Remember the LOVE part...

9 years after becoming clean, I got a phone call from my uncle who was teary. He needed a favor, and didn't know who else to ask. He asked me to go pick up my cousin Brienn from the Utah County Jail, she was done serving her time and needed a ride back to her treatment facility. Brienn and I grew up together. We LOVED Aerosmith, we would lay out all summer, and pick cherries off the neighbors tree and eat them till we got sick. Brienn and I just idolized her sister, Season. Season was beautiful, and blond, and tall, and she would get so tan after we would lay out. She was so much fun, and so loving. Season went on to marry her soul mate, and have a little girl. When her daughter was just a baby, Season passed away in her sleep from an underlying heart condition that went unnoticed. This crushed Brienn, and led her to a world of destruction, drugs, and three children by three different fathers. We both went down the wrong path in life, only I was so blessed to get out, and see and feel the spirit, and God's hand. Brienn was not. I had seen her several times at family functions and asked her to call me and come hang out with me. I wanted so badly for her to SEE what life could be for her. She never called. So, here I am, 4 months pregnant, 9 years clean, and I am to pick her up from jail. I told my uncle of course I would. Immediately my stomach turned, and I became so sick (being pregnant didn't help). My husband tried to comfort me, and wanted me to be careful. My duty was to get her from the jail back to the treatment facility, no detours, no stops. The facility was the only one that would take her and her children so she could keep them while she tried to get some help. If I didn't get her there within a certain amount of time, she would loose her place. On my way to get her, I prayed, and asked that I remember what she needed because I was so graciously given what I needed to get better. I asked that I would remember the love that is so important to give to an addict. How hard that is! You want to strangle them, and tell them they are an idiot! But I so remember the love shown to me, and know in my heart, that is what brought me back. I almost threw up several times but made it to the jail. My heart pounded in my chest as I approached the building. I know how an addict thinks, and I was prepared for a fight. I knew she would want me to take her elsewhere, but I was determined to get her to treatment. She came out looking healthier, like she had been eating. She didn't know how to react to me, so I gave her a hug. This kind of broke the ice. She got into my car, and asked me to take her to the gas station. I told her I would buy her lunch, and then take her to treatment. Reluctantly, she agreed. The spirit that was with me was unreal, and I hope to always have that with me. We went to the gas station, and I was able to get her to treatment without any problems. I tried my best to be loving, and to SHOW her I cared. I put the anger aside, and with the Lord's help, calmed her, and got her there. I went inside with her to see her temporary home, and she said goodbye. The next time I saw her, I was 8 months pregnant, and touring the Salt Lake County Jail with Superman. She was in her cell, washing her hands and face. I cried. My beautiful cousin had gone back to that dark life, where she remains today. In and out of jail, without any life in her eyes. I often think, that could have been me. But too often we forget the love. I can't describe in words my gratitude. So I ask all of you, PLEASE remember the love, and give it.