Tatum O’Neal’s son writes Mother’s Day letter amid drug addiction

Tatum O’Nealeldest son, Kevin McEnroeis detailing how her struggle with substance abuse often affects their relationship.

“Sometimes I call you Tatum because you weren’t always a mom, even when you were at your best, which is why you’re still here today,” McEnroe, 39, wrote in a pre-release post.mother’s day through the letter he shared website Thursday, May 7th. “I call you Tatum because your name is Tatum, but also because it reminds me that maybe, sometimes, I need more, but that doesn’t mean I’m going anywhere — and I know my absence always scares you.”

He continued, “I called you Tatum most of my life — and sometimes still do — because you like to say we were friends. I called you Tatum because you were the happiest — or at least you laughed the most — when someone called you sister. I called you Tatum because sometimes I miss my mom.”

O’Neal, 62, shares custody of Kevin, daughter Emily, 34, and son Sean, 38, with her ex-husband. John McEnroe. The actress and John, 67, were married from 1984 to 1994, during which time the former tennis champ gained primary custody of their children as O’Neal battled drug addiction.

As for Kevin, he recalled fond memories of his mom ahead of time. Sunday, May 10th, Mother’s Day.

“Today I could call you mom, and I did. When I was little, you were my mom until your boyfriend gave you heroin,” he wrote. “When you were clean, in rehab, you were my mom, but sometimes you were also Tatum. Tatum used to leave in the middle of the night and sometimes not come back before morning. Tatum had no choice.”

Kevin continued, “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.”

According to Kevin, he believed “taking care of” O’Neal could “really help me” during his own battle with alcoholism.

“I answer your calls, even though there are many,” he wrote in the article. “I schedule your doctor’s appointments, even if you just go to the doctor. I order your groceries, even if you’re addicted to granola. I love you even though you make things difficult sometimes.”

O’Neal relapse In November 2024, I finally woke up again.

“I’m so proud of you. I’ve never really seen you, never really tried at anything. But you did it today,” Kevin said. “There are times when I call you and you’re busy and don’t have time for me. Somehow it feels less like Tatum and more like my mom… I believe in you. But that’s okay too – you have to believe in you. If that doesn’t help you try, then it doesn’t matter how much you love me.”

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Kevin further emphasized that he has “unconditional” love for his mother.

“Mom, I love you for who you are. I don’t care, I guess that’s what they mean by unconditional,” he said. “Someone smarter than me once told me that there is no such thing as unconditional love. If you get punched in the face, you’re probably going to pull away — that’s a condition. But you do it a lot of times and you still can, but I’m not going anywhere. The truth is, I respect your fight. I’m still going to help you, Tatum, because you’re my mom. I forgive you, you forgive me, and we forgive others because we have to.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).