By the grace of God I am sober today. Dad was an abusive alcoholic. Mom was the invisible parent. Ironically, they referred to me as their "sober" child because of my demeanor. On Sunday, I visited my mom and looked into her eyes for the first time in my life. I was afraid she might try to console or hug me, so I asked her to sit across the room while I talked to her. We talked a long time about a lot of things past. All I really felt was disconnected and broken. Today I feel some hope. Healing has begun. I hope this will inspire someone else.

I got this in an email late tonight from my mom. Wanted to share.

"THE TALK"

My heart has been broken for you because of the horrible burden you have been carrying alone since such a young age! I wish that my special, beautiful, brave child could have shared it back then and we would have found the necessary help. I thank God that you could finally tell me.

I regret so much that I was not aware of all the problems you were suffering so deeply. Please understand that, had I realized any of it, I would not have tolerated it! I want you to know that I love you no less and I am no less proud of you for who you are and for what you have accomplished.

There may be some backsliding but I know your life will only grow and improve by the grace of God. I trust your decisions and hope you are feeling better and better at every moment as you are unburdening yourself to others.

You are no longer alone. I am with you in spirit and prayer and even, especially, in your darkest times, the Loving Spirit of God never leaves you. I want to know every baby step you take toward the light and every taste of success you experience, so that my heart can mend, too.

It sounds trite, but its the truth God is not finished with us yet!

I LOVE YOU.
Mom