Overcoming My Mother's Addictions

by Deb Birdsall, Lili Birdsall

Overcoming My Mother’s Addictions is a heart-wrenching but inspiring true story about Lili, an 11-year-old girl, who has faced tremendous challenges and upheavals in her formative years because of her mother’s addiction to drugs. Lili gives us hope by displaying a positive outlook which has helped her overcome horrific situations. Through her optimistic perspective, she has gained insight into the life lessons that have shaped her into the fine, thoughtful young lady she is today.This book is written to inspire teens to recognize their true value and to understand that their parents’ choices do not need to define their present and future happiness. It is also designed to help grandparents raising their grandchildren better understand the debilitating effects of adverse childhood experiences.Counselors and teachers will find this book beneficial in opening the lines of communication with younger children to determine how best to provide them much-needed support.This book is also written to inspire addicts to move into permanent recovery, encouraging them to break their destructive cycle and rebuild healthy relationships.***********************************************“Devastating realities of how abuse and neglect can alter a child’s life are simply stated in this true story of one girl’s journey. Not just another story, but a heart-felt truth of abuse and neglect told through the eyes of a child.As a psychotherapist for over 25 years, I have seen how the trauma of abuse and neglect forever changes how one sees the world. Having at least one strong, positive support person in an abused person’s life can provide the needed hope for a positively changed future.Lili’s journey is far from over but her hope for being a world changer and helping others understand the effects of abuse and neglect will continue to empower her and readers of her story.”—Denise J. Weaver, L.C.S.W., Ph.D., Crossville Counseling Center, P.C.

58 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 11, 2021

About the author

My husband Phil, granddaughter Lili, and I currently live in the lovely small town of Crossville, Tennessee, USA.

I view my life as a continuous opportunity to learn and to grow. I have two goals every day: To learn something new and to leave someone with whom I have come into contact feeling better about themself.

I have spent my life in the pursuit of gaining knowledge and developing wisdom. I have opened myself to finding mentors like Zig Ziglar, Bob Proctor, Peggy McColl, and others to teach me how to create a life that manifests all of my heart’s desires.


I also recognize the gift I have of helping others through the critical transitions in life. For many years I have served as a doula, educating and preparing parents for their pregnancies, labors, and deliveries. This has given me the privilege of being involved in the births of 30 babies. At the other end of the spectrum, I have also supported families and held vigil with individuals as they transition out of their physical experience.

As a grandparent raising grandchildren because of addiction in the family,

I have set out on a mission to help

other grandparents better understand the challenges they and their grandchildren are facing.

I do this by providing strategic assistance to grandparents, showing them how to give their grandchildren the tools necessary to successfully overcome adverse childhood experiences -

thereby creating an opportunity for the children to move into

vibrant and emotionally healthy adulthoods.

A special passion of mine is protecting our youth and showing them how to develop self-confidence and a positive outlook on life. Through my programs, I teach individuals (young and old) the steps to develop a strategic plan that will carry them through life successfully.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for everyone who is broken, sad and dealing with some difficult phase. This book is a friend for those who never stop dreaming, who feel broken but never fail to smile, for those who live with anxiety but never give up, for those who dare to love despite all odds and for those who find strength in words.

This is a story of a 11 year old girl Lili who has been dealing with her Mother's Addiction to drugs (feel it, how scary it is). This story is all about her life which was horrible. This story may make you cry because it is emotional. Through this story, author is trying to spread a message that, how dangerous addiction can be and how it affects the lives of people around you. The story portrayed the reality of our world because it happens in real life.

All in all? Most definitely worth the read! Trust me. The writing is simply amazing, showing a level of skill and mastery of language that is sure to impress. This is one of the best book giving practical guidelines to help us prepare for and work through losses of every kind so that we can survive hard times emotionally, as well as physically and spiritually.

The writer continues to bless the lives of her readers with new insights, experiences, that touch the heart and lift the burdens of a weary soul. This book offers incredible comfort, telling readers everywhere : You are not alone, and you will find your way. You should definitely read this book if you love reading something real, emotional and inspiring.

[Shiny Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I'd like to make a special shout-out for the title of this book. As soon as I saw the title, I could not stand not to know further, the story behind it. It compelled me to read the whole book. That's how I decided to read this novel - "Overcoming My Mother's Addictions".

This is a story of a 11 year old girl Lili who has been dealing with some horrific situations because of her mother’s addiction to drugs. This story is giving insight into her stormy young life, all the way from childhood to this day. It’s a story of her unhappy childhood and her struggle to set things right and to find happiness and success. The book drips of emotional abuse and uncertainty the girl has lived through under the control of her mom who was addicted to drugs. This is her journey from bad days to some good ones because of her optimistic approach. I admire this little girl for so many reasons because she is presented as a strong, brave and positive girl who is inspiring so many other people who are dealing with the same situations. This story sets an example to others that no matter what, you can do and achieve everything you want in your life. At so many points, I felt bad for her. But on the other hand, she has inspired me a lot.

I finished reading this book in two days. While reading and everytime I tried to take a break, my heart didn't agree. In the beginning, I thought that this was going to be an average story but NO I was wrong. It went beyond my expectations. Reading about someone's struggle is very difficult for me, especially because I know I can get emotional easily. This book has my heart. I admire the author for sharing such a brilliant story that can change so many lives in a good way. I loved the flow of the story, it's a short read but has the quality to attract the readers. I am so excited to share this book with everyone. It's a beautiful and Inspiring story worth knowing. A must-read!

[Arun Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩, 𝙖𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚❓

‘Overcoming My Mother’s Addictions’ is a true story written from the perceptive of a now 11-year old child who has experienced incredibly challenging times. Deb Birdsall collaborated with her granddaughter as the writing of the book has progressed.

It is a story of a girl Lili and the challenges she faced in her life because of her mother’s addiction to drugs. In the first ten years of Lili’s life, she lived with four different families a total of eight different times. She shares her experience with you and what she learned during this time.

The book is definitely going to touch your heart and make you emotional many times during the read. The story will also inspire you in many ways. By seeing the hardships faced by this little girl will make you appreciate your life even more.

It’s a short read of 83 pages only and very engaging. I bet you can’t put it down after reading just 2 chapters. The story kept me captivated from the first page and I read it in one go. I highly recommend it to everyone.

[Bookgains · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a heart-wrenching and inspiring true story about Lili, an 11-year-old girl who has faced tremendous challenges and upheavals in her formative years because of her mother’s addiction to drugs.  Lili gives us hope by displaying a positive outlook which has helped her overcome horrific situations.  This book is filled with enormous changes, emotions, motivation, inspiration, and most importantly, love.

[Ranea Brasseal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different perspective on addiction.

I enjoyed this carefully written insight to a child’s mind while batting their parents addiction and found this heart touching story very insightful.

[Cynthia G Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

Lili has a very positive attitude and the chance of a good future. Her grandparents have been wonderful and this book gives hope to others in a tough situation.