Garrett

Garrett brought a great deal of joy into this world during his short time on earth.  He was always a quiet compassionate child and was often described as an “old soul”.  His gifts were always being a good listener, highly reflective and constantly searching for meaning and depth in life and those around him.  His high school counselor called him a “philosopher”.  Garrett had a rich inner thought life and a brilliant way of interpreting what was going inside of others – especially those who could not find the words:  young children, animals, the elderly and those who may have struggled to communicate.

Garrett was a child who followed the rules and liked to please others.  He was smart and had no trouble making good grades – with or without studying.  He participated in multiple sports.  As Garrett moved into the end of middle school and on to high school he struggled to fall asleep at night often worried about social situations, new environments and making the wrong choices.  We took him to see multiple counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists, but he was good at presenting a positive front.  We now know that Garrett began using Benzodiazapines and Opioids during high school.  He would later describe it as “a warm blanket protecting him from the worry and depression”.  His first exposure was through friends who had extra medication found in their homes.  The school had a no tolerance policy which made asking for help and/or coordinating support impossible. 

We now believe that Garrett’s temperament would most likely have identified him as a Highly Sensitive Person (“HSP”) combined with High Sensation Seeking (read more about this trait and research supporting its genetic origin at http://hsperson.com/). This is a temperament shared by 20% of the population yet it is rarely discussed.  It is a genetically determined temperament trait that is often found in our teachers, counselors, pastors and individuals working in the outdoors.  Garrett found great meaning and connection in music and the outdoors which is one reason many of our fundraisers will be music concerts.  

Garrett died of an opiate related overdose on Aprill 22, 2015, four weeks shy of his 21st birthday, the circumstances of which will never be fully understood nor make sense to those who knew and loved him.  Garrett had been through a seemingly successful recovery program, had considerately and consciously worked an outpatient recovery program, had a great, new job working at an Aspen ski resort, and on the day of his death was making plans for an awesome Colorado summer living with his sister Lily (including buying future concert tickets for the two of them to see one of his favorite bands).    

While Garrett may have left this world way too soon, his caring, adventurous, and loving spirit lives on in the hearts, minds and hiking and skiing feet of the many, many people he befriended and touched over his 20 years of life.  Those dear friends, loved ones and fellow travelers are committed to helping others conquer their addiction issues – one day at a time - 4garrett.

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Do you have a photo you'd like to share that reminds you of Garrett? Tag it with #4Garrett on Instagram to see it on our homepage or send it to us at hsp@4garrett.com.