I loved two addicts. I cut myself loose from one and loved one back to sobriety. I felt Joe’s words to his son to the depth of my soul. It was never a scandal to me. It showed his depth of love for his remaining child. To weaponize that was evil.
My son is an addict, and I too, felt those words to my core. I have made that call and left that message, I’ve sent those texts, unless you’ve walked that journey no one understands the gravity of it all. The desperation, the fear, but also the deep hope that maybe this time it’ll click for them and they will get sober. My son is in recovery now, and I pray every day that he continues to choose happiness over his former life.
Thank you so much. I always say it is a club you never want to be a part of, but you are so grateful for the others that are part of it too ... makes you feel less alone on the journey.
I never understood the calculus behind making fun of addiction. Millions of families have been touched by it and the fact that MAGA weaponized it is a disgrace.
My son is in recovery too. We are lucky mommies. On some level I am grateful our family experienced this because my son would not be the man he is today if he hadn't been to the gates of hell and back. He is making a difference in the world of recovery.
Hunter, all my best wishes for you and your Dad. I'm glad that you can share this on your terms and sorry it was previously stolen from you. Love wins.
I'm so proud of you and your Dad. Just know, that out here floating around in all the bad stuff today that there are millions of us that are proud of both of you! 💙
Holy moly... This is such a great post. I'm heartbroken and I think you are the luckiest person in the world to have a Dad like that. I also remember reading that your Dad snuck away from secret service to see you for this as well... 😭 Thank you for sharing. And I'm so happy at your recovery
Thank you Connie for putting into words what I feel but can't write. I Iove the Bidens and hope the memory of the love and decency of their four years in the White House can get us through the next two and 1/2 of hate and degradation. Thank you, Hunter, for joining Substack.
The cruelty here is that a father’s voicemail to his son became just another chew toy for the outrage machine. Whatever anyone thinks of Hunter Biden, that message was not strategy, scandal, or spin. It was a dad in the dark saying, “I love you,” because love had run out of tools and kept speaking anyway. Addiction does that to families. It turns powerful people into helpless people, certain people into pleading people, and private grief into a long hallway of unanswered calls. The ugliest part is how easily our politics takes something sacred, strips it for parts, and calls the wreckage news.
For me, your Dad's message was a window into the loving and supportive family he and Dr. Biden created. His pain and helplessness also came through. So pleased for you, him, and your family that you are here today able to share a powerful story with us. Keep up the good work and good trouble.
First of all, it’s heartbreaking that your private struggles became punchlines for the MAGA cult
But they’re also jealous of the relationship you have with your father, which is the main reason why they bully you. Trump doesn’t know what it’s like to be loved by a father (or a mother). As a result, his children also don’t know what it’s like to be loved by a father
I don’t believe we’re entitled to know absolutely everything about a public figure’s life, but when that voicemail was released, all I heard, as the mother of sons myself, was your father‘s love for you. I heard his pain over not knowing how to help you, and I understood how much he wished his love was enough to protect you, because that’s what all parents wish for their children
I’m so grateful that you found your way to a sober life and that you’re also willing to share your struggles to inspire others. I’m also grateful that you have such a loving father & mother who both stood by you, regardless of what you were going through, because they just love you so much
Anyone who bullies you has a lack of real love in their lives. Happy people don’t bully others or get any joy out of watching other people struggle
Thank you for your brutal & unsparing honesty, because you’re going to save lives no matter what anyone else says about you or your father
When other people use somebody else is pain to hurt someone, it’s heartbreaking. I feel so sad that you’ve lived your life with everything out in the open but, you have overcome and your dad‘s unconditional love is one of the things that helped you overcome, sending you much love and hugs-Nikki
That’s what I was thinking. I know the joy and relief his dad feels about Hunter’s recovery cannot be articulated. My mom also did not make it through addiction.
Hunter, you are an excellent writer. Thank-you for sharing your story. As a person who self-medicated for several years with alcohol, I relate to the loneliness and harsh realities of addiction. I love your father. Not because he was a perfect politician but i believe he always did his best withing the norms of whatever era it was. His compassion stood out. His love for his family stands out. I have been sober now for 9 yrs. The lie is dead. We do recover.
I’m so sorry for your invasion of privacy. Your dad is an incredible man and I’m so glad he still has you and that you have him.
I loved two addicts. I cut myself loose from one and loved one back to sobriety. I felt Joe’s words to his son to the depth of my soul. It was never a scandal to me. It showed his depth of love for his remaining child. To weaponize that was evil.
My son is an addict, and I too, felt those words to my core. I have made that call and left that message, I’ve sent those texts, unless you’ve walked that journey no one understands the gravity of it all. The desperation, the fear, but also the deep hope that maybe this time it’ll click for them and they will get sober. My son is in recovery now, and I pray every day that he continues to choose happiness over his former life.
I wish you and your son the best.
Thank you so much. I always say it is a club you never want to be a part of, but you are so grateful for the others that are part of it too ... makes you feel less alone on the journey.
I never understood the calculus behind making fun of addiction. Millions of families have been touched by it and the fact that MAGA weaponized it is a disgrace.
💥EXACTLY
My son is in recovery too. We are lucky mommies. On some level I am grateful our family experienced this because my son would not be the man he is today if he hadn't been to the gates of hell and back. He is making a difference in the world of recovery.
❤️💞
Best wishes to you and your son Kendra💞
Thank you so much 💗
Sadly ,at this moment in time,we are in a very mean and hateful place .
Yes, we are. It’s up to us to stand tall and show others the right way.
Hunter, all my best wishes for you and your Dad. I'm glad that you can share this on your terms and sorry it was previously stolen from you. Love wins.
I don’t recognize that part of our society. We must do better.
Beautifully written and so profoundly true thank you. (Sober 46 years)
I'm so proud of you and your Dad. Just know, that out here floating around in all the bad stuff today that there are millions of us that are proud of both of you! 💙
Holy moly... This is such a great post. I'm heartbroken and I think you are the luckiest person in the world to have a Dad like that. I also remember reading that your Dad snuck away from secret service to see you for this as well... 😭 Thank you for sharing. And I'm so happy at your recovery
Thank you Connie for putting into words what I feel but can't write. I Iove the Bidens and hope the memory of the love and decency of their four years in the White House can get us through the next two and 1/2 of hate and degradation. Thank you, Hunter, for joining Substack.
I see a wonderful father.
The cruelty here is that a father’s voicemail to his son became just another chew toy for the outrage machine. Whatever anyone thinks of Hunter Biden, that message was not strategy, scandal, or spin. It was a dad in the dark saying, “I love you,” because love had run out of tools and kept speaking anyway. Addiction does that to families. It turns powerful people into helpless people, certain people into pleading people, and private grief into a long hallway of unanswered calls. The ugliest part is how easily our politics takes something sacred, strips it for parts, and calls the wreckage news.
I love your comment! And outrage...
So eloquently stated.
So sadly, spot on!
I'm reading the rest as I type but I will say it's refreshing to see the actual human beings behind the vilified caricatures we're typically shown.
Admission of vulnerability is the greatest strength.
Truth, Tera. Seven powerful words right there ^.
Hunter, your Dad is such a loving, compassionate, warm person. He loves unconditionally. I wish you and him all the very best!
For me, your Dad's message was a window into the loving and supportive family he and Dr. Biden created. His pain and helplessness also came through. So pleased for you, him, and your family that you are here today able to share a powerful story with us. Keep up the good work and good trouble.
First of all, it’s heartbreaking that your private struggles became punchlines for the MAGA cult
But they’re also jealous of the relationship you have with your father, which is the main reason why they bully you. Trump doesn’t know what it’s like to be loved by a father (or a mother). As a result, his children also don’t know what it’s like to be loved by a father
I don’t believe we’re entitled to know absolutely everything about a public figure’s life, but when that voicemail was released, all I heard, as the mother of sons myself, was your father‘s love for you. I heard his pain over not knowing how to help you, and I understood how much he wished his love was enough to protect you, because that’s what all parents wish for their children
I’m so grateful that you found your way to a sober life and that you’re also willing to share your struggles to inspire others. I’m also grateful that you have such a loving father & mother who both stood by you, regardless of what you were going through, because they just love you so much
Anyone who bullies you has a lack of real love in their lives. Happy people don’t bully others or get any joy out of watching other people struggle
Thank you for your brutal & unsparing honesty, because you’re going to save lives no matter what anyone else says about you or your father
Tara, I agree with your insight.
My daughter is also a recovering addict. I identify with your father and his words and commitment to you are an inspiration to me.
Same.
When other people use somebody else is pain to hurt someone, it’s heartbreaking. I feel so sad that you’ve lived your life with everything out in the open but, you have overcome and your dad‘s unconditional love is one of the things that helped you overcome, sending you much love and hugs-Nikki
Cruelty is a weak man's tool that makes them think they appear strong. The way this family was treated is absolutely atrocious.
^^^^^^^^^
THIS!
Agree wholeheartedly!
This is the dialogue we need. Thank you, Mr Biden, for your hard -fought recovery, and the hope it's bringing to so many!
Your dad is so lucky. I left those messages for my son but he didn't make it.
I am so sorry for your loss. Addiction is a very hard thing to overcome. Hugs.
I’m so very sorry for what you have endured. You have my sympathy
That’s what I was thinking. I know the joy and relief his dad feels about Hunter’s recovery cannot be articulated. My mom also did not make it through addiction.
So deeply sorry for your loss! Sending prayers for peace & healing.🕊️❤️
awww thank you, nancy 😌
So sorry for your loss, Heather! Sending prayers & love for healing & peace. 🕊️💙
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Hunter, you are an excellent writer. Thank-you for sharing your story. As a person who self-medicated for several years with alcohol, I relate to the loneliness and harsh realities of addiction. I love your father. Not because he was a perfect politician but i believe he always did his best withing the norms of whatever era it was. His compassion stood out. His love for his family stands out. I have been sober now for 9 yrs. The lie is dead. We do recover.