Sandy & Austin: More Than the Way He Died

Before fentanyl became part of Austin’s story, he was Sandy’s son.

In this episode of 13 Days of Silence: Living in the After, Sandy introduces us to Austin, the person he was, the memories she carries, and the life that existed long before the worst day.

Sandy speaks openly about addiction, fentanyl, and the devastating reality of losing a child. She also talks about something families affected by addiction know all too well: how easily the circumstances of someone’s death can begin to overshadow everything about the life they lived.

But Austin was more than addiction.

He was a son. He was loved. He had a personality, relationships, memories, struggles, and an entire life that cannot be reduced to the way he died.

Sandy also shares what it means to remain Austin’s mother while learning how to carry his absence. One thing she said during our conversation captures that beautifully:

“We don’t stop being their parent. We just learn how to love them differently.”

This is a conversation about addiction, fentanyl, child loss, grief, and refusing to allow the worst chapter of someone’s story to become their entire story.

This is Sandy and Austin, who he was, what happened, and what life has looked like since.

This is living in the after.

🎙️ 13 Days of Silence: Living in the After
Hosted by Teri Lyn