Jackson Free Press

Back years ago when I was taking courses to become a funeral director, there was a required class  called "Grief Counseling." This was a comprehensive study on families coping with the loss of a loved one. 

Andy Taggart, an attorney from Madison who is the former chief of staff to Gov. Kirk Fordice and an author, recently spoke in the Delta to drug-court graduates about the tragic death of his son Brad who, at the age of 21, killed himself two years ago after privately struggling with drug addiction. Taggart is on a mission to warn others of the dangers of drugs and offer support to those struggling to overcome it. 

When I learned about the death of his son in July 2012, I thought of how tragic it was for a young life to end so soon. I didn't know Taggart on a personal level, but I felt like I did because, over the last decade, I read his writings and kept up with him through the news media.

His mission to help warn others about the dangers of addiction is a ministry to help save lives, and it is an inspiration to those struggling with a substance that often leads to death. For Taggart to speak to others about his son shows his determination to help save lives and families from going through this horrible experience.

This difficult task takes a special person.

Through the years Taggart had me engaged with his insightful writings on politics, and I knew he was sincere with his opinions. His effort to save lives through his testimony of personal tragedy as a parent shows the character of a compassionate servant committed to helping others. That is a commendable mission.  

Ken Strachan is a  former member of the State Democratic Executive Committee and a former mayor of North Carrollton and serves as Carroll County coroner.