A Mother's Unyielding Love: Athena Fleming's Story of Loss and Hope
Forgiveness is a topic that I know that I, and I don't want to be autobiographical, but I look back often to my life and I see that person who I was and the decisions I made and the way I behaved.
Athena Fleming has faced a heartbreak that no parent should endure—the loss of her daughter, Alycia, to addiction. In this deeply emotional episode of 'Recovery Talks: The Podcast', hosted by musician and recovery advocate Marc Lee Shannon, Athena opens up about the painful journey of her daughter's battle with addiction. Alycia's story is one of fleeting victories and devastating setbacks, ultimately ending in a tragic loss that leaves an indelible mark on her family.
Athena's raw and honest recounting sheds light on the harsh realities of addiction, emphasizing that it is a disease that hijacks the brain and takes control over one's life. She poignantly shares, 'Our loved ones don’t set out to become addicts. We’re dealing with something that takes over the brain'. This episode isn't just about loss; it's about the unbreakable bond of a mother's love and the lengths to which she went to try and save her daughter.
Listeners will find themselves moved by Athena's strength and resilience as she discusses the importance of forgiveness, peer support, and professional help in the recovery journey. Marc and Athena also delve into the science behind addiction, offering insights that may help others understand the complexities of this disease. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there is hope and the possibility of healing through connection and support.