He was a perfect gift from above. I’m thankful God choose me to be his momma.
Funny and goofy, Austin always wanted to make people laugh. Interested and passionate about helping his friends, and others, Austin reached out to kids who felt excluded. He wanted everyone to feel like they belonged and that someone cared about them.
Austin cherished time with his family, being an uncle and role model to his nephew, Jaquay, and spending time with his sister, Ashley. His two cousins in Wisconsin, Summer, and Logan, were like siblings to him. Among the important individuals in his life were Corey, his childhood best friend, with whom he shared a love for basketball and music, and Bailey, his first girlfriend. Bailey was special to him, but after two years of dating, they had to end their relationship because of Austin’s addiction.
Austin graduated from high school, which was a significant accomplishment given his active addiction. He had ambitions of joining the Army like his mom, or living and working in Germany near his grandparents. Unfortunately, his addiction held him back from achieving those goals.
Early memories, before addiction, included playing soccer from age five to fifteen and spending summers in Wisconsin with his mother’s family. One summer, he won the Bluegill fishing contest at the annual Bluegill Festival by catching the biggest bluegill. He was proud, and grateful for his Uncle Greg, who taught him how to fish over the summers he spent there.
Austin’s mom, Denise, remembers a trip to Germany together in March 2008 to see his grandparents. The two of them shared a special ten days there, laughing and making memories. On another trip to Germany, Austin spent eight weeks bonding with his grandparents. He was fluent in German by the time he returned.
Vacations to Orange Beach, Alabama were special times. Denise, Ashley, and their family carry on this tradition, cherishing memories of Austin while enjoying their time together.
Austin’s primary goal in life was to get sober. He tried on his own a few times and eventually went for treatment. A few months later, he went back to using drugs. Though his personality changed during active addiction, Austin was still the kind and thoughtful person he always was. He didn’t take advantage of his family. He respected them. His mother said, “For me, tough love and kicking him out of the house was never an option. I wanted to save him. He was a fine young man.”
Though Austin was considerate and loving, his disease took a toll on the family. The stress of a phone call saying he was in jail or worse, affected his family members, mentally and emotionally. Denise said, “I was originally ashamed and embarrassed of his disease. Now I push forward to end the stigma. I want everyone to know that my son was more than his addiction and disease.” Going to Al-Anon meetings helped her to realize she was not alone. Since, she has been sharing Austin’s story and advocating for more resources for the community. She sorely misses Austin’s laugh, his voice, his scent, and his big bear hugs. When asked by grieving parents how they can move forward, she advises them to help others. “Austin’s death will not be in vain,” Denise stated. “I will share his story.”
Austin’s mother, Denise Spiller, provided the information for this narrative.
October 24, 1992-June 8, 2013-Age-20
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
