Saturday, July 23, 2011
Tatum O'Neal- found a daughters journey home
I just finished reading Tatum O'Neal's book FOUND. I have to say this is another must read book. Especially, if you deal with any addiction and recovery issues. Of course I can not connect to a woman I have never met or relate to her famous family or her own fame but as I was reading her story I connected to her one addict as another and one mother as another. It is no secret in my life that I'm an addict. Today I choose not to be active in that addiction. I was reading this book and I felt this complete stranger was telling my story in parts. Her honesty and humbleness was something I struggle with but have achieved sometimes throughout my journey. As a mother being a junkie and a good mother was not possible to most. I know my addiction effected my son in negative ways. But as Tatum told in her story. I communicated with my son on being open and honest. He didn't really understand WHAT the issues were but he knew there were some. He has told me since that he always knew he was loved and cared for and never doubted that. I was lucky enough to attend a treatment center that let me bring him with me the third time around. We were there for 3 months. I figured he needed the help and understanding about the disease just as much as I did. It brought us even closer than we were before and we have always been extremely close. It helped me take back the parent role and him the child role. He doesn't worry about me as far as my addiction issues go since than. He knows that I do what I have to not to be a part of that world ever again. Yes, there are good days and bad days. OK so back to the book. I did relate also to Tatum's unhealthy relationship with her father. I am happy that she has reached a point of acceptance that I so wish to reach in my own life. I was glad that I got to make peace with my mother and enjoy her for who she was the last five years of her life. Loosing her battle to lung cancer as I held her hand and she took her last breath was the hardest thing I have ever been thru! So, there is another part of Tatum's story I related to. Her journey with her disease and her turmoil within herself with her family history and her strength as a mother that fights for healthy relationships with her children and her father was exactly things I needed to read. Since starting therapy again with an open heart and real desire to be healthy in mind, body and soul and reading Tatum's story has helped in so many ways I don't think I could actually put it in words. Thank you Tatum for sharing you story. I wish I could find a sponsor or a friend in recovery just like you! You gave me more hope. Hope that my journey mistakes and all is my journey to being authentic and real not only with myself but with others! Again this is a MUST READ BOOK!!!!!
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2 comments:
I TOTALLY AGREE!! I just started reading 'Found' and same as you, related BIG time. She really hits the nail on the head when she talks about how dealing with life through addiction to drugs is more bearable than dealing with life. I've dealt with addiction to alcohol in my family and have seen it TEAR the families apart at a very young age (5 yrs old was the 1st memory), and realizing that now recently more and more people are sharing their story and connecting in a way that we never really thought to connect because we think the addictions and problems we encounter, not deal with, are only ours and no one else's. My high school hosts retreats during our Junior and Senior for girls and boys separately to get closer to God and become better people after sharing their stories with leaders who lead the retreat. It was a week long experience where we would share and connect with students who you would probably never talk to and be close to all because of this experience and the experiences we shared in our lives. I went both years to this retreat; once as a participant and another time as a leader to the girls, which really warmed my heart because I was not only the one being filled spiritually and morally, but the one who was doing the filling and helping others get to a state of peace and safety. I went through similar life and death experiences with an eating disorder, suicide (many attempts, 1 close encounter), alcoholism and some dabbling in drugs, I found , myself in a better place than I was almost 3 years ago. I still deal with these demons every day, don't get me wrong, but always find my way back to the light.
P.S. GREAT Blog. Thanks :)
Thank you MichelleD I think that sounds like a great experience. I think many people can relate to this issue. Everyone needs to work a 12 step program in my opinion! World would be a much better place. Your message was really sweet and I appreciate your comments!
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