30 Comments
User's avatar
Glenna Gill's avatar

I really appreciate what you wrote, Kevin. I have had a somewhat complicated relationship with my three children because I was a lot like your mom when they were growing up. I was scarred from my past to the point that I couldn’t always function, and I used alcohol and drugs to numb my pain.

When I started recovery, I realized that I had a lot to make up for, and I earned their respect in adulthood by just continuing to do the next right thing. We are all very close today, but I will always regret the time I lost with them.

Your grace for your mother is incredible, and I wish we all had that kind of grace no matter what happened to us. Thank you for writing this.

Kevin Jack McEnroe's avatar

I couldn’t appreciate these words more. This is what I do it for - for people like me and you. Thank you for reaching out, and reading! All the love in the world.

Jay Connor's avatar

You deserve every ounce of healing and happiness. ❤‍🩹❤‍🩹❤‍🩹❤‍🩹❤‍🩹❤‍🩹❤‍🩹❤‍🩹

Kevin Jack McEnroe's avatar

Thank you so much. I'm so happy you read.

Lynn J. Broderick's avatar

So beautiful and moving.

Hank's Mom's avatar

Life is complicated. I'm glad for you both that you've found the ability to let love shine through the cracks.

Kevin Jack McEnroe's avatar

Getting better and better. I'm lucky to be lucky to be alive!

Joyfulswt's avatar

I feel so sad for what you had to have for a mom. I get it, you actually don’t feel sad. You explain everything. I’m so happy you are at peace, I feel it, you deserve it. And your mom and Tatum do too❤️

Kevin Jack McEnroe's avatar

I’m so happy to hear that. It’s a long road, with a lot of ups and downs, but it’s worth it. Thank you again for your kind words!

Kevin Jack McEnroe's avatar

She’s a good person, just an addict, just like I was. I feel real lucky that I get it, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I really appreciate you reading and reaching out. Thank you!

Joyfulswt's avatar

I do understand. My son was an addict for 5 years….age 15-20…. was so bad. It was like a freight train we couldn’t stop. He was so smart, talented, athletic…we loved him so much. I found myself doing what you did for your mom. My husband would get so mad..my son got in between us….the DUI and jail helped. We finally just surrendered and kicked him out and said, if he dies we tried. That’s when it changed. He’s still having to “pay” for his past lifestyle in so many ways but we have healed and actually have peace. My husband and I learned so much but it was me the enabler cause it was so uncomfortable….so terrifying. Seeing him was so scary and I never thought we’d recover. But we did. I understand how you feel about your mom. I completely understand. Now we have so much love for each other, just like you do. I 💯 believe it had to happen…It was my experience that I didn’t want and wasn’t ready for but we recovered and my son is such a blessing…..

Joyfulswt's avatar

Your writing is wonderful. The realness and the vulnerability. It’s good for the soul reading.

Kevin Jack McEnroe's avatar

Well I really appreciate that, because it's certainly good for my soul to write. Congrats on your son, and thank you again.

K

Teri Aitch's avatar

Gosh I feel like I grew up with your mom (not jock enough to be a Bad News Bear; too homesick to be a Little Darling)! I’m glad to know that you see her and love her, and I hope she is able to let herself be loved.

Mommom's avatar

Thank you, this is such a beautiful love letter to your mom and to all who suffer as well. One day at a time, it really is all we have. 🙏🏼❤️

Katie Steedly Curling's avatar

Thank you for sharing your journey, Kevin. Extending grace to ourselves and others, especially those closest to us and our joy and pain, heals our world from the inside out. Thank you for your loving, honest, beautiful example. Especially around Mother’s Day.

Kevin Jack McEnroe's avatar

I couldn't agree with this more. Thank you, Katie!

Kim Boucher's avatar

Quite a piece, Kevin. Thanks for sharing all of it. Rehab is a long and complicated journey, and noone can tell you how to walk it. I wish you and Tatum all good things.

Kevin Jack McEnroe's avatar

Ain't that the truth - I've beeb a few times. Happy to be where my feet are today, though. Thank you for reading!

sara canett's avatar

My God, this has been one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. Thank you, for sharing and for being exactly who you are.

Mike Caffey's avatar

Thank you for writing and sharing this. My very best to you and your mom.

Rachel Carruth's avatar

This is so beautiful. Honest, raw and true. Thank you for sharing.

Lisa Spiegel's avatar

Beautiful writing.

Kevin Jack McEnroe's avatar

I’m sorry you feel that way. Thanks for reading nonetheless!

Catherine's avatar

It is beautiful, but I myself wouldn't have that talk with my mother in public while she lived. I am glad you are both healing and loving.

Kevin Jack McEnroe's avatar

It seems to help us, and I hope others who have struggled, but I totally understand your sentiment. Thank you again!

Catherine's avatar

I stand corrected then.

Estee Pierce's avatar

So beautiful. You are a beautiful son.

Kevin Jack McEnroe's avatar

Thank you so much for reading. I'm happy she's my mom!