MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – A vigil called “Lights of Hope” was held Saturday night at the Parkway Community Baptist Church to pray for all those affected by addiction. It was organized by a group called “The Addict’s Mom” or TAM.
The vigil brought together recovering addicts, mothers of addicts, law enforcement officials and first responders. Many of them spoke about how addiction put fear and pain into their lives, but how hope can prevail.
“All of the moms are in different phases of addiction,” said mother Jeannie Turner. He daughter has battled addiction for several years but is now recovering and working at The Owls Nest Recovery Community in Florence, SC.
“It’s a fellowship,” Turner said about TAM. “We’re trying to get the message out that we’re here because I’m sure there’s so many families that don’t know where to turn.”
Red, white and black candles were handed out to the dozens of people at the vigil. Red candles symbolized a child or loved one who is currently struggling, white represented someone who is in recovery and black symbolized someone who lost the battle with addiction.
Mothers at the vigil said they are trying to stop the stigma that comes with addiction. All of them agreed TAM has been a blessing. It allows them to seek advice and give advice to those going through the same things.
For more information on TAM, you can visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/addictsmom/
