“There is no time or place when the decision to do drugs and alcohol is the right one,” Maureen Morella’s voice echoed through the hushed auditorium.
On January 8, 2012, the students of West Milford High School attended a very poignant assembly. The presentation called “Jesse’s Journey” was offered by Jesse, Maureen, and Tyler John Morella. The goal of the program is to share Jesse’s story in hopes of saving others from his fate.
Jesse Morella nearly died by asphyxiating on his own vomit, after attending a party where he snorted heroine for the first time. Jesse fell into a coma for 10 days and when he woke up, he and his family realized their lives would never be the same. Suddenly, at the young age of 16, Jesse Morella was severely disabled. He had lost all motor and communication skills. His mind, though fully functional, was trapped in a damaged body. “I lost a part of me that day with my brother,” Tyler John said in regards to when Jesse woke up from his coma, “I don’t think I’ll ever get it back.”
With the help of therapy and the around-the-clock care his family provides him with, Jesse has made an astounding recovery. Jesse understands what people say and is able to communicate with others using a letter board. Despite these amazing feats, Jesse cannot walk without assistance. He can’t talk. And he still is unable to swallow on his own. In order to eat and take medicine, Jesse must be fed through a feeding tube.
Throughout the presentation Maureen Morella, Jesse’s mother, stressed to the students to make good decisions and to stay away from drugs and alcohol. “The next decision may be the last decision you make,” Maureen Morella said. “Consequences are forever.” Her voice, Maureen told the students, will hopefully be in the back of their heads the next time the offer to try alcohol or drugs crosses their paths. That voice, she hopes, will be what causes them to say no to drugs.
This deep and powerful assembly showed students how one decision can change life forever. While ‘friends’ may pressure others to do drugs or alcohol, individuals should stand tall and just say, “No.” Morella made it clear that those ‘friends’ will not be there if something bad should happen. Jesse’s friends with whom he went out and partied never visited him after his accident. He paid the price alone.
Maureen Morella told the students during the assembly that she would give anything to allow Jesse a second chance at life. “I may not be able to give my son a second chance,” Maureen said to the students, “But, by God, I’m giving you yours today.”
This program was later made available to township parents. Mrs. Morella’s message was clear, “Not my kid,” was mistaken thinking. She encouraged parents to ask the tough questions and continue to deliver a strong message about drinking and drugs.
