I know all to well what you're going thru. My 35 yr old daughter is finally clean and sober the last three years. She was on the street since she was 18. Came home at 25 long enough to have a baby and leave the baby with me to raise. So I was visiting prisons and rehabs with an infant. Her last incarceration was the bottom for her. ( Personlly I wondered how low it was). She is now home with me, clean and sober. Getting to know her daughter. Working full time and going to college to obtain a career.
I know it can happy for you and your daughter. I pray for you both.
We knew each other in Nyack years ago through the adoption of my two boys. I owned Small Steps. I am also walking this sad, heart-breaking roller coaster with one of my sons. Beautifully written. The heart always keeps hoping and loving. You showed up and keep showing up and loving. My love to you. There is no right or wrong, we do what allows us to sleep at night.
Oh Rosie. Undoubtedly it was such a hard day. It’s good to hear she looked better, has friends and is sober. I’m sure seeing you was so good for her as for you. I wish you both strength and that she’s out soon and healthy with her kids.
Crying...My family is riddled with addiction. It is so hard. I am so proud of you Rosie. And your daughter. It has to be difficult for both of you.They are always our babies, no matter what age...
I have visited prisons for a family member for several years. My heart is beating the same fast beats you feel as you enter. Your poem broke me. It is frightening. You showing up is everything. Everything. Prayers for you and your family. ❤️
I was to terrified to visit my uncle & cousin in a max. security prison I am ashamed to say I chickened out of sheer terror/fear... I just couldn't do it so reading your post has helped me "... terror you feel as you enter..." so thank you for sharing... Had such guilt for many years after...
Thank you. Had to visit many psychiatric hospitals years after for my brother and I don't know which is more terrifying because at least prisons have armed guards to protect & security protocols & alarms... None of which is the same in locked psych wards... but love moves mountains & I was in alot of psych wards & when they close & lock the doors in a psych ward... I still feel the panic but power through for my brother...
I can’t imagine how hard that was for both..my 44 yr old son got into drugs or had some kind of mental breakdown … cut ties with his siblings and his father.. and myself.. it’s been over 4 yrs since I’ve seen him… I too see him with all his curls and his love for life and learning… it’s been 4 hard years
Oh Rosie, I'm crying for you but it sounds like that little blonde baby is coming back to her mom. Praying Chelsea continues to find strength, peace and forever sobriety so she returns healthy and healed to her 4 babies too. Sending you love and hugs and strength .
This made me cry. I'm sure it was difficult, but we show up for our children, no matter how old they are, because that's mothering. I'm holding Chelsea, her kids, and you in my heart.
Here's to you, Zola! Have you watched the Hunter Biden and Gavin interview out now on having podcast? I've got 23 years sobriety from Coors! High five ✋🏼 🌻
It is. But cherish your time no matter where it occurs, behind bars or otherwise. I know it is hard but you have become so much stronger because of it and so have I. My daughter was a Kelsey, so as I have followed your story with Chelsea it has in many ways mirrored my own. I’m happy yours can still have a positive outcome. Peace!
I know all to well what you're going thru. My 35 yr old daughter is finally clean and sober the last three years. She was on the street since she was 18. Came home at 25 long enough to have a baby and leave the baby with me to raise. So I was visiting prisons and rehabs with an infant. Her last incarceration was the bottom for her. ( Personlly I wondered how low it was). She is now home with me, clean and sober. Getting to know her daughter. Working full time and going to college to obtain a career.
I know it can happy for you and your daughter. I pray for you both.
thank u Cindy - I love to hear those success stories !
I visited my 19 year old son in prison today.
Unconditional love is the only thing that makes sense to me. Every Sunday afternoon. Waves of the best and worst feelings.
My heart goes out to you and your daughter and I'm glad you are so connected.
parent/child relationship evolves over time and this reads like you've both reached a milestone....
Yes we have. It was a long time coming.
You make every part of my soul send love to you. Thank you for sharing this
We knew each other in Nyack years ago through the adoption of my two boys. I owned Small Steps. I am also walking this sad, heart-breaking roller coaster with one of my sons. Beautifully written. The heart always keeps hoping and loving. You showed up and keep showing up and loving. My love to you. There is no right or wrong, we do what allows us to sleep at night.
♥️
Oh Rosie. Undoubtedly it was such a hard day. It’s good to hear she looked better, has friends and is sober. I’m sure seeing you was so good for her as for you. I wish you both strength and that she’s out soon and healthy with her kids.
That's what my overall feeling is. It has to be everything. Rosie, it's a lot to deal with, you are doing it well. With Love.
Crying...My family is riddled with addiction. It is so hard. I am so proud of you Rosie. And your daughter. It has to be difficult for both of you.They are always our babies, no matter what age...
You too! Take care of yourself.
I have visited prisons for a family member for several years. My heart is beating the same fast beats you feel as you enter. Your poem broke me. It is frightening. You showing up is everything. Everything. Prayers for you and your family. ❤️
I was to terrified to visit my uncle & cousin in a max. security prison I am ashamed to say I chickened out of sheer terror/fear... I just couldn't do it so reading your post has helped me "... terror you feel as you enter..." so thank you for sharing... Had such guilt for many years after...
We do the best we can. Go easy on yourself.
Thank you. Had to visit many psychiatric hospitals years after for my brother and I don't know which is more terrifying because at least prisons have armed guards to protect & security protocols & alarms... None of which is the same in locked psych wards... but love moves mountains & I was in alot of psych wards & when they close & lock the doors in a psych ward... I still feel the panic but power through for my brother...
This was heartbreaking at first but their was peace in the end. Excellent writing!
I’m so glad she’s reaching out to you. It’s been a long journey for you both. ❤️🙏🏻
I can’t imagine how hard that was for both..my 44 yr old son got into drugs or had some kind of mental breakdown … cut ties with his siblings and his father.. and myself.. it’s been over 4 yrs since I’ve seen him… I too see him with all his curls and his love for life and learning… it’s been 4 hard years
I'm sorry. That's very difficult, not knowing. Hang in there, he’ll be back.
I love your writings. They touch my soul. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
I’m glad she is reaching for you.
Oh Rosie, I'm crying for you but it sounds like that little blonde baby is coming back to her mom. Praying Chelsea continues to find strength, peace and forever sobriety so she returns healthy and healed to her 4 babies too. Sending you love and hugs and strength .
This made me cry. I'm sure it was difficult, but we show up for our children, no matter how old they are, because that's mothering. I'm holding Chelsea, her kids, and you in my heart.
Thanks, Mama Tess❣️
💜💜😭💜
Here's to you, Zola! Have you watched the Hunter Biden and Gavin interview out now on having podcast? I've got 23 years sobriety from Coors! High five ✋🏼 🌻
High five right back at ya! I haven’t seen it, but I’m following him on Twitter. Loving it.
Great! 🦋
My daughter died at 27 almost
7 years ago from an overdose. I understand this. I got the phone call than no parent wants to receive, but had somehow expected would come.
so sorry - every parents nightmare
It is. But cherish your time no matter where it occurs, behind bars or otherwise. I know it is hard but you have become so much stronger because of it and so have I. My daughter was a Kelsey, so as I have followed your story with Chelsea it has in many ways mirrored my own. I’m happy yours can still have a positive outcome. Peace!
I pray to God that you have inner peace 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Wow. I’m extremely saddened by this but happy for you both at the same time.