I didn't meet Norman but I found him unforgettable. His death was so unexpected. Or it felt that way because it seemed like he was getting a handle on his addiction. He was so honest and raw. Sharing himself like that ... I know it sounds crazy but it felt like losing a friend. Maybe you know what I mean but sometimes your channel and the people you interview, they endear themselves to us viewers. Norman was one of those. 💓🙏

Damn he was my favorite on soft white underbelly RIP Norman you will be missed

Oh nooooo 😢

So sorry

Oh no. This was the first time I've seen his video and really liked him then came to the comments and found out he passed. That is so sad.

Phil Lashio If I worked in a drug rehab for many years I would be burnt out too. That’s a really tough job. I hope there is someone in your life to show you the same compassion and understanding that folks like Norman need.

@Phil Lashio That's a valid comment. I suppose it was his open honesty about his addictions and failures, something about the appeared honesty of his story i appreciated. He didn't seem delusional, said he was college educated but you're right, he may just be a good story teller. Highly intelligent may be an overstatement.

@phil you are trash and need to exit the industry with haste

Well Said.

I understand the burn out and frustration. But i feel awareness is not healing it's just the start. I hope you find a profession that doesn't take limitless compassion because that's what these people need. For my children's sake i hope it's out there so they can see their dad someday. This for phil lashio.

Thank you from on the park bench on park ave.

In my town I actually live on park sve, so this hit hard

i never dream in a million years it could happen to me ....and it did "

Same. Childhood trauma will fook you up.

Well said. HE IS THE DEFINITION of, not just honesty, but the tougher form of honesty... Honesty, when things are going badly.

I agree ☝🏽

Such Intelligence ,,,, And Such A Loss To Humanity 🙏🏽🙏🙏🏽😔🙏🏽🙏🙏🏽

Amen!! No DEI there...😮

I agree. I don’t think I could ever capture a more powerful talk on addiction than this. I’ll definitely do another talk with Norman soon.

Yes, the most powerful addiction testimony ever! I cannot imagine a more succinct, eloquent, brutally honest, and profound testimony than that. This is one that will stay with me. I don't think i will ever forget it. This should be shown in schools worldwide. Norman's testimony is so powerful, that it could save lives. Just as he remembers seeing that program on the homeless all those years ago, i believe that his testimony would stay with many children and they would never forget it. And be able to remember it when it matters the most - to not ever take that first hit! He's brilliant, obviously. And his potential is endless. I hope and pray so much that Norman makes it out! Because he would be able to truly change lives. And accomplish whatever he sets his mind to do. He would make an excellent public speaker! And be able to make a difference, by traveling around and speaking to different organizations. What an asset to the community he could be!! God bless u Norman. 💕💕

God bless Norman and destroy the demonic hold that is upon him. May the power of Jesus Christ through the Holy spirit bring him out of the darkness and into the beautiful light of the Lord. And may his life be used as a testimony for the glory of God in Jesus name I pray, amen🙏

Amen Amen thank you Mark Powerful.. love you

I agree this was a enlightening video, this man is very intelligent and educated. Just poor judgment

💯💯💯 totally agree. I sure as hell would have appreciated watching this 20 years ago.

I agree ☝🏽

Yessss!!! They could learn a lot from this man’s story. Telling them to not try drugs and its affects isn’t enough. They need to watch this interview.

Ras Ellington - absolutely right

Yes !! I agree. This was definitely the best interview. Felt it in my soul

LondonTown it’s so sad 😭😭

Crack hit Detroit harder than most cities. There was a movie in the 90's called NEW JACK CITY that was filmed in NY but was based off of actual events and people from Detroit.

I looked it up, and it says that 70,000 then is the same as about 166,000 today!

Shit $70k is not bad even today in 2020 especially with COVID-19!

@@Anewuser_6282 Money is the root of; you know the rest! But play the game, STILL 👹🦧😳🤣

I agree. Norman nails what I’m hoping to do with everyone I talk to.

Soft White Underbelly keep up with the good work! I’ve been addicted to your channel since 100k subs, amazing stuff. A++++, road to 2 million subscribers

Wow, what an educated, intelligent man. I hope he can turn his life around. This man can do great things.

Soft White Underbelly He is smart enough to turn his life around! He just needs to be sick and tired of being sick and tired. I’m praying for him. I hope he can work through what is holding him back. He has an amazing memory!

I agree , how could anyone give this a thumbs down! I like the gangster too I can't remember his name Johnny"!

@Nino Brown in what way?

@Nino Brown Am a clinical social worker. In the past I managed a recovery home for women with Substance Use issues and concurrent disorders. The problem is never the drug. The problem is the trauma and they way people cope with it. The drug on the other hand escalates and creates even MORE trauma which becomes perpetual and the person is in this never ending cycle (unless there is a moment of clarity). Childhood trauma is 99.9% in the history of most addicts. Norman was lost at 12, he had emotions as well as developmental needs and his ONE person he trusted with his life and existence was gone. He was able to be the best in school because these where practical things, he can manage that but emotionally he was stunned by grief and the sexual assault - this is why he has a hard time managing his emotions...playing the tape all the way through. He is smart, he knows ...he will get there.

🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

@@joulaikabuchan I agree 100%! I worked in a recovery home for a while and they all have childhood trauma. I am in school to become a mental health counselor because working there I developed a “save the world complex lol” I’m glad I ran across your comment.

@@evanjoesprospective3360 I used to manage a 6 month recovery home for women with trauma and concurrent disorders

Let's uplift eachother I love your comments they are always kind and uplifting just like your name

Thank you n I love what you said !! He will RISE !! You’re beautiful 💝

mannnnn he definitely has a leader personality. just made a few wrong turns

Your so right, his voice and words and mannerisms

He passed away

Exactly I was waiting on someone to say this

Absolutely.

This is more common then Rare tbh

Everyone is rare that's why God made everyone individually this is Norman himself

Donald Stratton hey Norman ! I’m so glad you did this interview . I believe you’ve opened a lot of eyes. Hang in there , I do believe you can make it out. When you do it , do it for you.

Maybe try to rework what addiction and people on drugs look like. I think that’s one of the main points of this channel. They come in all shapes and sizes Cuz people come in all shapes n sizes

Imagine if he turnt his life around.... he could save so many other lives. This interview right here, was a game changer. This man has the knowledge to change the world. If only he start with himself first.

He definitely looks like he’s on crack.

@Norman Fondren you are so welcome

Nikkie Nova HELL no I’ve never smoked it. However, I grew up in the crack era in a very hard hit area. He looks like he smokes crack.

I needed to hear this. Thank you.

Amen

@OG Yoda hopefully folks take heed to your statement because it is actual factual.

Thank you. it's nice that people want to help so much but it's terrifying to read some of the comments on these videos of mainly women, offering to open their homes to complete strangers on the internet. I wouldn't be surprised if these were single women with small kids. that's not to say addicts and thieves don't deserve compassion, but most will admit themselves that when addiction takes over, they'll do anything to get their DOC. They need help in other ways.

We are all damaged people.

Pray u stay strong & healthy 🙏🏾

Hopping you and your husband have the strength to stay sober 🙏🙏❤ stay going to meetings it works for my sister. Hope you two have a good sponsor you can call on anytime. Good luck!

Smurfette Did It what? Lol

🙏🏾

I was sober from 2008-2015. It can come back anytime. Stay vigilant

Tiffy J amen!

Me too 😊

Me too!

Me too

It would definitely be a best seller!

I agree so real

I agree. Norman is the first addict to mention wherewithal, which in my opinion is the life blood of ever getting clean. Whenever I hear an addict tell me they want to get clean it’s as if they’re telling me they’d like to win the lottery. Wherewithal is what’s required and therapy allows you to access your wherewithal.

@@SoftWhiteUnderbelly what is wherewithal

bigboy 😂

AFatFoe your writing evokes poetry & sensitivity & empathy. Beautiful. I love that u said “he is us”. For those whose lives are a huge contrast to some of the horror & tragedy we hear here; and therefore have difficulty relating to some experiences, Norman’s story really hits home. (Although when Americans talk about having multiple cars I never really understand how/why but that’s a complete side issue 🤔. Stay safe ppl😷🥺♥️🌺☮️👊🏻. It’s not easy, this life malarkey, but it can always get better xx

Their are a lot of intelligent people struggling with addiction the differences between me and him I like other shit way better then sucking on that glass dick “I just had enuff of everything that came with smoking crack “

@Carol Schwarz Thank you for your kind words Carol. I am a part time poet. Well spotted. I'm a 3d Special Effects Artist AND Driving Instructor. Seemingly strange combo. I do both because I love meeting people from all walks of life, it's in my nature, or perhaps it's what I have learnt. Teaching people how to drive manual transmission cars allows me hear peoples stories from all over the city and it sometimes allows me to give gentle life advice from time to time. Just meeting them all, connecting, if not for just a few months brings me joy.

What i especially love about this particular channel is the fact so many good, compassionate souls. It gives me a small sliver of hope for humanity ♡♡

Yes! I agree he does! I really hope he turns it around too.

@kevin p I meant the way he talks,he kinda sounds like him

Leash C Yes, that's what I thought. His speech pattern and voice is very much like him!

@Leash C-- he passed away last week of a heart attack. Mark updated it on Norman's very last video 💔

Norman Fondren God Bless You Norman and I really meant it when I said you’re a good guy . I’ve been in recovery for 3 years after many years of active addiction. I understand how addiction controls us . I’m praying for you and believing for your miracle to happen 😊

Norman I really appreciated your story 💙. Take care brother ✊🏾

UTubeuzername84 I agree. I hate when people say that. The first time I saw an individual smoking crack in my house would be the last time they smoked crack in my house.

He NEVER thought he would be in the situation that he's in, which goes to show you that you never really know what you're willing to experiment. He turned it down for 3 days but the 4th day he tried it and his life hasn't been the same since. But to each is own

No, it couldn't be anyone. I love this interview. But to do drugs is a choice. That is a lie. Don't be a drug addict. Don't promote being a drug addict And surely don't try to cover up if you are a drug addict by telling people that bull crap you just said.

Sure he does not allow himself to stay in a tent in skidrow. He rides the trains and buses all night for shelter and away from the crimes that go on downtown.

@@ladyofthecentury I said what I said sweety!! I've NEVER done drugs, not even tobacco. Who's to say I never will though!? He probably thought he could try it and not become addicted. Ppl like u never try to think beyond your own full of bull opinions.

@Norman Fondren I think I remember you 2........Did you use to sell candy on the bus

@Norman Fondren ok Thanks for replying

Well said.

He didn’t choose this life crack cocaine did . Crack heads and experience drug users if there is something called like that always tell never do it even once . One hit and you might be the unlucky one get addicted and can’t walk away from it ever again chasing that’s first high. While some people use it n can jst stop n never use it again but that few that hit it once and it’s game over .

Right? I sincerely hope and pray this can be the means of their pathway to freedom.

My son struggles with the same thing, every payday

@@carynmartin6053 sending love. I hope he finds his way. ♡♡

I hope we has been said is all true

Norman Fondren get to keep your head up

Truth

Suzanne Bryson Norman replied to my message and said everything he said was true

@@sharonadams3301 you can tell he is being brutally honest. I wish him nothing but good things ♡

Oh no, im sorry to hear that. Was it a crack cocaine overdose?

So very sorry for your loss and the heartbreak.

So very sorry for your loss💛

@@Oldschoolways168 Why would you ask...? It doesn't matter what it was. That wasn't the point..

I'm so sorry to hear that. May God rest her soul and keep you strong through his peace love and comfort❤

@Dave Z UHHH DONT COMMENT ME WITH THAT BS THANKS BYE

@Dave Z I AM BRIGHT ENOUGH FOR YOU TO COMMENT JUST NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO AGREE WITH YOU HUH LOL BYE

@Dave Z IF THATS WHAT FLOATS YOUR BOAT

I’m so sorry for your loss of your son.

😢

So sorry, life isn’t fair, I I can’t imagine how this can feel 😞 🙏

I am so sorry for your loss

I’m sorry for your loss

I knew him also from the Midnight and the Union Rescue. He is well respected. He is highly intelligent.

EXACTLY!!

I believe family needs to fight hard for each other and never give up

You can't eliminate the desire. That's why they say when you're ready. You'll know. You have to have the desire and still say no. Ask any ex user now and they'll still tell you. It was amazing. They still know how good it feels.

I think Norman would be a great candidate for Aura therapy with Lima?

people deal with trauma differently

black don’t crack

♡♡♡

Can only hope he sees the comments and it motivates him to get clean

I couldn't find anything besides the Facebook page. What other things did you find?

I couldn’t make out his last name. I would love to learn more about him. What was his last name?

Lisa Muhammad his name on Facebook is Norman Ellis fondren

@@Sebninn smart men don't abandon their children.

THIS! I’ve always said, you need to be in control of your mind vs it being in control of you.

Have u ever been addicted to hard drugs? Yea didn't think so