‘Who I am and where I’ve been absolutely matters’
Published Aug. 26, 2026
A mom whose son struggles with addiction reached out for help. She was overwhelmed by concerns for his future. She felt ashamed, and she was worried about what the community would think about her family. She needed reassurance that everything would be OK.
It was an opportunity to share my own story and reassure her: there is life beyond addiction. I’m living proof there is hope, and family healing is possible.
I don’t always have the answers, but I had the compassion and empathy to meet her where she was.
I love conversations that allow me to be my authentic self. They remind me that who I am and where I’ve been absolutely matters. I don’t have to hide who I am anymore.