THOMPSONVILLE - It's a story about a man and methamphetamine that ended in death, but one with a message that his family won't let die.

When 35-year-old Shawn Bridges learned that years of drug use was literally killing him, he decided to document his life and death in hopes of warning others about meth's dangers. The documentary, "No More Sunsets: The Last Days of a Meth Addict," was released worldwide about one year before Shawn, a truck driver from Cape Girardeau, died in March 2007.

"The Lord is using Shawn's story to get the message out to the world," said Shawn's father, Jack Bridges. "He wanted to help others and that's why we are going to keep telling his story."

From the documentary to school presentations and television appearances, Bridges has kept his son's wish alive and said he doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon.

Earlier this month, he, along with Shawn's daughter and her mother, two former meth users, Shawn's drug counselor, grandmother and pastor, went to the religious-based Three Angels Broadcasting Network in Thompsonville to film a one-hour television show. The air date has not yet been determined.

Cheri Peters, the host of "Celebrating Life and Recovery" and a former addict, said when she heard of Shawn's story, she immediately got in contact with Jack Bridges, hoping he would appear on her show.

"I saw it and just wept," Peters said of the various Internet video postings about Shawn's story. "It's an unbelievable story that everyone should know."

Crying is something Shawn's 13-year-old daughter, Codi Bridges, was proud she didn't do at the filming. When she shared her feelings about her dad's death before a crowd at Shawnee Community College in October, she said she couldn't hold back her tears.

But Codi, who has a few YouTube videos of her own, said tears are worth it, knowing that her dad's documentary is making such a difference to so many people. She said she can only hope that parents abusing drugs will listen to her.

"Think about your kids," she said. "Sometimes my friends will say they hate their dad when they get mad and don't want him around. I tell them they are wrong, because they don't know what it's like. I just want my dad here."

While appearing on television networks and talking with the media isn't something Bridges, a truck driver from Cape Girardeau, is used to, he said it's part of keeping his promise to his son. Responding to dozens of e-mails, promoting the documentary with filmmaker Chip Rossetti and speaking at presentations is a privilege, Bridges said, as long as his son's story helps save lives.

"We are just trying to tell people they don't have to follow Shawn to the grave," he said. "I know it's making a difference. Keeping Shawn's story alive is touching people's lives."

bethany.krajelis@thesouthern.com / 351-5816

MORE INFO

For more information about Shawn Bridges, the 'No More Sunsets' documentaries, volunteer opportunities in the Cape Girardeau area or to learn about meth presentations, visit www.nomoresunsets.net, www.michaeljasonenterprises.com or filmmaker Chip Rossetti's Web site at www.rossettiproductions.com.

Or you can contact Jack Bridges directly at (573) 587-9157.