Dana always knew she wanted to be a mom, and in 1980 that dream became a reality when she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, she named Blaire. From that moment, Dana’s life was forever changed. Her world revolved around Blaire—loving her, protecting her and relishing her many accomplishments.
“I wanted her before she was born. I always wanted to be a mother and Blaire gave me that gift,” said Dana.
For Dana, motherhood was second nature, and being Blaire’s mom was a joy. For Blaire, having a loving and supportive mother like Dana didn’t go unnoticed. Dana was actively involved in Blaire’s life. She was the leader of her Girl Scouts Troop and planned the most idyllic family vacations.
“My mom has always been my best friend and number one supporter,” said Blaire.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Blaire went out west to further her education. She took on a job as a veterinary technician while she pursued a law degree. The stress of her high-achieving life eventually led her to an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Before she knew it, Blaire couldn’t stop drinking. Unsure where to turn, she came back home to Indiana where her mom told her she was always welcome.
But their relationship became tumultuous after Blaire continuously lied to her mother and even stole from her. Blaire attempted to get help several times going in and out of rehab facilities only to return to drinking within a matter of days upon leaving. Dana was heartbroken and at the end of her rope. More than anything, she just wanted her daughter back.
Blaire knew Dove House was regarded as the best provider in Indiana for women seeking treatment for substance use disorder and she was determined to get into the program. This time she wanted to get sober for good, so she checked into an inpatient rehab facility while she waited for a bed at Dove House to become available. And while she waited, Blaire thought about her mom.
“I realized in my addiction I was destroying my relationship with the person I cared about the most,” Blaire explained. “I decided that even if I couldn’t find the motivation to get better for myself, I wanted to get better for my mom.”
When a bed became available at Dove House, Dana brought Blaire to be admitted. Dana was nervous that they might be turned away, but the staff at Dove House instantly eased her worries.
“I felt like I was surrounded by angels,” said Dana. “The Dove House staff were amazing.”
For the first 30 days at Dove House, Blaire focused on herself, and Dana was also given the space she needed to begin to heal. As time progressed, Blaire and Dana began mending their relationship.
Although their journey hasn’t come without challenges, Dana and Blaire are in a better place than ever. Blaire recently celebrated five months of sobriety and secured a job as a pharmacy technician. Dana recently took a trip of a lifetime to Ireland and is preparing for retirement—two things she would have never done while Blaire was in active addiction.
“She’s never given up on me throughout my struggles,” Blaire said about her mom.
For Dana, giving up on her daughter was simply never an option, despite how difficult it was at times.
“I only want the best for her and for her to be the person I know she can be. I never stopped loving my daughter,” Dana added.
Now, after several months of success and sobriety at Dove House, Blaire has the freedom to have overnight visits and loves staying with her mom almost every weekend where they enjoy simple things like sharing meals, watching shows and laughing a lot.
There’s something special about a mother’s love. It doesn’t matter how old a person gets—to a mom, that adult is still their child.
At Dove House, one of our greatest honors is seeing relationships restored. We believe in the incredible women who walk through our doors and know they can become the women they were always meant to be, and we can help women like Blaire because of generous donors like you.
This Mother’s Day, please consider honoring a mother in your life with a gift to Dove House. You can make your secure online donation here.
Happy Mother’s Day!
