BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Kern County community members gathered to remember those whose lives were taken by opioids on International Overdose Awareness Day.
A Kern County mother opened up about her son’s death for the first time.
Elaine Suarez received a phone call no parents wanted to receive.
“And she said: this is the Kern County Coroner, are you Joseph’s mother?” recalled Elaine Suarez, “And she’s like: Mrs. Suarez, I’m sorry, but your son has died.”
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It’s been six years since 27-year-old Joe Suarez died from a fentanyl overdose. His mother Elaine spoke about it for the first time at A Day of Remembrance and Hope, during International Overdose Awareness Day.
“I remember I kept pinching myself, I’m like, this isn’t happening, this isn’t happening, this is not real,” said Suarez. “God, let me wake up, just please let me wake up. Our children are not supposed to go before us, and Joe was so vibrant. His personality was so big, and he had this love for life.”