These pictures were taken just seven months apart. Seven months… that’s all it took for addiction to leave its mark. The face of heroin and meth is real, and it’s devastating. This is the harsh reality for so many people and families around the world today.
Twenty-seven years ago, I gave birth to my oldest son, Cody Bishop. Becoming a parent for the first time changed my life forever. Cody was always full of energy, curious, and determined. He thrived in sports, excelled in school, and kept me constantly on the move, running from one practice to the next. Every moment with him taught me what it truly meant to be a parent.
Then he grew up, and life took him on his own journey. He became a loving father to two beautiful daughters and gave me the joy of becoming a grandmother for the first time. For those who know me, you know that my oldest son, Cody, is struggling with addiction. Sharing this publicly is difficult, but so many people ask how he’s doing that I feel it’s important to be honest.
Along this path, I’ve learned that countless families are facing the same heartbreak, though so few speak about it. Addiction is a true epidemic in our world today, and it’s something we need to address together—supporting each other instead of waiting for governments to fix it.
Cody is currently homeless in Las Vegas, and I haven’t heard from him in weeks. Hearing that he’s struggling is painful, but the silence, the not knowing, is even worse. The unknown keeps a parent awake at night, worrying, hoping, and praying for a miracle.
It’s hard to understand how someone with a loving family, children who need and adore them, can live this way. I’ve turned it over to God and pray every day that Cody will reach a point where he is ready to come home and accept help.
Through social media, I’ve connected with so many incredible people who have crossed paths with him over the years—through past rehab programs, support groups, and random acts of kindness. Their care and concern mean the world. To everyone who has spoken to him, offered guidance, or sent prayers—thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This is not a struggle unique to my family. Addiction touches almost every life in some way, whether we see it or not. I pray for strength for those who are suffering and for healing for their families and friends.
We need to come together to confront this issue and support one another. Cody, if you see this, please know that we love you, we miss you, and we are here. Please call us.
