Hi - I post mostly on the friends and family forum. I'm married right now to an alcoholic and have four children. I'm beginning the process of getting my head out of the sand and dealing with the reality of my life. I read over here a lot.
I recently read 'It Will Never Happen to Me!' Children of Alcoholics: As Youngsters - Adolescents - Adults by Claudia Black. I read that to try and get a better understanding as a mother but I guess I did admit to myself that my mother was an alcoholic. Still haven't said it out loud to anyone - and may not. She died many years ago. I've always considered my childhood a pretty good one but I do see how some of my dysfunctional ways of dealing with my life today are probably related to my childhood. Anyway....on to the question/point of this post
My heart was also breaking for my cousin's three kids. All girls, aged 17-23. They all grew up (well, youngest is still there) with two alcoholic parents. I know they have had it rough (and if I think it from what little I know the reality must be so painful). I've considered buying them each a book and just sending it to them with a little note explaining that I sort of understand and I want them to have it to read. Is that a bad idea from your perspective? I think I'm a little codie (ha!) and I'm not exactly sure I can draw a good line between reaching out and minding my own business. If it is an OK idea, what book would you recommend?