Bonnie Aaron didn't know what to think when she noticed her daughter Tiffany becoming agitated and sweating profusely while on a family vacation in Cancun, Mexico.
What was supposed to be a beautiful trip filled with wonderful memories turned into the start of a long and painful nightmare for the family.
Aaron, a Tipton resident, will share the story at the 16th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast, 6 to 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
What Aaron uncovered during that trip to Mexico was that her daughter, dealing with what she perceived as a failure for not being able to land the perfect job after college, had been self-medicating and abusing prescription drugs. The discovery started the family on a road filled with heartbreak and led to the story Aaron now shares with others in hopes of inspiring others to battle their addiction and supporting those who are caught in their wake.
"(Tiffany) gave me permission to share her experience as part of my story. Her hope is that maybe her addiction and my journey to cope could inspire others," Aaron said.
Aaron has authored a book, "Living Intentionally: A Six Step Transformation" based on that journey.
John Agliata, Co-Mo Electric Cooperative's communications manager and co-president of the Prayer Breakfast organizing committee, said he looks forward to Aaron sharing her story with those present.
"The Prayer Breakfast is such a great part of our community," he said. "When a town made up of people of different faiths, different denominations, can get together and unite in prayer, there's strength in that. It brings us together as a community."
The Prayer Breakfast benefits local ministerial alliances. Cost to attend the breakfast is $11 a person or $70 for a table of eight. Advanced reservations are required by Jan. 23 and can be made by Agliata at Co-Mo Electric Cooperative at (660) 433-5521 or emailing him at [email protected]. Payment in advanced is appreciated and can be dropped off at Co-Mo's office, but it also can be made at the door on the morning of the event. Checks should be made payable to the Tipton Chamber of Commerce, which makes the donation to the ministerial alliances.