Episode 20: For Better Or Worse

Episode 22: Reality of Forever

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538611/fan_mail/new] Annie shares an update about her struggles with her son's mental health and addiction issues. She reflects on the challenges of maintaining hope and the reality of ongoing difficulties, despite efforts to support him. Annie discusses the impact of these experiences on her family dynamics and her own mental health, expressing a need to set boundaries for her well-being.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538611/support]

Epidose 21: New Day, Same Pattern

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538611/fan_mail/new] Annie addresses a frequently asked question about her son's current state and well-being, expressing the difficulty in providing a straightforward answer. Annie shares the history of her son's behavior, including past incidents of harm and ongoing issues with honesty and accountability. She reflects on the patterns of behavior that have persisted over the years, her son's interactions on social media, and the challenges of believing in change without seeing concrete evidence.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538611/support]

Episode 20: For Better Or Worse

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538611/fan_mail/new] A personal reflection by Annie on the challenges of maintaining a marriage while raising a high-needs child. Annie shares her journey from meeting her husband in middle school to the present, highlighting the strain their third child's needs placed on their relationship. She candidly discusses feelings of resentment, isolation, and the struggle to balance personal desires with family responsibilities. Annie recounts a transformative solo trip to Disneyland, which helped her realize the importance of making choices based on personal desires rather than societal expectations. This epiphany led to a renewed appreciation for her husband and their marriage. Despite contemplating divorce, Annie emphasizes the importance of perseverance and self-care, acknowledging that while their marriage isn't perfect, it's worth the effort. She encourages others in similar situations to hold on, as there can be hope and fulfillment beyond the struggles. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538611/support]

Episode 19: Hope is Dangerous

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538611/fan_mail/new] Annie shares her struggles with her son's addiction. She discusses a distressing night when she received a call from the emergency room, informing her that her son was intubated due to a severe incident likely related to his substance use. Annie reflects on the challenges of dealing with her son's addiction, the inadequacies of the treatment options available, and her feelings of helplessness and frustration. She expresses a mix of emotions, including anger at the system, sadness, and a sense of resignation about her son's choices and the lack of effective support. Despite the turmoil, Annie acknowledges the patterns of her son's behavior and the limitations of her ability to change the situation, emphasizing the need for a secure and comprehensive treatment program that addresses both addiction and mental health. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538611/support]

Episode 18: Watching My Words

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538611/fan_mail/new]  Annie reflects on her initial decision to use her podcast as a space for unfiltered expression, contrasting it with her usual tendency to protect others' feelings. She discusses the emotional turmoil of discovering her son's unchanged behavior through social media, despite his current rehab stint. She grapples with the desire to protect him while acknowledging the need for boundaries to avoid being drawn back into his struggles. Annie emphasizes the importance of recognizing patterns in her son's behavior and the realization that she doesn't need to convince others of her perspective. She concludes with a resolve to accept the ongoing nature of her family's challenges and the necessity of maintaining her own experiences and emotions. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538611/support]