“To believe in something and not live it is dishonest.”~ Gandhi
I love Lexington Diner. Their food is exceptional, and the wait staff are the kindest in all the land. I’m pretty sure I’ll never eat here without thinking of J. Wendel Cox. We had such a great conversation over breakfast last time he was in town that it’s seared into my mind as a Wendel place. Stacy Yelton and I dropped in for a spot of brunch today. It was, of course, fabulous, and the only thing missing was Wendel himself. As we left, we came across a group of people in front of the courthouse wearing florescent T’s that said “Stop Heroin.” We circled the block, parked (again), and made our way into the crowd to see what it was all about. Since Ryan Bick’s passing in January, more and more articles have been written about the heroin problem in Kentucky (and Ohio). Sadly, there was no media at today’s Walking for Wellness gathering. So, Stacy and I stood in for them. If Wendel had been with us, he would have gladly gone along. Heroin is not a killer of derelict drug abusers or low-life bums. It’s an accidental killer of young, smart, often fortunate, people who, for whatever reason, take a wrong turn. Heroin is often cut with things far more deadly than the drug itself, with unpredictable dosages. The combination is dropping users at an alarming rate. Many speculate the rise in heroin use is a result of Kentucky’s well meaning, but totally not-so-smart, pill mill solution laws. Whatever the case may be, I support any action to stop the death toll from rising; to stop the pain and suffering of user and family alike. I’m thankful to the folks that organized this walk, and allowed Stacy and I to attend their kick-off. Lunch at a favorite place and people trying to make a difference: it does a body and soul good.
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