Travis’ Story

Travis was the youngest of four children and a joy to all who met him. From a young age he could make anyone laugh. I remember once we were watching a “Feed The Children” commercial and at the end they gave a number to call. Travis asked, “Mom, can you call them because I’m hungry?”

Looking back over the years, I realize that Travis was like so many others who have anxiety and depression issues. He worked constantly to make those around him feel happy and comfortable while in the meantime he was struggling with his own issues. Travis started experimenting with drugs in his early teenage years. Unlike so many people who become addicted, he never had a problem with alcohol but worked his way through the lineup of weed, pills, and then Opioids.

Travis should be remembered for his love for his family.

He loved me, his mother, and I always knew that. He loved his brother, sisters, young nieces and nephews. Regardless of his own struggles he always took the time to guide them through all aspects of their lives–he cared deeply.

He was trying to turn his life around and talked about his desire to start a family and own a business of his own someday. He was one of the first people in our area to become a certified tree worker from the International Society of Arboriculture. He took pride in his job and excelled at it. He finally seemed to be focusing on his own life. He lost his focus only once and once was enough. On May 12, 2015, Travis gave into temptation and it took his life.

One Easter Travis bought me a beautiful pink dogwood tree. On Mother’s Day, two days before he died, he gave me a yellow knockout rose bush. They are both planted in the memorial garden that I have made for him. Each spring when they bloom, I am reminded of life’s new beginnings.

The Sheriff’s department of Fauquier County asked if they could take their new initiative, the Naloxone Opioid Overdose Reversal Program, and name it after my son. I was honored and the Travis Project was born. First responders and all deputies are now trained and equipped with the medication to save those in the throes of overdose. In the short time since they have implemented the program several lives have been saved.

Losing Travis has left a huge hole in the world, but I know his death has helped others live and he will always remain in our hearts. He would be proud of the progress we have made.