“Shattered Dreams and Broken Hearts” by Sylvia Abolis Mennear

Shattered Dreams and Broken Hearts: Fentanyl the Killer – A Family’s Worst Nightmare

Sylvia Abolis Mennear
Independently Published (2018)
ISBN: 9-781986-916783
Reviewed by Kathy Stickles for Reader Views (11/2022)

“Shattered Dreams and Broken Hearts” is a story that needs to be told and, more importantly, needs to be read by many. It is important for young people because it can be used to assist in educating them about the dangers of the horrible drug, Fentanyl. It is important for family members so they can see the signs and gain the knowledge to, hopefully, move away from the tragic ending of this story and create a new ending for themselves.

This is a true and honest account of Aaron’s story and it is a heartbreaking one. This young man had everything going for him and lost it all, including his life, when faced with addiction. After having an accident, Aaron’s life changed completely when he became addicted to the painkillers he had been prescribed to face what he was going through. The drugs changed this young man in so many ways: they changed his personality, his physical well-being, and the way his brain literally worked. The drugs ended up controlling him as they do to so many and, unfortunately, by the time his family knew what was going on, it was too late. There was no way to help Aaron. It is a compelling story about Aaron and his life, both before and after his addition. A life that should not have ended the way that it did.

This is a very honest and dreadful account of what this mom went through with her son. It is also, in my opinion, a very courageous telling of the story. I cannot imagine how hard it was for Ms. Mennear to get these words on the paper, but I truly hope that it will work towards helping other parents in the same situation. In addition, the facts that were diligently researched and included in the story, while terrifying, are so important for others to see and pay attention to.

My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Ms. Mennear and her family for what they have been through and what Arron suffered through. I sincerely applaud the author for telling the truth and I highly recommend “Shattered Dreams and Broken Hearts” to any person and parent who is dealing with the crisis that is addiction.