Mom and Dad, Cynthia (Cindy) and Kelly. I feel like I need to introduce my parents first. After all, they are why I’m here. I wish this would be a warm happy conversation. Some parts will but the truth isn’t always warm and happy.
My mom grew up not being treated very well by the men in her life. This, of course, helped shape the person she became. She had my oldest brother, Shane, when she was 15 years old. Dropped out of high school to work to be able to care for him. At 18 she had my other brother, Andrew. Unfortunately he was the product of sexual assault. She made a hard choice and raised her son. 21 years old and I came along, her first girl. I’m sure you can imagine the amounts of pink and bows. My little sister, Amanda, was born when she was 22, our birthdays are only 2 days apart. Shane’s dad was the same age as my Mom, two kids having zero clue about their actions. He was involved somewhat, my Mom tried to make sure Shane saw his Dad. Amanda and I share a Dad, I was conceived very shortly after they had met. My Dad is three years younger than my Mom. She met my Dad when she was 20, he lied, told her he was 19. She found out how old he really was shortly before my birth. I carry my Mom’s maiden name. Things were better by the time Amanda came along. They were married when she was pregnant. Amanda carries my Dad’s last name. My dad was in active addiction my whole life, he was not around much. It was just my mom and is kids. She did the best she could with what she had. She only knew what she has learned from my grandmother. We didn’t grow up abused, starving or without anything. Did we live in poverty, yes. Did we know anything different or that there was better, no. We had a Mom that worked very hard to provide us the things that we did have. October 14, 2023 my Mom past suddenly at 55 years old. She had been living in addiction and wasn’t taking care of herself. Main COD was pneumonia but underlying conditions pointed to drugs.
My Dad grew up with an alcoholic mother and a father who did not deserve the title. He did end up leaving when my Dad was around 12 or so. I do not know much about him but if I remember correctly he did sexually assault my Dad’s sister resulting in a child. He had two brothers, Sean and Phil. He was always the closest with Sean, still is to this day. Phil was older and in my opinion a bit creepy. He did end up serving time in prison for statutory rape when he was a truck driver. He was in active addiction from a young age to about a year and a half ago. He is 53 years old. And just now getting on his feet. Recovery looks different for everyone but it is possible. I’m beyond proud of him and all that he has accompanied in this last year. We have been able to develop a good relationship since we didn’t really have one as I was growing up.
I’m sure bits and pieces that are not in here will surface in some other posts. But for now this is just a little insight into my parents. Thank you do much for being here.