For you mom (& dad)

I cannot take credit for this brilliantly written poem - it’s powerful and SO EXACTLY TRUE, so I’m sharing…

The addict's mom is not your typical mom. She doesn't get to enjoy birthdays, holidays, or even a good night's rest. She doesn't get to brag about her child's college graduation, or their promotion at work either. She doesn't show her co-workers family photos because you're not in them. She doesn't go out with her friends on a Friday night. She doesn't go to the local market because she's avoiding the neighbors. She doesn't get her hair and nails done anymore because she spends her money on you. She cringes every time the phone rings in fear that it’s “that call.”

She does however get to be an actress in front of her employer, and pretend everything is okay. She does get to walk around with knots in her stomach. She does get to check the hospitals for you. She does contact your friends and see if they heard from you. She does speak to your significant other to see if they've noticed the change in you. She does check the inmate registry online in attempt to locate you. She does get to track your iPhone. She does get to monitor your call log. She does get to try and find your dealer and scare them off. She does get to worry about you every single day. She does get to blame herself every chance she gets. She does get to check rehabs for you and see if there is a bed available. She does get to call your bail bondsman. She does get to answer the door for probation. She does get to have grey hair earlier than she should. She does get to age at twice the pace as well. She does get to raise your kids. And you, you're just out there getting high think you’re only hurting yourself right?
P.S.—She does continue to love you through all of this NO MATTER WHAT.

credit: Kevin Alter