EPILOGUE
It has been two years since Ma passed. Writing this book has had a tremendous cathartic affect on my life. I have been doing a lot of letting go. I still miss Ma, and I know the pain of her loss will be with me for the rest of my life. While Adam is no longer in my life, I find that I have been able to let go of the much of anger I had in my heart. I am able to see my part in my behaviors. Enabling him, trying to fix him instead of saying no to his appeals for cash; a real "no" in the beginning might well have forced him to make some changes that would have made a difference in all our lives. I find that I am feeling wonderfully free of the guilt and disappointments I put on myself over the years. I am responsible for my part.
Jack and the children seem happier. Michele is staying with us and working at getting her life back together. I don‘t have much contact with the rest of the family, but that is okay. I love them all.
If I was asked by anyone who reads this book and has been struggling with family experiences like mine, "What should I do?" I would tell them.
"Do not be an enabler, you are not your brother‘s keeper, and write a book for you that is your story. There is a power for good in telling your story."
Amelia Bradford (not her real name) lives on the Northern California coast with her husband and two children. She enjoys fitness, tennis and travel.
She is currently at work on her next book.