I had to learn to accept the hard truths

I had to learn to accept the hard truths

​ When my son, Trevor, was 24, I had to come out of denial and admit he had an addiction. Trevor is my son with my first husband, Michael. Michael and I both struggled with drugs and alcohol. You may be thinking “No wonder he’s an addict.” Truth be told, with my...
It’s Okay for Me to be Happy

It’s Okay for Me to be Happy

​ Our family consisted of mom, dad and three children. I was married for 20 years to an abusive man who regularly beat and humiliated everyone in the family. When I finally left, my daughter Nancy had just turned 12. Her brother had already moved out and her older...
I’m the one who needs help

I’m the one who needs help

My son was an athlete and very successful.  We spent countless hours together as he grew up, traveling the state for baseball tournaments, practices, and social functions; baseball was our life. I was a single dad doting on his every need as he was an only child and I...
How PAL Helped my Relationships

How PAL Helped my Relationships

When I found PAL, I had no idea it would have such a powerful impact on so many of my relationships. Yes, I have three children I came for, but now realize I am here not only for them, but for my mom, and my brother and sister-in-law. There is a long history of...