I have worked so hard to change my family's story and succeeded in many ways. Still, my heart shattered into a million pieces when I saw my youngest daughter, Taryn, repeat during her adolescence patterns of addiction that I'd hoped and prayed would end with me.
But our children have their own stories and lives to live. I don't take for granted that Taryn survived her addiction, and I am grateful every day for her recovery.
As the co-founder of our She Recovers movement, Taryn provides a younger—dare I admit edgier—road map for wellness. It's been one of my greatest honors to watch my daughter design her own pathways and patchwork of recovery, heal herself, and lead others back to themselves too.
I have learned a lot from this unique child of mine, this beautiful, bright, compassionate, and driven person who is both like me and the total opposite of me. I watch in awe and wonder what she will do next.
Of my body and of my heart, my youngest daughter is one of my greatest teachers in recovery.