‘I think Mom and Tatum didn't always get along’: Kevin McEnroe on his relationship with mother Tatum O'Neal

TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains references to alcohol and drug addiction.Tatum O'Neal and tennis star John McEnroe’s son, Kevin McEnroe, recently opened up about his relationship with his mother. Releasing an essay on the matter, the author shared how he had to learn how to forgive his mother, recalling her drug abuse and other issues that arose in her life.Kevin McEnroe is opening up about the relationship he and his mother share ahead of Mother’s Day celebration. The author posted an essay on The Small Bow about their bond and opened up about the hardships they have gone through over the years.In the essay, he recalled the actress’ battle with addiction and how heavily it affected his childhood. He recalled instances where she would often send him out to buy her cigarettes and how many times he had to throw away her drugs when he was a child.“When I was little, you were my mom, until your boyfriend gave you heroin. You were my mom when you were clean, between rehabs, but then sometimes you were Tatum, too. I used to think Tatum took my mom away. Now I think Mom and Tatum just wanted something different. I think Mom and Tatum didn't always get along,” the 39-year-old wrote in the essay.Further on, he opened up about his own journey with addiction and how, at times, he would have to distance himself from his mother in order to recover and keep himself healthy. Over the years, he shared that the two of them have bonded and that their relationship is now in a much better space.Tatum O’Neal, who is known for her roles in ‘God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness’, ‘She's Funny That Way’, and ‘Not To Forget’, has struggled with addiction and substance abuse her entire life. There have been multiple reports that the actress had been admitted to multiple treatment facilities over the years.McEnroe also recalled what happened when his mother had a stroke in 2020. Following the medical incident, the actress was admitted and was in a coma that lasted around 6 weeks. Later on, she entered another treatment facility to get better. PEOPLE reported that she had overdosed, which is what caused the stroke at the time.In his essay, he also detailed on how she had told him about her mental health a year and a half ago, and that she had not consumed any form of substance since then on her road to recovery.DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, please seek help from available helplines or support organizations.