Recovery is often told as a personal story. A person hits rock bottom and then makes the decision to change their lives. But, the truth is, recovery is rarely a solo journey. Behind almost every recovery story, someone who loves them is quietly standing in the background, holding the light for those who cannot see it themselves. For me, that person was my mom. This picture is from a hospital visit during my addiction. And although my mom was terrified inside, she never let me experience any of that; only strength.
My mom was there for me in the moments that most people never saw. She was always a safe place when my life was unmanageable. She packed my bags when it was time for another rehab. Each item in my suitcase was placed so intentionally and with love. She drove me to each facility, even when I did not want to go. She answered every call. And without fail, she visited me in jail, every Sunday. Week after week. No matter what. At that time, I didn’t fully understand what that meant, nor did I understand the pain and worry she felt. Although my mom was suffering on the inside too, she never stopped showing up for me.
While in an active addiction, the world becomes very small. You’re surviving, hiding, lying all while trying to outrun the consequences of your choices. You don’t always see the people standing beside you. You don’t realize how much strength it takes for someone to keep loving you, while watching you fall apart. Recovery has a way of opening your eyes. Today, when I reflect back on those times, I don’t just see my own journey; I see her’s too. I see the miles she drove. The sleepless nights. The hope she held onto, even when things looked very dark; she was the light.
My mom never stopped believing there was another version of me, waiting on the other side of addiction. And today, because she never let go, I get to live the life I once thought was impossible. None of this happens without the people who stand beside us, when we can’t stand on our own. Because of her, I get to wake up everyday and work in a field helping others find their way out. I get to share my story publicly and build programs that serve people who once felt just as lost as I did.
Recovery is not just about the person who gets sober, it’s about the people who never stopped showing up.
So, this post is for the moms who answer the phone at 2 a.m. The moms that keep the door open. The moms who sit through the hard conversations with such strength. The moms who cook us a warm meal. The moms that always believe in us, despite our choices. The moms who always believe in us, when we don’t believe in ourselves.
But most of all, this one is for my mom. Thank you for every mile you drove. Every Sunday you showed up. Every phone call. Thank you for, everything.
Take a moment today, to thank the people who stood by you when life was at its hardest. Today is the perfect day to let them know how much their support mattered.
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