- she did not believe, based on the actions she saw every day in a loving home, that Jacob was using heroin, nor did she have reason to think that morning that she was seeing anything but a tired teenager who stayed up too late the night before and wasn't ready to wake up. That is the whole point of this effort to educate our community, Bear Fan. That is WHY this heartbroken Mother bravely spoke out, so that another life can possibly be saved. What kind of Mother is/was she? If you didn't grasp that in reading the story, you'll never understand. She LET him die? Does saying something that cruel make you feel somehow superior? Those of you convinced that heroin will never touch anyone you care about and this is someone else's problem, I ask you to keep your judgements to yourself.
Apr 19, 2009 at 8:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
Wow.......
Apr 19, 2009 at 8:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
Parents that have a rebellious teenagers, sometimes there is nothing you can do to wake some kids up. Calling police didn't work, been there done that.
Apr 19, 2009 at 8:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
local- What happened is that those people who were "rebellious" by smoking and drinking grew up. They had children. Many of these now parents don't hold the line there - at drinking and cigarettes because, well, they did it too after all. Kids want to rebel and push the limits. If the "lesser" vice of drinking and smoking was seen by teens (and tweens) as the limit, then most would stop there. Think of the difference between these to lines of teen thought: "If my parents ever found out I had a beer I would be DEAD." versus "My parents don't get too bent out of shape when I drink so I can. They might get mad if I try ___ but probably won't kill me."
Apr 19, 2009 at 8:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
There is a tipping point where thereafter humility becomes a graceful educator, and healer. Until that time pain and suffering will continue while resisting acceptance to what should be.
Apr 19, 2009 at 8:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
Wow. It is amazing how times have changed. When I was his age, smoking cigarettes and beer were the rebellious thing to do. Action at school was a fist fight between a couple of boys. No police assigned to the school. What the hell happened? I don't think you can blame one thing, but a series of accepted loose morals.....
Apr 19, 2009 at 8:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
First of all, what kind of a mother just lets her passed out son "sleep it off" in his car?! the truth is, she knew her son was taking heroine yet put a pillow under his head, removed him from the sun, and let him die. Even if it was only alcohol that response could have had the same effect. Was she afraid her son would get in trouble if she called 911? Her son made a horrible decision, but her decisions and actions were just as wrong...and she's supposed to be the adult. Had she called 911 promptly her son would probably be in rehab right now. Alive
Apr 19, 2009 at 8:06 a.m.
Suggest removal
piznat/turtlecreekguy are you serious? Things like this are the community's fault? This story breaks my heart and I commend Kala for reaching out to raise awareness to the problem but if you feel this is the communities FAULT, PLEASE, PLEASE come to the next city council meeting and voice your recommendations on what you would do to correct this. People like you make me sick pointing fingers at society or the community in general for substance abuse in youth. There are many factors involved with substance abuse and all the programs and youth centers in the world are not going to make it go away.
Piznat, I can't help myself from specifically responding to your cruising scenario. Do you really stand behind that statement that banning cruising drove people in to dark corners and in to substance abuse? Have you heard of personal responsibility? Have you heard of substance abuse education?
Apr 19, 2009 at 7:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
Here we go, placing the blame elsewhere.
Apr 19, 2009 at 7:06 a.m.
Suggest removal
This tragedy is the fault of the community for ignoring the needs of the Janesville youth. When I was a teen in Janesville we would hang out downtown and cruise around in our cars, and then the cruising ban came. That left us with no place to go except dark corners. This lead to substance abuse for some people. If the city would open its mind to the needs of teens and other youth without fascist policies, then the teens would be out in public where they could be supervised to some extent. Janesville has a long history of ignoring the youth.
Apr 19, 2009 at 7:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
So sad that it doesn't matter how or where our kids are raised, this drug can take our children's lives and ruin them in a heartbeat. We talk to our 10 and 12 year old all of the time about the effects of drugs and alcohol and I only hope that our influence is greater than the powers of this drug. I am so sorry for this families loss and can't even imagine the pain this mother must feel. I will definitely save this article and read it to my children from time to time.
Apr 19, 2009 at 6:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
Maybe now Janesville will quit burying its collective head in the sand and face the fact that it, too, has drug and crime problems. That will be the first step toward dealing with those problems.
Apr 19, 2009 at 5:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
WOW! What a wake up call for America's youth! Parents! Be vigilant! Heroin and other illicit drugs are killing our children. Jacob would be so proud to know what you are doing,sounded like a wonderful young man,behind the heroin. Talk to your kids! Get in their faces about these issues. Drugs and alcohol are killing the future of America! Don't just think it is the illegal crap that can kill! Huffing hairspray,Tylenol and other seemingly "harmless" things you can buy at the Walmart can kill! Look for signs and ask questions!! Your children hopefully will be around to thank you someday for it.
Apr 19, 2009 at 3:54 a.m.
Suggest removal
Wow! Heart touching story indeed! I hope all parents and teenagers read this story and take heed of it. My heart goes out to the surviving mother and son. Those that give this horrible drug to anyone deserves to be locked up for life! Too bad they didn't catch the person responsible for giving him the drug.
Apr 19, 2009 at 3:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
:o(
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.