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.
Loss of connection with a parent
Not something you could talk about
No-one spoke about it, and we had to keep it a secret. It was like a shame on the family.
No-one spoke about it, and we had to keep it a secret. It was like a shame on the family.
Christmas as a kid
Homely warmth gave way to hollow absence.
Homely warmth gave way to hollow absence.
Breaking the curse as a child of an addict
Let me ask you this: Do you think a heroin addict can be a good parent?
Let me ask you this: Do you think a heroin addict can be a good parent?
Addiction is unacceptable and unfair
Addiction – in my life. It has caused me so much friction. It is unacceptable and unfair.
Addiction – in my life. It has caused me so much friction. It is unacceptable and unfair.
I would just have to hold this secret
I struggle to be carefree, but I am more accepting.
I struggle to be carefree, but I am more accepting.
You are a stranger now
I’m not fearing it anymore, I’m expecting it. I don’t know you, you are a stranger.
I’m not fearing it anymore, I’m expecting it. I don’t know you, you are a stranger.
If mum was here, would she say sorry?
I recently asked my nine-year-old sister ‘Do you like coming home from school?
I recently asked my nine-year-old sister ‘Do you like coming home from school?
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.
