She sounds like she wanted to cry from the beginning, she was carrying a heavy load but tried her hardest to cope the best way she knew how. Rest in Peace Heather, thank you for sharing your story 🕊️
what i don´t get is: why an addict wants to have kids? WHY? That is cruel.If an addict wants to be high,ok, good, but be responsible and do not have kids!
It actually makes sense. Addiction and the desire to have a kid - you feel unloved, worthless, abandoned, people think kids will love you unconditionally
@@grreeeeee HAHAHA!! When a drug addict parent is a monster-and they always are- their kids HATE them, they escape that "home" as soon as they can,exposing themselves to a tough street life. MANY become druggies as well. IS THIS FAIR?How CRUEL are the alcoholics,drug addicts,gamblers. THEY should be made infertile, compulsory. WHO CARES if they "NEED" love ? They abandon the kids as soon as they start drugging: 24/7,they bring criminals ,druggies ,abusers to their nasty, filthy homes. IS THAT good? They chose to drug(alcohol etc) great,enjoy it with other druggies NOT WITH INNOCENT KIDS!
Knowing this lady is no longer on this planet makes this interview hit differently. Her emotional pain is palpable. Seeking relief from that pain in the wrong way cost her her life.
I wonder if maybe she took fentanyl for the first time and it killed her? don't think she mentioned drugs in the interview. Either way may she rest in peace and condolences to her family.
@@misstina1986 I understand that. I was referring to the message before the start of the interview where it said Heather died presumably from a fentanyl overdose.
Not true. When u stop drinking ur not an alcoholic anymore. I used to say same thing about heroin and my sisters always would tell me quit saying it bc ur not a junkie anymore
Functioning binge drinker, gambler, and business owner 👋 95 days sober. I finally understand what “always an addict” means. So sad to see Heather has passed. Deepest thoughts with her 4 children who won’t see Mom again, what a sad sad situation. RIP 😢
Being sober is only one day at a time… stay focused and be gracious/tough/patient/courageous with yourself in dealing with the challenges in staying sober. 🙏🏻👊🏻🙏🏻☀️🇨🇦
Heather was much more than just an alcoholic. She was so hurt by so many people she couldn't see straight. She loved her kids more than anything. I'm sure this was the hardest decision she had ever made. She was a good person who was lost. She did the best she could. Life knocked her down way to many times and there will never be someone in my life like her. She gave everything to those she loved. Did she make mistakes? Yes but we all do. I wish I would have tried harder for her to know I was in her corner. I will miss her immensely. I am heartbroken for her kids who have to wonder and for them to have to see this without being told first what happened.
I went to high school with one of her boys. I had been seeing her missing persons poster all over my Facebook recently, it is very sad to see this be the outcome. RIP 💗
@@NinnaTennunless you’ve walked a mile in her shoes, shut the fuck up. Your knowledge of addiction is clearly lacking. You are beyond rude. I hope her kids don’t read your shitty comment.
@purplehaze4178 Yea, I guess if you have kids and are dealt a bad hand 10 years later "after" having kids, and you decide to get drunk every night to cope, you should throw your kids away. Some people should think before they speak.
She has a good soul. I’m 52 and have been clean ( opioids) over 6 years now. It’s a fkn battle every day and I understand how people relapse or simply keep using. I’ve been humbled and I don’t judge. We’re all on our own journey. I hope she finds peace.
Many people do understand. We've been there and got through it. I think the people who are struggling to get through it would benefit a lot from listening to us and our stories. Most of the time, when we try to share and encourage, we are shot down in the comments telling us we don't know what we're talking about. That we don't understand. That what worked for us won't necessarily work for others. The excuses are limitless.All I know for certain is that it can be overcome if someone truly wants it enough. Will it be easy? No. Can it be achieved? Absolutely. Do they really want to be clean more than they want to use? There's the answer. Again, not saying it's easy, but it is possible if you really want it. Some people may never understand, but those of us who have been there do. We are still told that we don't understand because we are not saying what they want to hear. I refuse to listen to anyone's excuses as to why they cannot get clean. I will however listen to them when they tell me that they are serious about getting clean. I'll go out of my way to help them, and I have. I get so tired of hearing that people don't understand when many of us do, but we're still dismissed for it.
@@Updatenotavailable Yes. And I said what I said. He said most people don't understand. I told him I did understand. You obviously don't understand why I said what I said. I won't even try to explain it to you. You can get off my vibe since you don't understand what I said. 👌
There are so many people like Heather in the world it’s so sad. Alcohol is such an overlooked addiction because of the normalization behind it. The reality is that nobody is a “functioning alcoholic” you still have alcoholism - an addiction that affects your life, health, and loved ones.
I love drinking it’s what helps me get through things and yes you can be an alcoholic and still function just like you can be a hoarder and function or a gambler believe it or not most people have something they lean on to get through just ask a religious person someone who can’t go a day without preaching! It’s all relative.
This woman could be my mother. I’m sad to read that after only a week on Skid Row she lost her life to a potential fentanyl overdose. That had to of devastated her Aunt who wanted her to come back but also wanted her to stay in the first place. My heart aches for her 4 children… this story might be the last they have of her. Mark, thank you for sharing these stories. They hit close to home in a lot of ways for people and I think what you’re doing is helping a lot of us process and work towards healing ourselves. Rest in Peace Heather ❤
This women is my mother!!! She wasn’t even there a week. We have no cause of death yet! Her children wanted her to come back and begged and texted everyday she was gone! I talked with her until the 27th. For hours and hours. I booked a hotel for her and last she said to me she was coming home! 3 hours later she was in skid row! The pain we feel is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone! We knew her story because we knew her and we were her world and she was ours! We would’ve taken her pain if we could’ve even though she wouldn’t have let us!
@jacquelinefitzpatrick2405 for sure. I only mentioned her Aunt specifically since she was waiting with a helping hand and Heather was one unfortunate decision away from taking her hand. I didn't intentionally exclude Heather's additional loved ones and I hope it didn't seem that way!
Drugs,booze, anything to numb the pain of the scars and wounds left from an abusive childhood. I'm living proof of surviving an abusive childhood, lost my mother at 4. A drunken sperm donor who I refuse to call father , dumped me and my siblings into the system. Growing up in an abusive foster home. Years of drinking after I left to numb the pain of all that trauma. It all leaves scars and wounds on your soul. It all matters.
Remarkably strong to still be here in this world with an introduction like that. Sounds like you can do anything you put your mind to. What is a lesson you wish you would have learned sooner rather than later? I'm considering throwing in the towel with this world myself.
Heather is trying so hard to hold it together. She appreciates that she’s had a good life but she’s also experienced so much trauma that she’s struggling to subdue. May she rest in peace.
I am so sorry that she passed Mr. Mark L. I can't imagine how all of these deaths effects your psychi. I have so much love and respect for you 😘 Lisa Las Vegas ❤
During my tremaltues childhood and MANY deployments I have been witness to and experienced the very worst of mankind.....and the very best...and I can confidently say that there is far more good than there is bad in the world....and every bit each of us contribute, regardless how small it may seem, has an incalculably important impact. Good night.
OMG! HEATHER IS BEAUTIFUL PRESENTS HERSELF VERY WELL. ALSO HAS GOOD MANNERS AND WELL SPOKEN YOU COULD HEAR THE HONESTY AND LITTLE SHYNESS IN HER VOICE. I CRIED AFTER I WATCHED THIS VIDEO THINKING ABOUT HER DEATH. R.I.P. HEATHER MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY. THANK YOU MARK
Perhaps she was honest about some things,but there's no way she " owned her own insurance company " as she stated. She may have owned an insurance agency at some point in her life, but she could have never owned an " insurance company ". Big difference. I've worked for both. Only very wealthy people own " insurance companies ". RIP to her.
I have only heard the first 2 minutes of the interview but already she seemed like a really nice and hard working lady. Let her soul rest in eternal peace. RIP 🕊️
❤❤❤❤ RIP Heather , Goosebumps reading the introduction , While I’m very aware so many on this channel have passed, it just hit different this time 😢 The light in Heathers eyes talking about her achievements was beautiful, Condolences 💐 To her children, She’s Now at peace 🫶🏼💓 Sad sad story Mark was right lots of snakes 🐍 I’m guessing she was too trusting
My deepest condolences to Heather’s family. I did not know Heather and reading she died shook me. The lead in message of her passing changes how the interview is perceived. Each word , laugh, body language carries more weight.
I saw what my sister went through and what she put my parents went through because of her drug addiction. It was horrible. Now a days, it seems as though it takes a strong person not to be addicted to anything. This lady seems to be nice but seems lost. R.I.P. Heather 💜
Families of addicts are too often overlooked by anyone who isn't the family of an addict. They deserve and need as much support as the addict themselves. I'm an addict in long term recovery (10 years this winter) and even though I quit drugs, i see addiction show through in other things I do - like my art, exercise, shoe collection. Your observations are spot on - its a very rare situation for a person to be completely free from all addictions.
@@vmkast123Bullshit. Bring a weak coward is what makes a drunk/addict. They're too pathetic and selfish to face their situation without being numbed. This woman has dragged her kids through who knows what, and abandoned her obviously troubled 15 yr old, in order to stay drunk and screw around! She's left nothing but pain in her wake!
What a sad story, may she rest in peace. Said she’s been there 3 or 4 days….and I see several hickeys on here neck and a bruise on her left arm, but the sadness in her eyes and her uncomfortable laugh broke my heart.
I'm almost 18 months sober. I survived a near-fatal overdose in 11/22. There, but for the grace of God, go I. RIP Heather. I pray you're finally at peace now.
I am sorry for Heather’s children and aunt. I hope it is some comfort that she said she lived a good life and had no regrets. I was glad to hear her say that.
I can see the sadness from the beginning.. rip heather. Much love to your family.. it’s crazy that I’m coming across this and I’ve recently met someone who has a very similar story to this.. because of this channel I do my very best to never pass any judgement and always remind myself we all have our own stories but that doesn’t always define who we really are as people. Be kind to one another, always ❤
I’ve known more than one person who’s accidentally ODed on fentanyl mixed with crack as well, one was fatal and he was a friend (I was relapsed then, I have 4 years clean now again). Sad, addiction afflicts all types and classes, it’s miserable for us all no matter how much money you have or don’t have.
“Relapse”. lol that’s the dumbest mistjj no overused and abused word off the world, second only to the word “racist” nowadays. Bruh, you got high again after taking a break is all. “I relapsed” is bitch-made speak for I’m too weak to stay clean cuz there was a bump in the road of life and I fucked up.
@@Pax_Mayn3 Why do you think they are doing this, or why would they want to kill people who make them money? I never heard of cocaine/heroin sample NGOs got for testing here (thank god no fentanyl), it probably happens sometimes but there are no deaths.
Such a beautful, intelligent lady. So sad to learn she has gone; she obviously didn't expect it. Such sadness in her eyes. Rest in peace with the angels, dear soul.
Another life lost to addiction. It is pain that we are trying to numb. #10monthssober #IWNDWYT Rest in peace, beloved. ❤️ My sincere condolences to Heather's family and friends.
@@elvira3268 Thank you! I've had weak moments, no doubt but always glad I make it through another day. I now treat myself to desserts so meh' diabetes. Kidding. The next goal is giving up sweets. Cry. 😭😂
A day before this video was posted I saw Heathers family post about her being missing in a group on Facebook. They posted her last location which was on skid row. I’m glad she was able to do this interview. Hope they find peace. She seemed to have many people who loved her & looking for her.
Umm I think Mark is meant to be impartial, not enticing someone vulnerable to stay in LA/skid row because she "fits in"- 'take charge of your life darlin' - that's an influential statment. Her aunt was trying to protect her and now she's passed away being in the wrong place, making poor choices all enchanted by her environment. I appreciate this channel but you're meant to be a spectator and conduit, not become a part of the said "lifestyle", nor endorse it.
It’s always so eerie viewing these videos knowing that the persons being interviewed is no longer alive, but they’re permanently living via the internet on here. Thank you for sharing your life stories with us, may God Grant you rest and peace!
19 months sober from alcohol. Best decision I ever made was to get clean… if you’re out there struggling with a substance abuse problem, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. For a long time, I was in pure denial about my drinking habit, and how it was affecting my life on a daily basis. It’s hard at first to admit to yourself you have a problem, but it does get easier after a bit. You have to give your mind and spirit time to heal itself…You’re not alone in this fight. If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here for help and support.
24 hours here and i intend to remain sober i don't know about others but i'm quite bored of the effects of drinking, being sober sounds like a better idea
My last drink of alcohol was on 5/22/1989, started at 13, quit at 24. I drank a great deal less than usual when I was pregnant, a year before I quit. I miss the taste of different forms of alky drinks, but I don't miss the shame and the throwing-up. I'm living in genteel poverty, but I'm happier with myself than I've ever been! I've also been diagnosed with ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder/Hypersensitive earlier this year, which explains a LOT. In short, I'm lucky as fuck to still be here! PLEASE: If you know you NEED HELP, GET HELP! Please DON'T BE AFRAID!!!! I'm rooting for YOU!!!!!!
I have ADHD / ADD too and I’ve been sober for a year, I think it affects those with our disability more for some reason. Good on you for your long sobriety!
We live our choices. Oftentimes we don't know the choice we're making is our last one. Her intention was to return to her son and that speaks well of her. May she find peace.
Between this interview with Heather not making it home and Seth's interview it's getting hard to watch/listen anymore. All the heart breaks. This poor woman just wanted to get away from family and go have a good time and didn't even make it out of skidrow. So sad. Prayers for her family and kids. 🪽
I’m new here, is mark a therapist? He finds and interviews these people around skid row but he seems to like to pick at their triggers and bluntly call out the negatives… idk, it’s unsettling and the only person I’ve seen him “help” is Rebecca or others who could care less about changing their situation…
People say a lot is in your own hands, and it is, but this channel is proof how much is just your luck for lack of a better word. Upbringing dictates your life, she really kept the cycle with her youngest ( who knows if not with the oldest as well). Life is tough and when your parents make it even harder, then its horrible. Hope the aunt is a great fit and can change that child's direction in life.
@@TrinityBroadbent I am so sorry for your loss, Trinity. There are no words. I feel your pain, and send much love and wellness thoughts to you and your family. I wish Mark would have been more proactive about helping your mom get back home. I imagine he's busy with this SWU project, but a social worker should always be "on site" to help interviewees tap into resources that could help them get on the right footing. Hire a social worker, Mark! I think many of us would donate to a gofundme social worker. It could have saved this dear woman's life, who seemed to be having a depressive episode, but really wanted to get back home to her loved ones. This SWU story is the saddest one yet.
The only thing I didn't like in this interview was when Mark asked her 'What's stopping you from staying' (in LA) and when Heather answered, not once did she say my 15 year old son is there. Mark asked her this a couple of times. I also didn't like Mark encouraging Heather to stay as he knew she had a young son. A 15 year old(they may not think so) needs the parent/s, to love them and be there for them. On the other hand, in lieu of what has happened, at least Heather got to spend her last days being where she wanted and doing whatever she wanted. And was happy. What an amazing life she lived!
Also, when he asked why she thinks her son is using substances, she said it's cuz he was hanging with the wrong crowd. Not once she took the responsability to say that it could have been due to her absence and her using substances.. she did not deserve this life but she also isn't fully innocent in her choices.
@@Samstelios ya I needed my mom, we all did! It would’ve taken a google search, one phone call and we would’ve been there to get her! One call! That’s it! Her kids were her everything! I can assure you that!
What a lovely lady, it’s so incredibly sad that she passed 💔 maybe if she didn’t have that commitment to her aunt to go back to Utah she wouldn’t have felt the need to take those drugs… my condolences to Heather’s kids.
Sometimes it just blows my mind when addicts or alcoholics say such things but it's already phenomenal to be able to get 3 degrees but imagine doing it being drunk all the entire time and still being able to maintain that kind of success in life!!! CONGRATULATIONS ON THE DEGREES HEATHER!! MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE❤ I hope her son is doing good!! Bless his heart!!😢
They drink and do drugs on the floor of the NY Stock Exchange. I remember the days when women in pink collar corporate America used to carry booze in perfume bottles. May this dear woman RIP and may her son find direction, healing, and peace in his life.
I’m going to be honest, when someone brags about the number of degrees, it’s always several “beginner” degrees. You say you have three degrees when you don’t have a BA/BS and need to put a spin on the time wasted. If you got an AAS, then a BA in history, then a MA, you wouldn’t say “three degrees,” you’d say it normally & just reference your masters, the highest degree. Drafting is a great career & challenging, for example, but she’s talking about stacking AA degrees (18 months-2 yrs) which usually means she flamed out in the job market. I know Heather passed, I’m not trying to be mean, but I’ve found that the people who tell you the number of degrees tend to be a bit scammy. They know that if you didn’t do college or pay attention to this sort of thing, you’ll hear “several degrees” and presume that they were building expertise in some area, but often they just jump from program to program. If you have a PhD, it’s presumed you have a bachelors, you don’t even mention it. So if anyone trying to sell you something or persuade you is hyping up their numerous degrees, be extremely suspicious. And if you have multiple degrees at the same level, pick one & mostly just mention that. There’s really no benefit to bragging up multiple AA degrees… it always begs the question, why not just get one bachelors degree?
@@montananerd8244 However, I will state that education goals are relative. For some people who are the first college going individuals in their family, an associates is certainly an accomplishment. With that said, I would agree that most people mentioning multiple degrees without stating the type and domain likely are just trying to boast. In her case, it may be to protect her ego. I say this in a non-judgmental manner though. We all try to protect our egos in one way or another, whether we realize it our not.
@@montananerd8244 , agree. I took random classes for fun and kept getting surprise associate degrees in the mail. I guess the random classes added up in some way. However, I don't really reference them and just reference my highest degree.
This interview is a good example of what is so valuable about this channel but also how at key moments Mark often fails to show the right kind of empathy. That poor woman needed help, she needed to be listened to.
I work in the field. We are told not to get emotionally attached. But when we have people who pass from an OD, the reaction is always the same. May you rest in peace, Heather. I know you struggled more than anyone should. Sending you and your family so much love.
Good for her for protecting her daughter. So many parents do not listen. Sad to see this beautiful, gentle, nurturing person is no longer here with us.
@@CassieBee88 she was my best friend, my voice of reason, my protector, my biggest fan. She was too good for so many! And so many failed her. She never failed us and we are hurting so bad!
@@donnalittle1507 this is why I want to tell the rest. Can’t get a response! My momma was more amazing than you could ever imagine! Hers kids thought so and so did 100s of her family and friends!
