Mario, I have been a fan of yours since you started out singing with those braids in your hair.(smile) I just wanted to comment on Mario and his courage to tackle something so devasting to his life as well as the inimical affect it has taken over his mothers life. I can't say I know how it is to have a parent addicted to drugs, but, I have had a relative that has lost the battle against drugs; as a matter of fact 2 cousings have lost their battles with life due to their continued use of drugs. They both contracted the AIDS virus due to the use and injection of dirty needles. I remember her going in and out of rehabilitation on numerous accounts and relapsing. The worst for me and I new I could never forgive someone like this (maybe if it was a parent I would feel different) when she conceived twice while utilizing drugs. The first time she gave birth to stillbirth twins which were born distorted/deformed and missing organs and body parts. The second child lived, only to be born with the AIDS virus. She was placed into foster care in which another family member took her in. She too lost her battle of life due to her mother's carelessness and misuse of drugs after only one year of being on this planet. Do you know her mother didn't even come to her funeral. Well, my mother took in another of her drug babies, which is such a harsh term to use to innocent children. Today my mother has raised her, luckily she was born prior to her mothers out of control drug use and infection of the virus. She is now 20 years old and given birth to her first born next month (drug free, I might add). Needless to say, when she expired I didn't attend her funeral because I was so upset with her for bringing kids into this world without thinking about the affects that drugs have on the kids as well as watching their parents go through it. I say all of this to say that you can't make a person change, they have to want to change for themselves. You can't appease your mothers drug appetite, you have to make a choice if she doesn't because you have a gift that should not have to go to waste or be put on the back burner. I think it is great that you want to help your mother and that's what it takes is your continued love and support. But, if she continues to abuse the drugs and feed the addiction, you have to continue to make a better life for you and your two little brothers. I am a proud mother as well and have never used drugs. My two children (girls) are everything I live for and more. I pray that your mother will overcome her addiction and can be a special part of what you have going on in your life. This could be really good for her if she can overcome the addiction. Put it in GOD's hands and pray on it, what's going to happen will happen. Our lives are already predestined, I hope hers is to WIN against the evils that have compelled her. I hope it all turns out good for you and "Shawn", you both deserve it. She has a loving son that really cares and I saw that when those tears came down your face how much this hurts you. Keep encouraging and supporting your mother to stay away and off drugs. But, by all means, she needs to be well before bringing her into your entertainment career. It could be unhelpful to your career, so please be careful in your consideration before you do so.

Your fan for life,
UWMS

I remeber first hearing about your mom's addiction when "freedom writers" was out. I was surprised and sadened. I loved you forever! since you first came out up until know. I think its terrible that someone with such talent and stregnth had to deal with this situation while balancing such a demanding carerr..but you did it and that shows just how strong and mature you are. AWW I love you even more! You were so brave to show this documentary and it was helpful. One of my team mates are currently facing the same issue and your documentary gave her courage to also write a letter to her mother.

Love Anese

Maario thank you for this because my mom has an addiction and her addiction is drinking. I have never been able to tell anyone. Part of that is because I felt ashamed that she is was an alcoholic.I never told my two bestfriends and I don't know when I can. But I just wanted to say thank you for getting me on a path to accept what my mother is and how I can help her.