Wino's Mom Makes A Public Plea
Filed under: Anglophilia > Drugs > Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse's mother, Janis, has written her drug addict daughter an open letter, in the hopes of reaching her in a new way.
The Rehab singer has refused treatment for her junkie ways.
The letter reads:
"Dear Amy,
I HOPE you understand why I'm writing this. We have spoken recently but many people will wonder why I haven't run down to whatever hotel you're staying in, scooped you up and taken you home for a hot bath and a steaming bowl of chicken soup.
It's because your father and I know what you're like, Amy.
We want to help you, but we know that unless you want to be helped— unless you come to us—anything we tried would be in vain.
So this letter is my way of making sure that you know that—that all you have to do is come to us, Amy, and we'll do everything in our power to get you well again.
After all, you are still my baby and you always will be.
I pile hope upon hope that you will make that decision, Amy, and your strong will can bend for just a moment to make that decision and come home to me.
Even when you were only a rosy-cheeked five-year-old singing into a hairbrush in front of the mirror, you had a will as stubborn as a mule. Do you remember?
We couldn't ever get you to see things from any angle other than your own. You could swear day was night and Heaven help anyone who tried to disagree.
You were never a wayward daughter but you always had a strong will and a mind of your own—qualities your father and I were so proud of.
You were well brought up, you had a keen sense of right from wrong and you understood the values we always impressed on you as a family.
But you would never be pressurised or influenced into doing something if your heart wasn't in it.
I know there's no point in me ringing you, fussing over you or ordering you to do something. I need you to take that first step, darling. I need you to call me, to pick up that phone and tell me what's troubling you.
Your father and I would like nothing more—wherever you are, whatever you need, we're here for you day and night. I hope you know that. We were terrified after we saw those pictures of you earlier this week, wandering the freezing streets of London at dawn in your underwear. All I wanted to do was rush into those pictures and wrap you up in a big, warm blanket.
Do you remember those Decembers long ago when I used to swaddle you in a thick winter coat? I used to wrap you up and give you a kiss on the nose before you went out to play in the cold.
"Don't worry about me Ma, I'll be fine!" you used to laugh. But, like any mother, of course I worried. Just as I'm worrying now.
Because I know that however big, grown-up and successful my Amy gets, she still needs the love of her Ma.
Do you remember on January 14 this year, when your album got to number one? Do you remember how overjoyed your father and I both were? We shed tears of joy for you that night.
And not just because we were delighted for your success, that you had finally fulfilled that childhood dream of singing your heart out in front of millions. But also because finally, the whole country thought our little girl was just as special as we knew you were.
Some wonderful things have happened since that night, darling, but also some not so wonderful. Blake, your husband, might not be my favourite person—you know that, Amy—but he's your choice and I would never say anything about him to hurt you.
When I was quoted recently as saying "Thank God Blake's inside" what I meant was that putting him in jail might help him to clean up HIS act and change HIS life.
It wasn't said out of viciousness or to upset you. If your relationship is meant to be, it will survive.
I'm a great believer that everything in life happens for a reason, a purpose. And if you two are destined to be together forever, then so be it.
But I want you to love Blake for who he is, Amy. Not because you feel sorry for him, or because he can get you doped up. Not for any other reason than that you have respect for him.
I completely understand and sympathise with how you feel heartbroken over your separation and I'd do anything to help you end that unhappiness.
No mother likes to see her child suffering like that.
Having to cancel your tour, as well, has been very sad. But I know it's happened for the best.
Despite disappointing all of your fans, who I know you treasure so much, maybe it will pull you up and make you stop and think and take stock of where your life is going.
I pray it does. I hope it makes you realise that although you might be a superstar, you're not superwoman.
Early fame has overwhelmed you, it's dizzied you and muddled your mind. For a moment, forget you're a superstar. You're also young and vulnerable. Remember you're just an ordinary human being, no stronger than any of the rest of us. You think you're strong enough to get through this on your own, darling, but you're not.
I want you back, and I'll make you fitter and stronger. I'd like nothing better than to have you home and help you put on a bit of weight with some wholesome home cooking.
You're at your happiest in family situations, I remember. It's part of that strong Jewish tradition you were raised in. Remember how you spent time with my sister before the gig in Newcastle the other week? You felt comfortable and at ease. That's how I know family is important to you.
But I can't force you to do something you don't want to. You have to want it to happen darling, you have to ask for it.
Me and your father, and your brother Alex all want you to be happy and quickly restored to full health. For the moment, that's all of our priorities.
We are concerned, but we're not panicking. You've got to see things in your own time and I'm sure you will.
You are a brilliant talent, of course, and if you get yourself well, you'll be able to go on and fulfil your destiny.
You're a true professional who thrives on work and you need to get back into that routine.
We know you don't want to let your fans down. We know how important they are to you and how once you're over this present setback you'll give them a show they'll never forget.
You know I'm an optimist, and that I think, with our help, you will get back on top of things.
But I know you must come to me first for that to happen.
I just hope that, because of this letter, you do. Pick up the phone.
All my love, Ma"
Thats a little too long to read.
UGH! amy annoys me.
she won't be helped.
she's too dumb to realize she's fucking up her life.
I concur whole-heartedly. Who cares that much?
#1
That's from all of us, Amy.
Greatcholat@aol.com for all the vicodin yall need
ok, ok, ok we got it after the first paragraph
second!
first
you go girl!
wow
Very well said, Mum. Amy, I hope you are listening and can get the help you need.
first??
poor woman! Amy ought to be ashamed of herself, putting her family through all that grief.
That is the sweetest letter I have ever read.
Amy's mother is so wise and has such a large heart… in some ways I wonder if things with Britney would have turned out differently had she gotten such a beautiful open letter as this.
I really hope Amy reads it and really thinks about it.
get help. I love TWS
so sick of her!!!!!!!
blehhhh. again, why didn't she hit PRINT and deliver it to her in person instead of letting the WHOLE FUCKIN WORLD (like me!) read this shit?
just sayin', from one mother to another.
An open letter is a shitty thing for a parent to do.
Bitch, don't hang your laundry outside.
So sad. You can tell that's written by a mother who really loves and cares for her daughter. So many people wish they had a mother like that. Amy Winehouse should be ashamed of what she's putting her poor family through.
FIRST!!!
and you need to listen to your momma amy! the last thing we need is another great musician dead!
I read it…it was touching. time for a pathetic… WOW… almost 1st!
Beautifully stated and touching.
That was long, but it did have some good points.
How painful it must be for her family. I hope her mother's pleas will make Amy think about it and get some help. She has an awesome voice, but she is wasting her whole life, and she is the only one who can make a decision to change that.
that made me want to cry…so sad!
whoa to that
OKMG how sad!!
Heartbreaking. I feel so badly for Mrs. Winehouse, it has to be horrible watching your daughter try to kill herself.
OMG how sad!!
im the first one to leave a commentz!
FIRRRRRRRRRRST lol jk im not lame. thats kinda a sad letter… she seems like a good mom though
Wow, that's long.
Aww..
Nothing like a mother's love. I feel she should get any and force her to come home.
WOW!! What a amazing mom Amy has! As a mother I could feel everything she was saying! I hope and pray Amy makes the choice to get help! Good luck Amy! Merry Christmas Perez!
Aww..
Nothing like a mother's love. I feel she should get amy and force her to come home.
Poor Amy. Her mom loves her so much, and yet she won't even recognize it.
Wow! As a father this brings tears to my eyes. Good luck Mum. I hope our love for your daughter can bring strength to you and your family. Peace.
i feel so horrible for her mother. but it was a wonderfully written and articulate letter. she seems like a very intelligent woman who really cares for her daughter. unlike most open letters that just seem to be a publicity stunt, this letter actual seems to be a desperate attempt from a mother who has run out of all other options. I really feel for the family and for amy. it's so sad to see someone with so much talent be hurting so much.
Beautiful letter. But why in public?
That is just sad…. really, truly sad
Dead god I hope she takes some of this in and listens to her mother…Mothers do know best! Unless your mother is Courtney Love.
I am one of your fans, nothing would make me happier than to see you walking in to your mom's open arms. Get well. We (your fans) can only be happy if you are.
Wow, I hope she realizes how much her family loves her. She is truly an incredible talent and has so much to offer. Not just to her family and fans but to herself as well. I hope she finds the strength. We all struggle and face obstacles but having a mother and father who truly love and support you like that letter shows is a blessing in and of itself.
I hope she read that letter
She has the best mom in the world
So sad
Amy is so talented! I hope someone gets to her and she gets the help she NEEDS.
That was sad. Being a parent is a hard job.
Here, here! Very well put, particularly for a parent who is willing to do whatever it takes to save a child who doesn't want the help. Been there, done that.
This is what a child needs. A Mother who cares. She may be caught in her own death wish, but she is Loved. Poor Britney needs this kind of love.
What a well articulated and heartfelt plea. Way to go Ma Winehouse! Other celeb mothers (e.g., Dina Lohan) should take notice.
I guess the mamma needed to make sure she would read it which makes me suspect that Winehouse is not speaking to either parent. She seems to be very attached to her dad though…. An addict is a very hard person to break through. She's only 23, maybe there is still a chance that she asks for her parents help. Why do we care? Because she is really a brilliant singer songwriter and it would be awful to lose such a talent. Such a loss. I would be very sad indeed.
My heart just breaks for her mother. I'm a Mom, too, and I can't imagine how helpless it must feel to watch your daughter killing herself, and knowing you can't do anything to stop it.
Definitely a loving mother - not "selling her out" as you recently said.
Its almost like something you would read at a funeral… =(
Go home AMY!!!
I really feel for the parents.
Yes that is a long letter,but it is heart felt and a true mother would right from the heart.
Amy you are a bunghole ,,you are unhappy with yourself,and along with that you are taking your family down with you.
Dump that husband,goto rehab,clean yourself up,and the world will rejoyce.And this story will have a happy ending.
Amy has no clue just how lucky she is….
"Ma" should've kept this private. That's what she should've done. I know all about parents like this. Trying to come across all nice and shit. I've been there. Sure you wanna believe the love, but you also know they're trying to conceal the fact they had some 'minor' slip ups themselves.
Amy didn't happen to be like this overnight. It's a sad sad situation tho,
Prolly my own experience, but i have this huge talent for hating parents like this. I'm good at it, and i don't like it.
Big white fluffy cloud full of smillies and care bears for you Amy..
That was sad
Even though Amy Winehouse is a troubled young starlet caught up in the world of drugs and getting high, at least she has a great mother and father behind her willing to get her the help that she needs. She had a great childhood, and its hard to see her life unraveling before my very eyes. AMY…PLEASE GET HELP AND TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND!!
AS I HEARD A MINISTER SAY TODAY AT A FUNERAL I WENT TO, HE SAID HE PACK ALL THIS STUFF UP WITH US LIKE MONEY & EARTHY POSESSIONS WHILE WERE ALIVE BUT WHEN WE DIE THERE IS NO UHAUL BEHIND US, YOU CAN'T TAKE IT ALL WITH YOU WHEN YOU DIE. OUR LIVES ARE PRECIOUS & WE TREAT IT LIKE IT'S NOTHING SPECIAL. AMY PLEASE GET WELL YOUR BODY & YOUR LIFE & YOUR PARENTS ARE A GIFT FROM GOD STOP ABUSING IT ALL.
Amy's mom is exactly right in saying that intervening wont help - any addict in recovery can tell you that they never would have gotten clean just because someone told them to - you have to be ready. Hopefully for this mother's sake her daughter will be ready before it's too late. Best wishes to Amy and her family
lol funnyy
That made me cry. Well done "Ma"! I'm sure Amy is not consciously trying to hurt her family and friends. No one sets out to do that. Sometimes people find themselves in difficult circumstances with people who initially make you believe that doing the wrong thing is normal: Losers. She's trapped and I hope she can get out.
Speechless.–wow.
They should do an intervention . lol
Amy's mom is exactly right in saying that intervening wont help - any addict in recovery can tell you that they never would have gotten clean just because someone told them to - you have to be ready. Hopefully for this mother's sake her daughter will be ready before it's too late. Best wishes to Amy and her family.
And to all those of you who have nothing but shit to say about Amy and her poor mother, you can't even imagine what drug addiction is like and how scary it is for the addict to think about quitting, or how painful it is for a mother to watch, or how much courage it has to take a mother to approach the situation in this way. Have some respect.
The only type of person who writes a public letter like that to their child is one who wants to make sure her own reputation stays intact. If she had been the perfect and wonderful mother as that asnine letter conveys, Amy wouldn't be the disaster she is. Plain and simple.
Heartbreaking. As a mom I can completely understand where Amy's mom is coming from. I hope Amy gets help soon.
INTERVENE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SAVE HER LIFE
THEY MUST INTERVENE
HER SOBRIETY MIGHT NOT STICK THIS TIME, IT MIGHT TAKE A FEW TIMES BUT
SHE COULD DIE AT ANY MOMENT WITH THE SHAPE SHES IN
WHY CANT A MANAGER ALONG WITH HER PARENTS INTERVENE……ANYONE!
NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thats WAY to long to read.
Drug addiction sucks for a family to stand by and watch. But going public with private family business is wrong. It sounded more like a plea for the public to think she was a good mother and a plea to get her daughter to get back on the road and make more money. And she's not panicking? What the fuck? Lady you should be so far past panic, your daughter is going to die, do something, don't write a stupid letter and send it to the media. SAVE AMY.
Blegh. I read the letter again. Maybe i was too negative. I dunno. It's my personal experience tho. I so wanna believe the love in this. It's a beautifull letter. It was either very well put together by a keen mind with something to hide, or a truly genuine letter. I hope the latter, i don't know the situation, cuz i don't know Amy nor her mom, but it would be nice if this was true. And if it is, it would be even better if she responded to it. and got herself some loving.
Commandment number 11 THOU SHALL NOT AIR THOU FAMILY LAUNDRY OUT FOR EVERYONE TO SEE AND HEAR dumbasses. What was so hard with delivering it to her in person or the mail carrier people. There is no need to have EVERYFREAKINGONE read all your fa