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by Brenda Seals (Author)
A BOOK OF HOPE
Are you watching your child die from substance abuse? Are you exhausted, financially drained, heartbroken, and hopeless? Matthew Seals was a bright, boisterous, boy. He checked all the boxes parent desire. He earned good grades, had wholesome friends, dutifully attended church, respected his parents, excelled at sports, and adored his baby sisters. Matthew enjoyed an ideal existence until one careless teenage decision to smoke marijuana led him from Sunday school and suburban life to suffering, slums, and day to day survival as a full-blown heroin addict.
In Son Down, Son Up, Matthew's mother Brenda Seals opens her heart and home life to reveal the hell on earth she lived as the parent of an active addict. She explains her personal agony, how she contributed to her child's self-destruction, and how addiction affected her entire family. Most importantly, she shares how she found HOPE and how mother and son survived. Through this honest and humble account, Brenda encourages others that addicts can get well and families can heal.
Brenda's story includes:
- Warning signs of addiction
- Coping methods and tips for loved ones
- Matthew's first-hand description of the worst and best moments of his journey
- Contributions from Brenda's husband, daughters, and daughter-in-law relating their unique experiences during Matthew's addiction and recovery
- Poetry by Brenda and Matthew
- Discussion questions
