When you decide that addiction…

Is more meaningful than being a parent or protecting your children-tragedy. I was struck by a story I came across that feels more like a nightmare. A mother who knew her addiction and all the issues she had. A husband who she let back in, even though he wasn’t a safe or quality person.

The result was, after a day of diving into their addiction together, their 14 day old infant would be found dead in a wooded area right next to their home. The couple was found guilty. Neither one pleads guilty, in fact, both say that they didn’t do it, but they hope the authorities find the person or persons who did.

The Judge said something that was meaningful to me, as a Mother. The Judge said that he didn’t believe the Mother quite understood what being a Mother meant. The Judge also remarked that a Mama bear in the wild would protect her bear cubs at any cost, even at the cost of her own life. And that made me think on a deeper level. The Mama bear is 100% sober and connected to her responsibility-her cubs.  The woman I am referencing is battling her addiction only connected to-her self.

The wife was aware of his countless infractions with the law since he was a teenager to now, as an adult. The Mother decided to be with him anyway. The Mother knew he was not a kind or safe person for her or their children, she decided to be with him anyway. The Mother was warned by family, she decided to be with him anyway.

This story transcends on so many levels, like a cautionary tale. Addiction is something we should actively avoid at all cost, every day. Letting unsafe people into our lives and our children’s lives doesn’t make sense, especially if we know better. And children are a BLESSING, never to be discarded or hurt.

Have you ever heard or read a story like this? Unfortunately, it is more common than uncommon. We need to pray to God for these people, even though their story might upset us. Also, if you suspect someone you know is struggling with an addiction help them get help.

A redemption story would be absolutely beautiful for everyone involved with a Goldy ending.