I was her parent, not the other way around – ACOA
I am the adult child of an alcoholic who I lost to her addiction in 2006.
I am the adult child of an alcoholic who I lost to her addiction in 2006.
Feeling guilt, shame or embarrassment
I learned to trust no one as the child of an alcohol-dependent mother
For as far back as I can remember, I had a lingering feeling something was terribly wrong.
For as far back as I can remember, I had a lingering feeling something was terribly wrong.
Alcohol prioritised our needs
I spent days thinking that if I did not exist, it would make her better.
I spent days thinking that if I did not exist, it would make her better.
The grace of a nightingale
The whole family had suffered the damaging indignities…
The whole family had suffered the damaging indignities…
20 years on
I have been reflecting on how her death has shaped me.
I have been reflecting on how her death has shaped me.
The Family Secret
If you lie enough you convince yourself that the lie is true, the lie becomes your new distorted reality.
If you lie enough you convince yourself that the lie is true, the lie becomes your new distorted reality.
Mum
I wouldn’t let my partner, friend, or colleague lie and treat me the way my mum did.
I wouldn’t let my partner, friend, or colleague lie and treat me the way my mum did.
Christmas as a kid
Homely warmth gave way to hollow absence.
Homely warmth gave way to hollow absence.
Still here fighting (Part 2): Letter to dad
It was like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the Hyde part always overwhelmed you.
It was like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the Hyde part always overwhelmed you.
Still here fighting (Part 1)
I am still here fighting on and there is always more of my story to tell.
I am still here fighting on and there is always more of my story to tell.
