Contributing Writer – Larry Lamendola
The second Wednesday of each month, at 9:30 AM, is the monthly steering committee meeting of a local coalition I am part of. These meetings include a cross section of the community. It’s federally funded, with a mission to educate and prevent when it comes to substance use disorder.
My mission that day was to present my “New Year’s Resolutions,” which were inspired by a recent editorial I had read. I asked the steering committee members to consider supporting some local non-profits. I went on to resolve to continue to push local government in Nassau County, NY to release the opioid settlement money to help those who continue to struggle. I stressed that with looming Medicaid cuts coming in 2026, the un-utilized funds could be a lifeboat to recovery for those without healthcare.
Jason Mayo sits on the steering committee with me. At the conclusion of the meeting, Jason came over and said goodbye. Shortly thereafter, I walked out to my car. All of the windows were down, and the sunroof was open too. I really couldn’t explain this because this was a cold winter’s day. Later on, it came to me that maybe Lisa was trying to tell me something…
Lisa, my beloved daughter, whom my wife and I lost to fentanyl in 2019. Lisa’s passing inspired me to do whatever I could do to help others.
When I got home that day, I read a text from Roxy, one of Lisa’s friends. You see, Lisa, during her last year, attended many AA and NA meetings. She attended these meetings with her friends, especially Roxy and Jayne. Roxy told my wife, Eileen, and me that Jayne had passed away the night before. Lisa had met Jayne when they were both in rehab in Florida. Jayne was much older than Lisa and served as a big sister or second mom.
Roxy opined a sort of “survivor’s guilt,” having seen many of her friends leave this world. I am grateful for all of Lisa’s friends. The news of Jayne’s passing made me sad and think of Lisa.
Just for today, I am grateful to hear from Roxy. Just for today, I am grateful to have a friend named Jason Mayo who has this website called Sober Not Subtle to give me and others a forum to tell our story—or stories.
Larry Lamendola is the First Vice President of the Wantagh Lions Club and the Co-Chair of the Levittown Community Action Coalition.
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