When addiction first crept into our household 11 years ago, I started keeping a journal. Retreating to clean white paper became my refuge. The blank pages stared back, non-judgmental and welcoming. On their unvarnished surface I poured out my anguish, fear, confusion and shame. It was the only place – until many years later – …
I’ve often wondered if personal messiness was cause or symptom of an otherwise disorganized life. When Jacob was using, I tried to ignore it, rationalizing – didn’t all kids go through this phase? Or at least some? Surely he would grow out of it if I let him alone. There were bigger battles. But his …
She was small with glossy brown hair and a pout that ensured she got what she wanted. At age 18 she was what my son wanted. Or so he thought . When Jacob was in his freshman year in college – and in active addiction – he visited his girlfriend in New England for Valentine’s Day …