Unusual Places Make Me feel Grateful

There is nothing more gratifying then retuning to my former co-dependent group to share my experience, strength and hope. But even better were the former co-dependent friends who showed up for the meeting -a mini reunion of sorts. The last time we were together was about five years ago. Those Friday night meetings were/are so important for family recovery and helped us immeasurably when our kids were in the throws of addiction. Now, because of my book, this world has opened up again and I get to connect with new people who need to know they're not alone in their battle with their own kids', spouses or significant others' addiction. I am blessed to be in their company.

THE BEST REVIEW YET

5.0 out of 5 stars

A poignant story of parental love surmounting the devastation wrought by drugs ., October 20, 2013

By 

Winifred Morice "Motivational Nutritionist & ... (Torrance, CA. USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback)

A riveting read, Fifth Child takes you through the indescribable tragedy of a family held captive by the heart wrenching manipulations of a drug addicted daughter and the resulting need to protect and raise her baby boy. Anyone who knows the insidious decay caused by drug addiction will be moved and strengthened by this blatantly honest and unvarnished true story. Told in a conversational style, as if being shared over a cup of coffee, Lynne Gassel bares her soul, so that others in a similar situation will most certainly be guided to recognize signs and to face realities that Lynne and her husband Stu, in their initial naivety were unable to see. You will laugh and you will cry; you will be educated; ultimately you will learn once again, that love, especially the love of warrior parents, does indeed conquer ALL.

!!! Calling All Grandparents Raising Grandchildren !!!

If you're also raising your child's child; I have a website just for us! It's private so only we see what we write. It's an off-shoot of "The Addict's Mom-Sharing Without Shame" called G2G. Every day, it seems there are new members and the numbers are quickly increasing. We all seem to share the same story. Like The Addict's Mom, this new site is just as supportive and welcoming AND it is geared specifically for us grandmother mothers (and grandfather fathers)!

JUST VENTING A BIT....

My husband, Stu is retiring in November (that's a whole other story about how I'm feeling about that!). Anyway, I retired from my job when Brady was an infant to take care of him so my daughter could work. Brady is now 9-1/2 and I'm his only mother -which I wouldn't trade for the world. Stu has worked hard our married life and gets to retire, which he definitely deserves.  He plans to play golf, take piano lessons, whatever he'd like. If I was truly retired, I could also do desired activities within reason and without explanation. But I can't because I have to get a babysitter to cover my time away. Stu will do it but with a schedule and restrictions. I want to audition for two overlapping shows because the parts in them are dream parts. That means I'm gone 3 -maybe 4- nights a week for a few months. If I was retired I'd have that freedom with no questions asked. But, I'm raising a child. Consequently, I have to lean on Stu if I want to "feel" retired. I'll be in this position until Brady's off to college. By then, there'll be no stage roles for someone that age. Waaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

WooHoo!!!!! FIVE MORE STARS! I'll take 'em!!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fifth Child by Lynne R. Gassel, October 8, 2013

By 

abeseidman - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback)

A most interesting saga of what so many families are enduring in these modern times. It gives understanding to a problem that is plaguing our society. Recommend this reading to all so that your approach to people involved enables you to almost experience their deliberations. Definitely a must read.

May I Suggest, Again?

"The Addict's Mom-Sharing Without Shame" has an NEW additional site called "The Addict's Mom 911." Please check it out. It's an educational site with Podcasts, etc. by professionals. Being educated about this baffling horrific disease of addiction is so important. Please support the site whether you've been touched by this disease or not.

SAVE THE DATE IF YOU'RE IN OC

   I'm doing a Book Signing on Wednesday, October 30 from 10AM-NOON at the OC Jewish Arts Festival at Merage JCC, 1 Federation Way, Irvine, CA.
   The best part is I'm before the wonderful author, Naomi Ragen, who will be there to talk about her newest book at NOON.
   Please bring your already purchased book and I'll happily sign it or you can purchase one from me to be signed.