LTAI: The Enduring Love of a Mother: Pam Johnson's Story of Loss, Recovery, and Raising Her Grandchildren

Join Dora Sherry for an emotional and important episode of Let's Talk About It as she welcomes special guest Pam Johnson. Pam shares the powerful story of her daughter, Krista, who tragically passed away from the effects of opioid addiction (specifically, a heart abscess) while in recovery, not from an overdose.

Pam honors Krista's memory—remembered for her loud, bubbly, and beautiful big heart—by openly discussing the decade-long battle with heroin and other addictions rooted in childhood trauma. Pam details the immense guilt, shame, and prejudice she faced as a mother and a nurse during Krista's addiction and recovery.

The conversation dives into the impact of addiction on the entire family, how Pam is now raising Krista's three children (Skylar, Savannah, and Rowan), and the ways the children are coping with their loss. Pam shares vital advice for parents, emphasizing the need to be an advocate, let go of stigma, and keep the memory of their loved one alive by talking about them. This episode is a raw look at a journey of profound loss, resilience, and the enduring power of a mother's love.