Inauguration Ceremonies mark the commencement of a new four-year term of a President of the United States. The representatives at the festivities are each people of honor, living a life worthy of recognition. There is one woman who stood out and that is Beverly Aikins, she was the Belle of the Ball on Sunday night for Ohio’s Inaugural Celebration.
It is a momentous occasion for Beverly, not because her son, JD, will be sworn into office as Vice President, but the day marks her ten-year sobriety birthday. In recovery, sobriety birthdays are milestones for those who struggle with addiction.
Beverly Aikins the Addict
There is a stigma that attaches to those in recovery. Even when someone cleans up their act, many can’t see past their addictive behaviors.
Many people view addicts as disheveled, sloppy individuals. Some addicts even adorn crosses in recognition of their faith that guides them to better health.
Beverly Aiken, the mother of JD Vance, is no exception. She struggled with addiction for most of JD’s life.
The Belle of the Ball
I livestreamed the Inaugural festivities. The “dog and pony” show is to woo the American people into the incoming administration. I had little interest until the swearing in of JD Vance, the soon to be 50th VP of the United States.
It wasn’t JD or his beautiful wife, Usha, that had me enthralled but the woman in red. The woman brazen enough to wear bright red to a Presidential event is Beverly Aikins. She is the person who I celebrate.
The Strength Our Country Needs
The United States is broke and many would consider it broken beyond hope. For some Donald Trump is their hope and for others it was Joe Biden. For me it’s JD Vance. He is the son of an addict.
Our society is quick to give up hope for the person suffering from addiction. Family and friends throw in the towel. When what everyone should be doing is leaning-in to support the addict and their recovery. It’s not always easy and takes perseverance.
It is possible to fix what is broke but it takes a massive recovery. And people willing to accept our flaws. Now that we have JD Vance in office as Vice President maybe the United States has a fighting chance.
Beverly Aikins the Mom
JD Vance was born, James David Bowman, to Beverly Vance on August 2, 1984. He was raised in Middletown, Ohio and his family’s roots are in rural Appalachia.
Not only is JD’s upbringing rooted in poverty and struggle but family. His maternal grandmother, Bonnie Vance, is a formative figure in his life. She stepped in to raise him when his mother, Beverly, was unable.
The Struggles of Addiction
Beverly grew up in a loving, but volatile and unstable economic environment. Her struggles with abuse started sometime during JD’s childhood and lasted well into JD’s life. According to Beverly her addiction to prescription drugs started after she used Vicodin for relief. Eventually, becoming dependent on more addictive drugs. JD has witnessed active addiction, relapse and now recovery.
Beverly celebrated ten-years sobriety on Sunday, January 19, 2025. By the grace of God and the service she provides to others, Beverly has found peace and purpose. Beverly Aikins represents hope to the American people.
It’s no easy feat to overcome our past and remain free of a substance when the body becomes dependent. Who is JD Vance’s mom? Nurse Beverly Aikins’ journey of addiction and redemption shares part of Beverly’s struggles and recovery.
Although the struggles of an addict are real we are not to lose hope. Hope is given to all those who seek redemption for their past and choose to live out life with their divine purpose.
Beverly Aikins represents hope to the American people.
Karen Esbenshade
Lessons Learned From Recovery
Of all the people at the inauguration, Beverly provides the hope America needs to overcome the brokenness of our past. These days our country doesn’t seem to be able to get anything right. If we can apply what we learn in recovery we will find healing.
Recovery is about investigating our past, not burying it. It’s about learning from our mistakes so we can make healthy choices. Nor should we dwell on the past, but offer forgiveness to those who have hurt us and amends to those we have hurt. Then we can move on. The person who chooses to recover isn’t in it just for themselves but the health for everyone else. The service they provide offers the hope others need for their own recovery journey.
The steps and principles acquired in recovery are just what this country needs for healing.
The Steps of Recovery
- The first step is to admit that our country has become unmanageable.
- The institutions in place have been failing us and a power greater can restore us to sanity.
- It’s time to surrender as a nation. Not give in but be humbled.
- We need to explore our past and inventory what does and doesn’t serve us.
- We need to admit that we have failed and pray for restoration.
- It’s time to place our faith in God and ask him to remove everything that hinders us.
- We need to ask for our shortcomings to be removed.
- It’s time to heal the global world, make a list of how we are hurting others and be willing to make amends.
- Extend an olive branch of peace.
- Continue to do the work necessary for continued recovery and to maintain relationships.
- Remain steadfast to God through prayer and peaceful meditation. Praying for His knowledge and the power to carry it out.
- Carry this message to other nations and practice it in our affairs and as Americans in our daily lives.
Beverly Aikins Is Hope
What JD Vance experienced from his upbringing is generational trauma and that is what his mother is addressing. His mother made a decision to redeem herself and break the curse that has plagued their family for generations. She is the woman at the inauguration that represents hope.
The Grow-together.blog
Karen Esbenshade is the face behind the grow-together.blog. My goal is to encourage and empower others to take back their lives by surrendering their past.
Beverly wasn’t much younger than myself when she started her journey to recovery. I, like her, started my recovery in mid-life. It’s never too late to make healthy changes that impact not only our lifestyle but the lives of others.
Hope is Alive
Addiction isn’t just about substance use disorders but power and control. It extends past the person and impacts everyone’s lives the addict comes in contact with. Recovery is for everyone who has a past and doesn’t discriminate.
It’s not about who we vote for or the people in power. Recovery as a nation starts individually. It’s about how we show up and our choices. The choice is yours, do you want to be courageous like Beverly Aikins or remain broken?
Of all of the people present at the Presidential Inauguration the one that provides the most hope is Beverly Aikins, the Belle of the Ball.
Resources for those with hurts, hang-ups, or addictions Celebrate Recovery is a Christian based recovery program that works for me. Or if your focus is alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous has a program that helps.
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