this is zoe's story

From a business acquaintance of Robin:

 

Hey Robin,

 

I just read Zoe's story and it is a great of you to recall the events that are obviously incredibly hard. I know exactly what she was doing ‘cause I as well as most of my friends have been through the same thing. Your point of view and experience makes me never want my family to go through that, let alone myself when I have a child. Everyone should read Zoe's story and realize there are things and people in this world that that are too great to lose. Thank you Robin I will pass this on! 

 

______________________________

 

 

From someone whom Robin knows:

 

Your and Zoe's story comes to me at a time when my kids are just beginning to enter that stage when they will gain newfound independence and freedoms and will be exposed to all sorts of new risks.  Thank you for reminding me of how urgent it is for me not to hide my head in the sand and to talk with my kids about these really difficult subjects often and early.  Zoe's memory is truly being preserved in all the many families you are reaching in this way.  Zoe will certainly live in my mind as I face the future with my children.

 

______________________________

 

 

From someone who saw this website:

 

Robin, I just finished reading your story of your beautiful child. God bless you.....We have a beautiful child that went through alcohol problems and came to us one day saying he was in trouble.  We were blessed, because he knew he had to deal...after rehab he has become free of his demons...each day of his life he will face it...but he is the wonderful young man that God meant him to be. I wish that your beautiful chid had the same outcome..I read each word with tears running down my face...As you wrote this piece, I know you will help so many young ones and parents..God bless you for your bravery, and I know Zoe will be with you always in your heart..and comforted in Gods arms.

 

 

______________________________

 

 

From someone who saw this website:

 

Hey Robin,

I just read Zoe's story and it is a great of you to recall the events that are obviously incredibly hard. I know exactly what she was doing cause I as well as most of my friends have been through the same thing. From your point of view and experience makes me never want my family to go through that let alone myself when I have a child. Everyone should read Zoe's story and realize there are things and people in this world that are too great to lose. Thank you Robin I will pass this on!

 

______________________________

 

 

From someone Robin knew professionally:

 

I just read it. Heartbreaking, but inspiring. I put my mom through many of the same things in high school, and was impacted by a speaker at my school: a mother who lost her son...and I stopped.  So keep doing what you're doing ... it works.

 

******

 

From someone who saw this website:

 

I just finished reading 'Zoe's Story.' It's heartbreaking, but I thank you for sharing it. I have young children and you're right, you really don't want to contemplate anything like this being possible.  I have an older brother who's been an addict since his early teenage years and it's terrifying on an ongoing basis.  

 

God bless,

 

______________________________

 

 

From someone Robin knows through business:

 

This is such a heart-wrenching  story.  I can't imagine what it must be like to lose your only child.  I lost my little brother to alcoholism ... and as horrible as it was to lose him, I think it was extremely horrible on my parents.  My father died two years after my brother, and I knew that my brother’s death and my father’s grief had a huge impact on my father.  You never think that they could really die, and one day his esophagus burst and he bled to death.

 

I feel you are in a better place now by being able to share Zoe’s story and help others, and it is really admirable to see your strength and devotion.  You are doing a great service by sharing this story.

 

I am so sorry for your loss of Zoe.  She was really beautiful, and I realize how close you were.  I still think of (Zoe’s dog) Ziggy. I can definitely see the connection between him and Zoe. How is he doing?  

 

Love you and thinking of you,

 

 

______________________________

 

 

From someone Robin knows through business:

 

Hi Robin,

 

I needed to take my time with this. I just read it. I applaud you. I'm not sure how you do it.

 

There is such a fine line between abuse and addiction.  I'm so grateful my own switch was never turned on.  I can't tell you how much time I've contemplated...why her? why not me? I'm still constantly amazed at the rampant drug use among people my age.... successful, intelligent people. I decided a long time ago not to play with fire, because eventually it will catch.

 

I hope it's ok to share this with my friends and family. I would happily volunteer my services towards this cause, should you need anything please don't hesitate to ask.

 

 

______________________________

 

 

From someone who saw this website:

 

Thank you for telling Zoe's story -- for taking this tragedy and speaking honestly and clearly about it, for sounding the warning. I also think often about a situation where I should have thought the worst about a friend's troubles and didn't. Your clear, strong call will be a blessing to many.

 

 

______________________________

 

 

From someone who saw this website:

 

I just finished reading 'Zoe's Story' ... It's heartbreaking, but I thank you for sharing it. I have young children and you're right, you really don't want to contemplate anything like this being possible.  I have an older brother who's been an addict since his early teenage years, and it's terrifying on an ongoing basis.  

 

 

______________________________

 

 

From a professional colleague of Robin’s:

 

I read the website from start to finish.  I couldn't stop crying.  It is one of the most moving stories I have ever read.  It is clear to me that your gift -- and John's -- is with young people and with parents.  And getting the word out. And making yourselves available as needed in the future. That is Zoe's legacy to you and the world. 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

 

From a professional colleague of Robin’s:

 

 I started crying when I read this. ...  I'm sure it's difficult to retell her story to the students, but I'm absolutely sure you're saving lives.  It's very brave of you, and I'm sure Zoe would be proud.  

 

******

 

From a friend of Robin’s -- another mother -- after reading Zoe’s story:

 

Dearest Robin- your story of beautiful Zoe touched me to my core. It is heartbreaking but uplifting as well when you read the amazing dedication and love for Zoe. We are all Zoe. This could have happened to any loved daughter or son. You are are so wonderful to honor Zoe and to help all the parents and their children fight this scourge.  And kudos to John for his support and dedication to the cause!   

 

 

______________________________

 

 

From a member of the clergy:

 

This truly is a heartbreaking story.  Thank you for sharing it with ... the world.  You have managed to find a way to turn a small piece of this tragedy into something worthwhile. 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

 

From a friend of Robin’s -- a dad writing to his children -- after reading Zoe’s story:

 

My dear children,

 

This very touching and sad story came from your friend and ours, Robin.

Always, remember to be strong and make smart decisions.

And remember that should you veer off the path, you can always rely on Mom and me.

 

Love, dad

 

 

______________________________

 

 

From a colleague of Robin’s, hours after hearing Zoe’s story:

 

“I wanted to tell you about Zoe’s story playing forward.  When I got home, I pulled out the Zoe-Story T-shirts and started telling my husband Zoe’s story and your story. Tears came to his eyes, as he was holding his T-shirt.  Then there was a knock on our front door.  He opened the door to a 12-year-old girl, who is our neighbor.  She took one look at my husband and asked why he was crying.  We brought her in, told her about Zoe and then told her about everything you were doing to tell Zoe’s story to help other kids and parents.  So then she started to tear up.  I gave her one of the T-shirts, because she wants to tell Zoe’s story too.  Zoe lives in your love and generosity.  Thank you for all you do and for sharing Zoe’s story with me. 

 

 

______________________________

 

 

From a friend of Zoe’s, who also struggled with drugs:

 

I just read the website, wow.  I also struggled with drugs. Very scary. I put my parents through a rough time with my drug use, and I can only imagine what you went through.... Drugs are everywhere, and they take a hold of you so fast. I lost 4 years of my life to them.  And if it weren’t for my daughter, and my son and my husband, who knows where i would be.  I miss Zoe soooooo much.  Thanks for sharing her story!

 

 

______________________________

 

 

 

From a psychologist in New York City:

 

Your website, Zoe's story, is moving and powerful. An amazing tribute, a strong warning and force for prevention.  Bravo!

 

 

______________________________

 

 

 

From someone whom Robin knows professionally:

 

Robin, you do such a great thing in letting Zoe’s Story and her tragedy just speak for themselves, which leaves room for the person reading it to respond fully and really enter into your feelings and hers.

 

I can't imagine anything more terrible. It's great-hearted of you to turn outward with it and try to help other people.

 

 

______________________________