Tending Dandelions: Honest Meditations for Mothers with Addicted Children

Mothers of addicted and alcoholic children share a deep connection—one that is rarely understood by anyone who hasn’t experienced a similar path. Sharing our perspectives helps us all grow stronger, together. 

These meditations continue the tradition of Hazelden’s beloved series of daily readings by providing moments of recognition, confession, and healing for those who are realizing that recovery rarely follows a neat or comfortable path. Along the way, we plant beautiful roses only to be injured by their thorns, and we pull up unwanted dandelions that, at times, are our only source of wishes.

By sharing the realities we never expected our families to face, mothers of addicted children support each other through experiences that can only be feared and imagined by others. From our shared struggles emerge opportunities for personal growth. Tending Dandelions is a vital source of wisdom, support, and strength that helps us begin our own journey of recovery.

“We all need to take a closer look at the things we’ve avoided—the things lurking around in this place where love and addiction meet—so we’re as strong as we can be.”

—Sandra Swenson, author of Tending Dandelions

 

Sandra Swenson is the mother of two sons—one of whom struggles with addiction. A trusted voice for the loved ones of addicts, she first documented her experiences with her son’s addiction in the critically-acclaimed book The Joey Song. After hearing from countless mothers who have been helped by her meditation book, Tending Dandelions, Sandy released even more honest meditations in her mobile app, Readings for Moms of Addicts, which is now available for both Apple and Android devices. An advocate for acceptance, education, healing, and recovery, Sandy can frequently be found sharing her story.

ISBN: 9781616497200
Format: Paperback
Pages: 250
Publisher: Hazelden Publishing
Published: September 05, 2017

Sandra Swenson has delicately and intentionally provided a wonderful new resource for an often-overlooked population impacted by addiction—mothers. Addiction ravages families and is one of the most complicated illnesses to navigate for a parent. This set of meditations is poised to support those affected by a loved one’s addiction in powerful and meaningful ways. With wisdom and insights born from personal heartache, experience, and a lot of love, this treasure is a goldmine of hope, coping tips, and wit like no other. Mothers and family members of an addict will discover they are NOT alone and, no matter the choices their loved one makes, there is a way to continue to live and love deeply. . . from afar.

Sandra writes, “In letting go of you, I’m letting you know that I believe in you. Like a hug, I let go believing that you will find your way back.”