By Her View From Home 
Did you know October is National Opioid-Exposed Children Awareness Month? I didn’t know it existed until last year. No mom enters motherhood expecting opioid exposure to be a part of their story. I never thought I would watch one of my children go through withdrawal, and yet here I sit, processing the past two years of our journey, mom seeking resources and support to help my son as he grows up with this reality.
I still remember the moment I met my son: I walked alone into the NICU to see his innocent body tangled in wires and monitors, whimpering gently, wrapped in a blanket, and shaking like a small leaf in a storm. I remember holding him tight, crying, singing constantly, frantically praying God would take this from his story. I was desperate to relieve his pain. Lord, why would someone so young be experiencing the brokenness of this life? I couldn’t understand how a good God could bring someone into the world in this much pain.
I love his birth mom; she is one of the bravest women I know. I also struggle daily with the decisions she made that drastically altered his innocent life. I see him as he navigates emotions, suffers, and runs to me in his pain and confusion. How can he walk through so much hardship before the age of two?
I do struggle with the choices his biological mother made, although she will always be one of my favorites. For choosing life, for choosing us, for giving our family the greatest gift we could ever imagine. She knew there was more to this story.
I see how his shattered story is perfect, and his opioid exposure has forever changed the way I see the brokenness of the world. It has softened me in a way I never thought possible.
His young life matters. And even though he struggles, his story of resilience and courage will forever change those around him.
Amidst brokenness, his future is bright, and his young life is full of opportunities. Opioid exposure does not define him. Strength, courage, resiliency, happiness—his life radiates with joy as he navigates the world and challenges set before him. There are so many warriors in his generation willing to defy the odds.
He is not alone. He is a part of Generation O, the children growing up with the opioid crisis. The innocent ones dealing with trauma, grief, hardship…the strongest generation I know. The ones who are often diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, learning or intellectual disabilities, and so much more. The generation willing to defy all odds.
He is the most passionate boy I know. He smiles at me, his face covered in Mac and Cheese, even though they said his only future was one with a feeding tube. He giggles and looks at me, “Momma, I wuv you,” even though they said his future wouldn’t include words. He pushes through, determined to show his strength, determined to show others that Generation O matters.
I would want my story no other way. I am honored to advocate for Generation O. My prayer is that others will see these dear children and come alongside them. Their trauma in the womb does not define them—they are the strongest people I know.
by Alethea Mshar 
by Katie 
by Carissa Garabedian 
