Dear Jennette

Dear Jennette,

Thank you for writing I’m Glad My Mom Died and sharing it with us. Reading what you experienced was difficult, because I have struggled with binge eating and orthorexia, but it was also cathartic and helped me feel a little less alone.

After reading a third of the way through the book, I realized that I’m glad your mom died too.  Maybe it’s not okay for me to say that, but that’s how I feel.  I’m sure I’m not the only one.  I’m not that special.

In the middle of reading the book, I forgot that this was a real story, about real people.  I was so engaged in the story, because of how well written it was, that I forgot that all these things had happened to you, a whole ass human being.

Towards the end of the book, I thought about what your life would be like now if your mom were still alive.  I imagine you would still be struggling with bulimia and anorexia, alcoholism, and forcing yourself to act.  It would have taken longer to heal.  She was everything to you, so you did whatever she desired.

After reading your book and listening to several interviews with you, I’ve realized that you do not feel bad for yourself.  You’re even able to recognize how acting led to your financial stability, and show gratefulness for that.

I want you to know that I’m proud of you and all you have done.  You have built a life you deserve and enjoy even though it was incredibly difficult.  You fought to be recognized as a writer and a director, and now you are.

I hope that anyone else who has struggled with similar issues including but not limited to, disordered eating, substance abuse, or bad moms, is able to read your book and benefit from it too.  I hope they recognize how hard you worked to heal yourself, and that even though it's not easy, healing is possible.

I hope they realize, as I did, that even if you’re not the cause of your problems, you owe it to yourself to be the solution.

Thank you again,

Sienna Higgins