I Survived

I Survived: Living with the Trauma of a Dependent Parent takes the reader through the life experiences of Thomas Madigan as he grew up with an alcoholic father who struggled from alcohol abuse until his death. The trauma that he and his entire family experienced as a result of that dependency had a major impact on Tom's life. To this day, the personality traits built around that trauma continue to challenge him. Tom found success and a measure of release from the pain he experienced through counseling and support from mentors and, most specifically, through his wife, Sandee. This book will guide you through many of the current theories on the causes of alcohol dependency, his family history, personal challenges, and how it impacted his sister. It will identify the personality traits typical of children of dependent parents and how each of them were manifested in Tom and how, through his counseling and support from family and mentors, he was able to recognize and address each trait as he moved forward in his life. Tom found success personally and professionally despite his trauma, and the book provides a hopeful message for all those struggling with a dependent family member.

"Good morning Tom, Just finished your book, My thoughts are that the struggles in your life I think a lot of us have experienced. We didn't have an outlet or knew what to do with those circumstances. Your sister she really missed out with all,of her bitterness. One of my challenges is when my family moved to another town from my birth home after my brother died, the new kids were so different from my old school. It was hard being accepted. With the loss of my brother it changed family dynamics with anger and drinking the new normal in our household. It affected me as not being good enough or worthy. I personally have been in counseling for most of my adult life. Now at age 70 I am working thru grief of the loss of my son at age 43 and the love of my life who passed away in the last year. It took many years to find someone that loved me for me. So your book sparked lots of thoughts. Your parents died along time ago, My Dad passed at age 70. My Mom is still living on her own at 91!! With that Tom continue living your best life,thanking God for all things" - A family friend reviewer

"Just read your book. Very well done. You have honored your mom and dad by sharing your story and it is both amazing and sad. Your points at the end on how your life has been impacted as an ACOA is well done and a testament to how far you've come. Also love your love and appreciation for Sandee. Our wives are our rocks. I think this is true for most men regardless of their upbringing. Congrats on reaching this stage in your journey. Uplifting, inspirational and most of all, you kept it real so that others going thru the same and reading your book don't feel worthy on accomplishing as much as you have. Thanks for sharing!" - Local reviewer

"Sounds great my maiden name is _________ I married one of the _______ clan the fall of my senior year. I grew up in an alcoholic family also and getting married in my senior year was not surprising at all in those days we have raised 2 girls and 1 boy and adopted ____. _______had a hard entry into this world and has CP also nonverbal .He's our youngest daughter's son and was a full plate for her we welcomed the challenge with open arms and I was a Mama Bear all his school years ____ graduated with honors in 2021 and is now 23. We lost my son in 2022 due to drug alcohol overdose. I never had issues drinking but my husband and his family all had the sickness. An eating disorder is the hand I was dealt and all the people pleasing can wear one out. I can't wait to read your book. I have listened to one podcast that you shared and it helps to know others grew up in much the same way as I did. We either sink or swim but guilt and shame is hard to live with.Thanks for not keeping silent" - local reviewer

-- Thomas Madigan