In the fall of 1988, my father underwent his first stomach surgery when I was just six years old. It was intended to remove an ulcer. I don’t recall the moments leading up to his hospitalization or the day he returned home. However, I vividly remember that three months after the procedure, Dad was sitting on the living room floor, barefoot, with his back resting against the couch and his legs crossed. I settled beside him, and we were alone in the dimly lit room, the reflection of our surroundings captured in the vintage RCA television.
Dad’s eyes seemed to gaze through the reflection, as if something significant lurked beyond his sight. Leaning in closer than necessary, he whispered, “I feel really good. Pretty damn OK.” He slouched, his mouth contorted, head tilted, and lips smacking as he inhaled. His eyes slowly drifted shut, but a lopsided grin persisted. This was the first time I had witnessed him under the influence of painkillers.
His condition fluctuated; some days he was the Dad I knew, while other days he lingered in bed until late morning with a pillow between his legs. By evening, he would stumble around, often collapsing on the sofa. Gradually, the familiar traits of my father faded, replaced by a countenance that appeared clouded and weary.
Just over a decade later, he fell victim to the opioid epidemic—a tragedy that struck early and hard. Reflecting on my childhood, I realize how much I would have appreciated a friend like Lexi from the beloved children’s show. It wasn’t until I turned 30 that I even learned of the term “opioid epidemic.” As a child, I felt utterly lost and isolated. The struggles of having a parent grappling with addiction were compounded by my lack of understanding and the silence surrounding the issue.
For those unfamiliar with the current episodes of the show, Lexi is a new character—a charming Muppet with bright yellow hair, living in foster care due to her mother’s battle with addiction. Jeanette Collins, a senior executive at Sesame Workshop, noted, “The impact of addiction on children is often overlooked, especially from their perspective.”
I can’t speak for everyone who grew up with an addicted parent, but for me, the feeling of solitude was overwhelming. My father’s behavior was a mystery not just to me but to everyone around us. The stigma of addiction made it all the more challenging to find someone who could empathize with my experiences.
As a child, I believed I was the only one navigating life with an addicted parent. This perception was false, but at the time, I had no idea. Having someone, even a Muppet, articulate her struggles would have significantly aided me in navigating an already complex situation that continues to affect me even at 37.
Lexi joins a long lineage of characters on Sesame Street designed to support children facing harsh realities. In 2011, Lily, a character introduced to address childhood poverty, returned last year to discuss homelessness. In 2013, Alex became the first Muppet whose father was incarcerated.
It’s worth noting that many children can relate to these characters’ experiences. My father’s addiction led to his frequent incarceration, food insecurity, and a brief period of homelessness. I bounced from friends to relatives until my grandmother took me in when I was 14.
What’s crucial is that these characters not only help children feel less isolated in their struggles but also foster empathy in those who aren’t directly affected. As a child, I faced mockery and avoidance from peers when they learned about my father, which was almost as painful as living with his addiction.
So, to the creators of Sesame Street, I want to express my gratitude. You’re making a difference beyond what you realize. While Lexi may not resolve the opioid crisis, she is undoubtedly helping children cope with its realities. That is invaluable.
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Summary
The author reflects on his childhood experiences with his father’s addiction and the loneliness that ensued. He expresses appreciation for the Sesame Street character Lexi, who brings attention to the struggles faced by children of addicted parents, highlighting the importance of representation and empathy in media.