A Love Letter to My Daughter
Review by Rox Burkey
Ms. Alpert relates her personal, painful five-year journey of losing her child to heroine addiction. Details related in this unembellished account of Crystal, Lou’s adopted daughter, and the impact on the family, especially Lou is sadly not the exception today. The opioid addiction that we in this country face needs to be exposed and dealt with individually as well as holistically. Having an addict in your life and family can clearly promote isolationism, as intimated by Ms. Alpert.
What is amazing about this honest rendition is the data shared by the author as a mother. It was brought home in vivid detail by the revealing texts messages, related to conversations that highlight her sad journey covering half a decade. The steps taken to try to help support and fix Crystal‘s path toward destruction, allows you to experience the pain and appreciate Lou’s commitment as a mother.
One of the most heartbreaking events early in the chronicles which struck home for me came from the CNN report which Lou saw on television.
“One December 1, 2017, Lou Alpert woke to ta CNN story featuring images of her daughter Crystal shooting up heroin in an alley, visibly pregnant and being confronted by an Albuquerque policeman. Within twenty-four hours, the story had gone viral, picked up by media outlets worldwide. Subsequent coverage followed: television interviews, news articles, and an appearance at Trumps State of the Union address by the policeman, his wife, and Crystal’s adopted daughter.”
I was overwhelmed with sadness for Lou and her entire family and yet it taught me a lot. This is a story that takes all-too-common, heart-wrenching events, then offers hope that the sharing might help prevent this for another family, another daughter or another son. Highly recommended with the caution that this book is for mature audiences, but I think also important for teens to understand potential consequences of their choices.
About the Author
Lou Alpert is a native Texan and mother of eight children. Over the last forty-five years she has worked with a co-operative women’s art gallery, owned a children’s book publishing house, founded The Lakewood Service League and worked as a residential realtor. But first and foremost, she is a mom and advocate of children.
Over the last five years, Lou has walked the path of so many other parents as her daughter, Crystal, succumbed to heroin, homelessness and the of myriad of complications that go along with addiction. Lou is available for radio and blog interviews as well as online and in person book club discussions. Through her speaking engagements, Lou offers a voice to those who have been affected by addiction. To inquire about having Lou speak at your event or organization, email lou@loualpertboks.com or complete the form on her website. You can also subscribe to her blog and see her other books
