My mom was born in 1959 to her 15-year-old mother, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
But she never let that define her.
Growing up, she denied her disability, determined to prove herself. Our yard was the best in town, our house the cleanest. She never wanted anyone to look down on her. She protected me always and supported me in my dreams.
But beneath the surface, her own childhood was a nightmare. Molested by her grandfather and uncles from toddlerhood, the wounds ran deep.
When she was 12, she turned to substance abuse to cope, and the scars piled up: alcoholism, abusive relationships, and the loss of her first child to adoption.
Despite all this, my mom found sobriety (thank you AA) and devoted herself to me. Our conversations were deep and meaningful, diving into the human psyche. She's a warrior, a writer, and a philosopher.
Her past continued to haunt her, and she’s struggled with love and addiction throughout my adult life.
I know why I'm passionate about advocacy for children – it's because of my mom's story. Born into pain, it changes you on a molecular level. I inherited her depression, and her struggles became mine.
As I write this, my mom is living in a motel, consumed by alcoholism. It's a painful reality, but I know she's exactly where she wants to be. This is just part of her story, but it didn't have to be this way.
I beg of you – please tell your truth. Talk about the things that hurt. Don't let people get hurt - it ruins families.
I've lived without a mother for most of my adult life, and my children have missed out on having a grandmother. But I pray every day that my mom finds the strength to overcome her demons.
Her story has given me fuel to fight, to stand up for children, and to create change.
My mama has always wanted to write a book about her life and if she doesn’t get to do that, I’m gonna do it for her. I tell this story today in hopes that it might help someone else find the courage to speak their truth
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