For your right to be curious.

Donate

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

Build a transformational philanthropy program for this trusted NPR affiliate.
Seeking a 100% major gift fundraiser passionate about public media to develop relationships with people who support an informed and civil central Illinois.
Hire will have community visibility, many prospects, and professional resources.
Interviews in progress, open until filled. Apply now.

Reflecting on the indescribable pain and questions from losing a loved one to a drug overdose

WBUR | By Martha Bebinger

Published August 6, 2025 at 10:49 AM CDT

The author's nephew as a child, leaping off of a jetski into the water. (Courtesy Martha Bebinger)

WBUR’s Martha Bebinger lost her nephew, Austen Smith, to a drug overdose last year. In this essay, she describes the pain and questions that linger.

____

Caleb Green and André Peralta composed and performed the music for this segment. Green also mixed it for broadcast.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Martha Bebinger

See stories by Martha Bebinger