Mia's NY Times Op Ed on Britney Spears

My daughter, Mia, just had her first article published last week, in the Op Ed page of the NY Times. While I was, of course, very proud of her for such a big accomplishment, I was just as proud that she took on such an important, if politically incorrect, topic - our refusal to involuntarily commit those who are in need of it, not just to protect them from themselves, but to protect others from them.

To be naive, ignorant or complacent about the capacity of the mentally ill to cause irrepairable damage to themselves and others is to be blind to the obvious at best, dangerous at worst. Such blind devotion to "civil liberties" is to condemn untold numbers of the mentally ill and addicts, to a life of misery, illness, lack of proper medication, of early death, or repeated rape (does the ACLU think mentally ill and/or addicted women get raped any less on the streets than they did in mental institutions or rehab?) And they condemn others, like Kathryn Faughey and far too many innocent students, to death.

Should countless lives be sacrificed at the alter of political correctness? Insisting on civil liberties for all is great in theory, often dreadful in practice. Liberty should not be for all. When we, as a nation, can't see the danger, the sheer stupidity, of taking away the right of a parent to keep their minor child alive (as happened to me,) or of allowing the criminally insane to live amongst us until they actually murder someone, or of pedophiles to go free and receive therapy on our nickel, well, then heaven help us all. Because the legal system doesn't. And not enough of us seem to be insisting it does.

Comments

[Paige Jennifer]

I saw this and beamed at my computer as I read it. Meant to email you but lost track of time/life/etc.

Congrats to Mia! Such a huge accomplishment and (more importantly) a wonderfully crafter piece.

[Pam]

I just got done reading "Come Back: A Mother and Daughter's Journey Through Hell and Back. "
It was one of the best books I have ever read. I was so glad to see at the end of the book this website! I have been where Mia was. If only my mom cared as much as Claire did. I admire both Mia and Claire very much. I will not know what is like to have such a bond with my mother, but my daughter will have that with me and more! Reading this story was amazing, most mothers where I lived would just do the drugs with us and never think twice about it! My daughter is 11 years old and have not done drugs in 12 years!!
Congrats to both, you both are amazing!

[Nan]

GREAT piece by Mia, and Congrats to Claire. What struck me was how Mia's piece used her own experience (and yours!) which at the time was Hell, but in retrospect is being transformed into a vehicle for educating and helping others. Sometimes I am fairly certain that we are sent these very difficult tests and lessons for a reason, and when we overcome them we have grown so much...reading Mia's piece was one of those moments.

On the issue itself, that 72 hour limit, and the unwillingness of legislatures and insurance companies to allow significant time for evaluation during that "emergency" placement, is a REAL issue. The time crunch often leaves the parent & family with no time to plan for what happens next, and poor decisions (or no decision) are made in the rush. What can be done in 72 hours at a new facility? Nothing of long term effect, not even time to plan!

YAY MIA for taking this on in the NY Times. You guys are amazing. Nan

[Jeanne]

Congratulations.
Love and hugs to you both.
I am so proud
Love Jeanne ^j^

[Jolie]

I just finished Comeback, and I loved it. I was so inspired by the deep connection between mother and daughter. I am a mother of two young boys, and I only hope to have the connection you do with Mia. I truly learned new ways to look at situations, as well as learn about myself. Thanks for such a wonderful book.

[Anabel Meldrum]

I walked into my favorite independent bookstore last Friday evening determined to find a good book. I found Come Back collecting dust on a shelf in a dark corner and as I looked up, it called out to me; I had found a true treasure. I didn't close that book until 2am the next morning. I am a mother of two daughters (21, classical musician about to drop out of college & 15, dreamer of becoming a Giraffe specialist)often struggling and coming to the brink of disaster between drugs, alcohol and depression. I've been the savior until the next episode everytime. I've tried several methods to save them never realizing I was only trying to saving myself. Your book opened many new pathways and I have asked both my daughters to read it with an open heart. The future is now a blank slate with more possibities than I ever imagined. I have experienced a life changing event in reading this piece and I sit here writting in tears. Thank you for using and sharing your gifts.

[Judy]

Mia: Way to go! Your writing will help parents like me to be better informed as we go through the tough years with our own adolescents.
Your story touched me very deeply and I am blessed to have found your book also!

[Amy Sibley]

I had been hearing about this wonderful book called "Come Back", but never "found" the time to actually sit down and read it. I finally did so this past weekend ~ all I can say is thank you to Claire and Mia, for opening yourselves up to all of us mothers of teenage daughters all over the world. Us mothers who share the same familiar unbearably unconditional love we have for them. I pray I/we never have to experience half of the hell you two have, but I feel that after reading your story, I will be able to utilize your experiences and what you have learned to get through anything! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

[Michele Canady]

I sit here waiting for my daughter to return home fom being out all night. She is 19 years old. it has been quite a year and a half. She is fallig more and more into a party world. She is a student and works for me at our family farm.......the rest of the time she is drinking, partying and whatever else. I have read your book over and over. I am the mother of four, she is my first born and I wish there was a type of "Discovery" for her and I to both go to, together. I am commited to helping her find her path in life, I will not give up but I find myself at witts end. At 19 years old, there is little i can do as far as making her do anythig. I have tried the tough love approach and that proved to be pointless. I was wondering if there was any suggestions, I will try anything. Thank you, Michele

[Pam Stowe]

I just finishing reading your book and it still brings tears to my eyes. I went through a similiar experience with my youngest daughter. She is now almost 22 and is still struggling at times. I wish I would have known about other more intense programs when she was in treatment. It is very difficult to find resources when your whole life is upside down. I would love to help out in some way to make it easier for parents who are struggling with their children to find the help they need; I just don't know where to begin. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank You for sharing what most still do not want to speak about. Pam