Thread by @WrongsToWrite

Crack Addiction Took My Mother's Life and Father's Soul

8 Lessons I Learned About Family and Overcoming Trauma

That Hurt Like Motherfucker

(Thread)

1. Your Childhood Trauma Is Not Your Fault, but It Is Your Responsibility

Growing up:

I was fat
I was poor
I was anxious

But I wasn't a victim.

That is always a choice.

Instead, I used these weaknesses as fuel, turning them into my biggest strengths.

2. Trauma Is Generational

My grandpa had a dysfunctional childhood.

That led to my mom having one too.

My father didn't know his father.

That led to me growing up without one.

You have to be the one to break your generational curse.

3. If You Grew Up Without a Father, You Have to Teach Yourself Masculinity

With no dad, I grew up as a "Momma's Boy" but got in touch with my masculinity through:

• Books
• Coaches
• Teachers

I will continue to shout out @SaveYourSons because men need mentors like him.

@SaveYourSons 4. Your Friends Define You

My mom was the strongest person I knew.

She always tried to help friends that were struggling.

These "friends" took advantage of her.

Eventually their drug habits and energy rubbed off on her.

Be damn careful with who you surround yourself with.

@SaveYourSons 5. You're a Slave to Anything You Can't Say No To

My mom didn't touch crack until I was 16 years old.

I saw her turn into a whole different person.

She spent $100k+ on drugs
She became homeless
She lost her family

All for a chemical.

@SaveYourSons 6. You Can't Save People That Don't Want to Be Saved

For 3 years we tried getting my mom sober.

Hell, my father has struggled with crack addiction for 20+ years.

At a certain point you have to give yourself permission to let go.

You are not responsible for their choices.

@SaveYourSons 7. Tell Your Parents You Love Them

The most fucked up moment of my life happened when I was 19.

It was after an EDM festival one night.

I was walking with my friends downtown on the sidewalk.

Eventually we passed a woman.

I recognized her.

@SaveYourSons It was my homeless mother.

I'll never forget the lost look in her eyes as she stared at the night sky.

And there I was, 4ft away from her.

My friends walked ahead while I stared at her.

She was so high she didn't recognize her own son.

She was alive, but lifeless.

@SaveYourSons I didn't want to cause a scene with my friends.

So I kept walking.

My biggest regret is not acknowledging her that night.

That was the last time I saw my mother.

She died of an overdose 2 weeks later.

@SaveYourSons 8. Forgiveness

This lesson takes the longest to learn.

I forgave my father.

I forgave my family.

I'm forgiving myself.

It's okay to feel anger, hurt and guilt.

Forgiveness is a process, but a necessary one.

Whatever you went through, it's important you do this too.

@SaveYourSons Appreciate you taking the time to read👋

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