The author’s 95-year-old mother initially reacts coldly when told that her granddaughter needs to go to a hospital in Nashville for depression treatment, as she won’t be home for Christmas. The mother has always been critical of the author’s choices, and the author doesn’t feel she can confide in her about her daughter’s struggles with addiction. Despite her mother’s disapproval, the author excelled at motherhood, but still blames herself for her daughter’s issues. After her daughter’s accident in rehab, the author’s mother has a stroke, bringing them closer as they spend more time together.
As the author juggles caring for her daughter in the hospital and her ailing mother, she receives unexpected words of encouragement from her mother, who tells her “You’re going to get through this.” This support is a turning point for the author, who has always felt judged by her mother. Despite the challenges, the author finds a newfound sense of confidence and calmness during this difficult time. She realizes that her mother’s words apply not only to her daughter’s recovery but also to the struggles she faces in her own life.
While at the hospital with her daughter, the author witnesses her daughter’s struggle with addiction as she attempts to save up pain pills for a high. The author comes to the realization that she cannot control her daughter’s recovery and must let go of trying to be a perfect mother. Instead of offering advice, she simply tells her daughter, “You’re going to get through this.” This shift marks a change in the author’s approach to parenting and her understanding of her daughter’s journey to recovery.
After returning home, the author’s mother suffers a major stroke and passes away. Reflecting on her mother’s words of support, the author realizes that they apply not only to her daughter’s struggles but also to her own challenges. She learns to trust in her children’s ability to navigate through difficulties, thanks to the encouragement she received from her mother. Through her experiences with her daughter’s addiction and her mother’s passing, the author finds strength in the mantra, “You’re going to get through this,” as she navigates the ups and downs of life.
Overall, the author’s journey illustrates the complexities of motherhood, addiction, and loss. Through her mother’s unexpected support, she gains a newfound sense of resilience and trust in her children’s abilities to overcome challenges. By letting go of perfectionism and control, the author finds solace in the belief that she and her family will persevere through difficult times. In the end, the author’s experiences with her daughter’s addiction and her mother’s passing teach her valuable lessons about acceptance, support, and the power of belief in oneself and others.
