Heidi Rain McGuirk

When I was teaching at a drug and alcohol treatment center, one of the most apparent themes was the need to explain the impact of addiction on children. Thousands of people sat in my classrooms, and each of them in a different level of denial as to how their behavior was affecting their families. My heart ached for the children. What was crazy was that often the people in denial were the first to talk about the impact of their own dysfunctional childhoods. I felt a deep desire to offer perspective and help break the cycle. One morning, on my way into the treatment center, I was listening to a teaching on the Tao Te Ching when I had the thought "You could write a children's book for adults explaining the impact of addiction." I got so excited because I knew that one of the hardest things about growing up in addiction is the feeling of having to grow up too fast. In fact, many Adult Children feel as though they missed their childhood entirely. As I sat to write, I was inspired as the versus poured out. I feel as though this book is my divinely guided attempt at intervention, education, and healing. I would be honored if this book helps shed light in a dark time, gives hope, fosters understanding, and cultivates both compassion and forgiveness in your life.