Tending Dandelions: Honest Meditations for Mothers with Addicted Children

Sandra Swenson is the mother of two sons—one of whom struggles with addiction. A trusted voice for the loved ones of addicts, she first documented her experiences with her son’s addiction in the critically-acclaimed book The Joey Song. After hearing from countless mothers who have been helped by her meditation book, Tending Dandelions, Sandy released even more honest meditations in her mobile app, Readings for Moms of Addicts, which is now available for both Apple and Android devices. An advocate for acceptance, education, healing, and recovery, Sandy can frequently be found sharing her story.

Mothers of addicted and alcoholic children share a deep connection—one that is rarely understood by anyone who hasn’t experienced a similar path. Sharing our perspectives helps us all grow stronger, together. These meditations continue the tradition of Hazelden’s beloved series of daily readings by providing moments of recognition, confession, and healing for those who are realizing that recovery rarely follows a neat or comfortable path. Along the way, we plant beautiful roses only to be injured by their thorns, and we pull up unwanted dandelions that, at times, are our only source of wishes. By sharing the realities we never expected our families to face, mothers of addicted children support each other through experiences that can only be feared and imagined by others. From our shared struggles emerge opportunities for personal growth. Tending Dandelions is a vital source of wisdom, support, and strength that helps us begin our own journey of recovery. “We all need to take a closer look at the things we’ve avoided—the things lurking around in this place where love and addiction meet—so we’re as strong as we can be.” —Sandra Swenson, author of Tending Dandelions