How I Learned to Like My Mom

Parental relationships can be challenging. Dorenda understands that better than most. As a child with a beautiful, talented mother who married seven times, drank too much, and parented too little -- whom she loved, but did not like -- life growing up was not always easy.

Years later, she came to realize that difficult dynamics continue to affect and harm our lives and current relationships. While writing her mom's eulogy, she recognized there is no such thing as "burying the past."

It was a rude awakening to discover that her mother had ultimately taught her the most important lessons we, humans, can learn in life:

• forgive unconditionally, even what you can't forget.
• love without judgment.

Dorenda offers her story of healing and forgiveness as she discovered that her mom was actually a pretty likable, remarkable, and admirable person. She just had to get to know her.

This memoir is for anyone who had a difficult or traumatic childhood because of alcohol, abuse, divorce, neglect or poverty. Most especially, this book is for anyone who needs forgiveness and healing in their life.