Face the Tears is a unique opportunity to share the pain felt by those who have experienced the devastating impact of alcohol use. It is our hope that reading personal accounts along with drug education will encourage others to change their attitude and behaviors as they begin to realize the dangers that alcohol use can bring.
The goal of this project is to create a visible reminder of the tears that flow as a result of broken promises and tragic losses linked to the toxic effects of alcohol. These effects include but are not limited to: failed marriages, physical and mental abuse, injuries, birth defects (such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome), loss of hopes and dreams, loss of possibilities and DEATH.
What can I do to help with this project?
Write a two page story of how alcohol has negatively impacted your life. YOUR story could be about a failed marriage, a loss opportunity, a death of a loved one, etc.
Send YOUR story, along with a HANKERCHIEF (to symbolize your tears/hurt) and it would be nice to include a PHOTO of either yourself or the person you are writing about. Be sure to include CONTACT INFORMATION in case we have any questions or would like more information.
Keep in mind that items you send WILL NOT BE RETURNED and will become the property of the Face the Tears Project. Sending items will be giving permission for the items to be used in a display or published in order to draw attention to the negative effects of alcohol use.
If you would like to be more involved in alcohol or other drug education please let us know that also. We have ways you can become more involved.
How did this project get started?
During the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union Convention, in August 2003, I had the pleasure of meeting a woman by the name of Helen Bair Owen as I was enjoying my dinner.
Helen shared with me her desire to put together short personal accounts of the damage alcohol has done to family life. As an example of what she had in mind, she gave me a copy of her own story. It is about two pages in length. Helen said to me at that time "If one girl reads this and does not marry her boyfriend who drinks, our attempt will be worth it."
