Tending Dandelions: Honest Meditations for Mothers with Addicted Children

by Sandra Swenson

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. “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 In the shadows of our child’s struggles with addiction, we find ourselves tending to a life for which we weren’t prepared. These meditations continue the tradition of Hazelden’s beloved meditation books 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.

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2017

About the author

Sandy Swenson is the mother of two sons—one of whom struggles with addiction. Chronicling her journey through the place where love and addiction meet, she is a voice of comfort and strength for parents of children--of any age and stage--struggling with the disease of addiction. Her books include 'The Joey Song: A Mother's Story from the Place Where Love and Addiction Meet' --Second Edition (the original subtitle was 'A Mother's Story of Her Son's Addiction'), 'Tending Dandelions: Honest Meditations for Mothers with Addicted Children', and 'Just Dandy: Living With Heartache and Wishes'.

Reviews

[Kathleen Pooler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book of heartfelt and honest reflections for anyone who has a child whose life has been overtaken by addiction. The author's strength and resilience in the face of her own personal struggle with her addicted son give hope and inspiration to those suffering a similar battle. I admire the author's mission to break the silence surrounding addiction by educating about the disease and guiding parents of addicted children to find their way to serenity. And perhaps, most important, to keep loving their child through the ravages of a disease that leaves no one unscathed. The author has turned her deep pain into a precious gift for others. I have no doubt this book will change lives for the better.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feelings on paper. Beautiful book for moms with addicted children.

[Peggy Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not alone

Such a poignant and heartfelt account of one Mother’s journey through the affects of addiction. She has felt my pain and my hope. Thank you Sandra for sharing.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the mother of a drug-addicted adult child, I read my thoughts, fears & tears on every page. This is by far the best book to provide inspiration & hope to fellow mothers who never thought their children would grow up to become addicts. We did not ask for this cross to bear, but Swenson's heartfelt words assure us that we are not alone...& we are known.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

None of us asked to be a part of this group. Yet here we are: mothers of addicted loved ones. The words the author shares in this book are heartfelt and heartwarming, despite the fact that they are raw and painful. Like I said, none of us in this group wanted to be here, but here we are, and what a relief to know that we are not alone.

[Debbi Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!