Published September 07, 2025 | By Meryll E, Collectors MD Supporter

From the moment my son was little, I knew he was special. I can still picture him standing at his easel when he was three years old, looking up at me with such determination and saying, “I’m working!” Even then, I could tell he would pour his whole heart into whatever he loved.

As he grew, he was smart, outgoing, and confident. He loved sports and carried himself with pride. He strived to succeed, to stand out, and to be the best at whatever he put his mind to. He went on to build a career and a life for himself, but what many people didn’t see was the private struggle he carried with him.

My son’s love for collecting started in childhood. I remember buying him Power Rangers, Beanie Babies, and Pokémon cards just to see his face light up. Later, it was about video games, sneakers, and eventually sports cards and memorabilia. But somewhere along the way, what began as a hobby filled with excitement and joy shifted into something more dangerous. The thrill of collecting slowly became a compulsion. The joy of discovery gave way to the chase, and collecting became an addiction—one that carried emotional and financial weight eerily similar to gambling.

A mother’s love might not be able to fix the struggle, but it can light the way through it.

The Turning Point

Watching him struggle was heartbreaking. I saw my confident, capable son lose himself to something so many people don’t understand. But I also saw resilience. I recognized the same spark from that little boy at the easel—only now, it was a spark to fight back and rebuild.

Over time, he found a way to turn his pain into purpose. By speaking openly about his journey, by connecting with others who shared the same struggles, and by focusing on recovery, he began to heal. And through that healing, he has been able to help others start their own paths towards redemption.

A New Identity

Today, my son is not defined by addiction. He is defined by his courage to face it—and by his determination to help others do the same. What once was the darkest chapter of his life has become a platform for awareness, education, and recovery.

A Mother’s Message

If you love someone who is struggling with compulsive collecting—or any addiction—know that your love and belief can be a lifeline. You may not be able to fix the problems for them, but you can stand beside them as they find their way forward.

To anyone battling this struggle: you are not alone. There is a way out. There are people who will understand, and who will walk alongside you.

Closing Reflection

Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action. It’s noticing when something is wrong, speaking up, and holding onto hope even in the darkest times. That love carried my son forward—and it can carry you, too.

#CollectorsMD
Love is the strongest support we can offer—when collecting turns into compulsion, love can be the lifeline that brings us back to light.

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