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Not really sure where my mother’s addiction started (other than her blaming my father). I am sure that the tragic murdering of her mother and sister was the start though. Anyone dealing with that type of trauma, grief and loss could be subjected to addiction if not handled in the proper way. Therapy might be a great suggestion, but not in 1981 (or maybe it was 1982). My mother was an energetic ball of fire and she lived life on her terms.

I was always aware of my mother’s addiction at a young age, but my father was a different story. I didn’t learn about his addiction until I was an adult, rather it was by accident or on purpose either way didn’t matter to me when I learned about it. I do think knowing about it sooner may have given me a better sense of understanding. In speaking with my father about his addiction, I learned that it began while he was in the military serving in Vietnam. My father went to the military right out of high school and I can only imagine the trauma he suffered there and once back home. There wasn’t much if any, help for veterans like it is today. They sent you home with a salute and the clothes on your back. PTSD, what is that?