The reality is that very few of our loved ones will make it through addiction without huge costs. Some of them won't survive, and some of us won't survive to see them come through. I decided to be a conversation starter and storyteller and do my small part in lifting the veil of guilt and shame that often surrounds mental illness and addiction. Knowing you are not alone is often the first step to healing.
Letting go of a battle that wasn't mine to win or lose has been my greatest challenge in all of this. I decided to give myself a motto:
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...what I cannot control, will not control me.
Join me as I share my heart and our story. Share it with others who are going through similar journeys.
What You Have Shared With Me.
This book is a must-read for any person that has had their life turned upside-down because of a loved one's addiction. As a mother of a daughter with an addiction, Judy bravely outlines this journey and also captures the central role her faith played during this time.
Lindsay Serbu, Family Intervention Specialist/Concurrent Disorders Outreach Team Supervisor, St. Leonard's Community Services Addiction and Mental Health Programs
"I read Judy’s book in one sitting. I couldn’t help myself. Her honest, candid description of life as the mother of an (entirely loved) addict drew me in, making me mad, making me laugh, making me hope that this time the change would stick. But it didn’t. Over and over again, it didn't. But what did stick is a mother’s love in the midst of unconscionable heartache… and the Presence of a faithful, loving God whose specialty is healing hearts that seem beyond repair."
- Ann Mainse, Heart to Heart Family Ministries and former co-host of 100 Huntley Street and founder of Full Circle.
If all Christian non-fiction writers would dare to be this real, they would fill the bestseller lists every year.
Kerry McKibbon, Pastor's wife - First Avenue Christian Assembly
About Me.
I am the youngest daughter of Rev. Lorne Shepherd, founder of Heart to Heart Family Ministries. I gave my heart to the Lord at a young age and suffered very few real-life struggles until I reached my adult years. Life then was a series of heart-breaking experiences, from being the victim of adultry and divorce, to being a single parent. Nothing challenged my faith more than my daughter's battle with addictions.
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As a form of therapy, I have written my way through this journey and have chosen to share it in hopes that it may help the countless moms out there who are suffereing in silence.
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Over the years I have made appearances on Christian television shows, 100 Huntley Street, and Just for Us. I worked for several years at Crossroads Christian Communications Inc., in the Professional Counselling department as the front desk assistant, where I also led a support group for single moms.
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For a time, I served my communty on an advisory counsel for St. Leonard's Community Centre (Brantford, Ontario) and Family Outreach (Burlington, Ontario). I've been asked to share my story on occasion at churches, women's conferences and Bell Let's Talk. It is always difficult but also rewarding when I'm able to come along side someone and say..."you are not alone". There is nothing like someone being there, that has been there.