21 Comments
May 5Liked by Amber Groomes,Ph.D.

Oh gosh, this is wild but teenaged you probably saw Warped Tour when my brother’s band was on it. They weren’t that cool and tended to get the leftover emo kids. But these kinds of intersections always blow my mind!

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What was the band?

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I knew you'd ask, ha. Let me see if I can figure out DMs...

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Haha! After I commented, I realized you probably did not say intentionally! No need to disclose ☺️

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A beautiful read. My journey has been similar, but when my husband finally hit rock bottom three years ago our kids were already well into adulthood. I was so exhausted from trying to “manage” the I found my comfort in quiet and solitude while he was in the hospital and rehab. He is nearly two and a half years sober and works very hard to stay well…and I learned a lot about the importance of taking care of me!!!

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LaLa thank you for sharing, and I’m so glad to hear that your husband is 2.5 years in recovery. There are so many of us out there. I want to write more about the importance of caring for ourselves during a loved one’s addiction. I’m learning it’s the most important thing for me to do, and sometimes the only thing I can do.

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Amber, this was beautiful and so generous. I also love Noah Kahan-it's my cooking in the kitchen soundtrack.

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Thank you Katherine, that is so kind. Glad to meet a fellow fan.

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Courageous and beautifully written.

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Thank you Addie.

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I see you. I feel you. I’m so glad you’re sharing your experience in this. 💖

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Thank you Kaitlyn ❤️ I actually didn’t tell many people in my life until very recently, and when I did share it on social media I got SO many messages from folks with their own stories. I understand why everyone doesn’t share like this, but I’m happy to do it in hopes that it helps someone else (and it helps me too of course).

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Feb 20Liked by Amber Groomes,Ph.D.

I was thinking this must really resonate with so many (especially those scared to say it aloud) and I’m certain it helps many.

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This is a beautiful, touching piece Amber. Thanks for sharing in such a real and vulnerable way. And thank you for recommending my Substack, that is very much appreciated 😊🙏

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You are welcome! I’m so glad to be connecting with other clinicians here!

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I was brought to tears by this piece, Amber. I admire your vulnerability and honesty about what is going on and how you are coping. My kids and I also love Noah and we side eye each other with a grin when he drops an F bomb 🤣. I’m here for the journey with you as you share more. (ps thank you for recommending me! That meant so much!!!!) 🩷

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Thank you so much, I’m thrilled that it’s resonating for people! And I’m glad I’m not the only one letting their kids listen along 😂

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Thank you for writing this and sharing it with the world. As one of the kids in the backseat, I too found solace in what my husband refers to as "boombastic emotional power ballads" (like Florence and the Machine). I listened to the preview here, but will have to check out Stick Season!

I didn't know you were writing a memoir - I will absolutely read that! And if you ever need a reading/writing buddy, let me know, as I keep plugging away at a manuscript on and off for a few years now.

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Thank you as always for your kind words Christine ❤️ I will definitely keep you in mind if I need a reader or accountability partner! It seems daunting because it’s unlike anything I’ve done before. Definitely check out Stick Season! He keeps re-releasing it with new songs and guest singers, so I’ve bought the damn thing 3 times now 🤣

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This was so beautifully written and perfectly captures the season you went through. Thank you for sharing it. PS, emo is still a thing. My 14- and 20-year-olds love it and perhaps even some of those original emo bands you listened to.

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Thank you so much for reading and responding Kristi. I didn’t know emo was still a thing! Or maybe every generation has it’s “emo” kids ;)

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