Breaking Boundaries

Some families pass down traditions.

Others pass down survival.

In Breaking Boundaries, Karen Stare shares her powerful true story of growing up in a home shaped by illness, addiction, and loss-and the quiet, courageous choices that allowed her to build something different.

Raised by an alcoholic father and a mother battling multiple sclerosis, Karen learned early how to listen for danger, grow up fast, and care for others before herself. As addiction tore through her family and loss claimed six of her siblings, she became a caregiver, protector, and witness-choosing again and again not to repeat the cycles placed before her.

This memoir is not just about grief-it is about boundaries. About choosing peace over chaos. About walking away when love hurts, and staying soft in a world that tries to harden you.

With honesty, tenderness, and resilience, Breaking Boundaries honors those who were lost while proving that cycles can be broken-gently, intentionally, and with love.

This book is for anyone who grew up too soon.

For anyone learning to choose themselves.

And for anyone discovering that survival can grow into peace.