S3EP11 Keeping the faith, Mary's story

Mary describes feeling like she lives in a lighthouse, constantly needing to keep the light shining to prevent her daughter from hitting the rocks. This is a powerful analogy for the struggle of parenting a child dealing with addiction.

The importance of maintaining faith, praying constantly, and trusting one's instincts as a parent is emphasized. Mary shares how she felt God intervened to prevent her from going to church on a day when her daughter nearly overdosed.

Self-care is stressed as crucial, like putting on your own oxygen mask first on an airplane before helping others. Taking care of one's own mental health is key to being able to support a loved one.

The value of finding community and realizing you are not alone in your struggles is highlighted. Hearing other people's stories can provide comfort and a sense of connection.

Key Takeaways:

Maintain hope and faith during the most challenging times

Trust your parental intuition - you know your child best

Prioritize your own well-being so you can better support your loved one

Connect with others who understand your experience

Overall, this conversation offers insight, empathy and practical advice for parents navigating the complex reality of having a child struggle with addiction. The show hosts create a safe space for an open and vulnerable discussion.