Richard F Cross

Rick's Story Richard F Cross

Richard Cross, author of "Lee Harvey Oswald - Rogue KGB Agent," has found it in his heart to share the true, heartbreaking story of his beloved son Rick, lost to his loving family through the insidious nightmare of drug addiction. Even though Rick had advantages others could only hope for - a loving family, financial support, an impressive I. Q., and a good education, he was unable to resist the siren call of marijuana, then OxyCodone and other prescription pain killers, and finally heroin and cocaine. His younger brother, adopted at the age of twelve months when Rick was six years old, had his own issues. Born with special needs, Kevin became easy prey for both the system and his so-called friends, finally succumbing to alcoholism as a young man. Both brothers had access to first-rate rehabilitation centers. Kevin would not stay for the program in which he was enrolled, but Rick did - he stuck it out for the entire three years, and after his release was able to find meaningful employment with a generous salary; he finally began to live the life for which he had always planned. Sadly, the temptation put in front of him by a fiancee with access to prescription painkillers proved to be too much for him, and Rick met a violent, sad end at age 42. Richard Cross tells his son's story with compassion and deep love, and with the fervent hope that this stark, truthful look at the real life of an addict will help others to avoid the path he followed.