Children of celebrities are not privileged. Some remain children taking care of their celebrity parent for their entire life. The fact that you can write so beautifully and non-judge mentally about that is a gift to you and to us. Thank you.
For carers—whether parents or children or children taking care of parents—saying “no” is the hardest.
It’s hard but not horrible. I’m a dad too and was a single dad raising my kids. Now they’re in their 50’s and learning that I’m a person as well as their dad with the right to say “no” to them when I need to. It’s liberating for me and ultimately, I believe, good for them.
Horrible as in it feels bad - with her it almost always led to danger - but everything that’s worthwhile isn’t easy, so I’m thrilled to be learning. Makes me better, and I like that kind of stuff. Bless them, change me I’ve heard. I’m happy to keep growing, and I so appreciate you reaching out!
This is my third Kevin Jack McEnroe essay (read the second this am before this about the Knicks). He is a really talented storyteller, and I am so happy he is doing well. Really loving his pieces!
Wow - the ultimate "pulling back the curtains" to a traumatic childhood and life. A beautifully brave perspective by Kevin... with so much love and compassion and empathy in his heart for the fraility of Being Human.
This... "You monitor their moods—having to take their temperature—because if it falls below a certain degree on the thermostat something like thunder rolls in, and then rain, and it’s difficult to find shelter..." Thanks for this essay, from the grown child of another (non-celebrity) addict.
Wow wow, thank you for your openness. You’ve described my relationship with my dad in yours and I haven’t had the words to do that. I’m going to need to read this a few more times.
Thanks for writing. There's a powerful David Crosby song about reaching down into the water to pull someone out and save them. Sometimes you can save the person. Sometimes you can't. Blessings upon 12 Step groups which focus on saving ourselves, the only people we have even a chance of saving. That said, good for Kevin for doing the Work and telling his story. Better out than in. He's faced dragons.
Hey Kevin, You did use the reference which I love and sing along to in the car when I'm listening to that David Crosby CD...The concept is so visceral...to try to save a drowning spirit...And sometimes we can help...💜
Children of celebrities are not privileged. Some remain children taking care of their celebrity parent for their entire life. The fact that you can write so beautifully and non-judge mentally about that is a gift to you and to us. Thank you.
For carers—whether parents or children or children taking care of parents—saying “no” is the hardest.
It’s hard but not horrible. I’m a dad too and was a single dad raising my kids. Now they’re in their 50’s and learning that I’m a person as well as their dad with the right to say “no” to them when I need to. It’s liberating for me and ultimately, I believe, good for them.
Horrible as in it feels bad - with her it almost always led to danger - but everything that’s worthwhile isn’t easy, so I’m thrilled to be learning. Makes me better, and I like that kind of stuff. Bless them, change me I’ve heard. I’m happy to keep growing, and I so appreciate you reaching out!
Saying no is horrible, but I’m learning, and I think it might make me a better dad someday. Than you reading and reaching out!
Beautiful. Thanks for your honesty. We're all better for it.
Thank you for reading. I’m honored.
This is my third Kevin Jack McEnroe essay (read the second this am before this about the Knicks). He is a really talented storyteller, and I am so happy he is doing well. Really loving his pieces!
Yes, big fan!
All the love, Julie! Thank you for reading!
Honest without preambles or artifice, a comfort to anyone who has loved/depended on an addicted person
Never easy, always worth it. Thank you for reading and reaching out!
Heartbreakingly beautiful. Thank you for sharing your truth and take good care of yourself through all that is to come.
So much to come, and I can’t wait for it. Thank you for reading!
This is so insightful and thoughtful—and helpful. Very brave and powerful, thank you.
Wow - the ultimate "pulling back the curtains" to a traumatic childhood and life. A beautifully brave perspective by Kevin... with so much love and compassion and empathy in his heart for the fraility of Being Human.
Sunlight helps me more than I can express with words, even though that’s exactly why I’m trying to do. Thank you so much for reading!
This is one of the best essays I've read in a long time. Sad, but brilliant.
Wow. Honored.
Thank you so much!
Beautiful. The psychic exhaustion of loving an addict. May all the family have some peace.
We’re getting there. All the love!
Thank you for having the courage to share the truth. All the best to you>
Thank you so! I so appreciate you reading! The doing helps me more than you could ever know!
Heartbreaking. Reminds me of my own mother who died at 61. The body has its limits.
This... "You monitor their moods—having to take their temperature—because if it falls below a certain degree on the thermostat something like thunder rolls in, and then rain, and it’s difficult to find shelter..." Thanks for this essay, from the grown child of another (non-celebrity) addict.
It’s really something isn’t it? I’m happy that finding a place to give it some air is helping me, her, and hopefully even others! Thank you again.
Wow wow, thank you for your openness. You’ve described my relationship with my dad in yours and I haven’t had the words to do that. I’m going to need to read this a few more times.
Thank you for reading at all! Being open and honest has truly been lifesaving. I’m honored to let it rip.
Beautiful. Thank you. All best to you.
Thanks for writing. There's a powerful David Crosby song about reaching down into the water to pull someone out and save them. Sometimes you can save the person. Sometimes you can't. Blessings upon 12 Step groups which focus on saving ourselves, the only people we have even a chance of saving. That said, good for Kevin for doing the Work and telling his story. Better out than in. He's faced dragons.
I love that line. I use it somewhere I think! Thank you for remaining me where it’s from, and thank you for reading!
Hey Kevin, You did use the reference which I love and sing along to in the car when I'm listening to that David Crosby CD...The concept is so visceral...to try to save a drowning spirit...And sometimes we can help...💜
I did but I didn’t know where it was from but I found it! Love! Thank you for putting me on!
Thank you for your brilliant truth. Blessings and strength to you for all you do. Be well. 🌸💗🌸