Backstreet Mom: A Mother's Tale of Backstreet Boy AJ McLean's Rise to Fame, Struggle With Addiction, and Ultimate Triumph

Denise I. McLean

A N D

Nicole P. Gotlin

I dedicate this book to all the single parents out there struggling day
to day with the task of raising their children. I am with you in spirit
along your path. As you put forth your efforts to help bring good
and honest people into the world remember that each child is an
individual. They are only separated by personality and environment. You as parents can never prevent them from making mistakes
as they grow. You can only be therefor them to help them learn from
each one and continue to move on with their lives. This is a difficult
lesson for a parent to learn but it is necessary if you want to remain
a part of your child's life.

I also dedicate this book to every child with a dream in his or her
heart. Dare to become the best person you can and learn to nurture
your talents to their fullest potential. Shoot for the stars; they are
within reach to be grasped and held on to.

THERE ARE TOO MANY PEOPLE who have helped my son and me
on the road to success to mention them all in a few sentences. So for
those who I have not named, and you know who you are, both family
and friends, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My life on the
road and at home is richer for having you all in it.

To begin, I must first thank my son, Alex, and his four adopted brothers for giving me such amazing opportunities during my time with you.
You were my inspiration for this book and will always hold a special
place in my heart.

To my mom who I know watches over me every day. You gave me the
strength in life to go after my dreams and loved me for it-thank you. I
love you and miss you.

To my dad for being there to listen to me with patience and understanding and always loving me, thank you.

To my brother, Bill, for his unconditional love and support. I love you
and thank you for watching over me. To Darlene for watching over my
big brother, thank you.

To Kelly and Bill, a special thanks for your love, abounding energy
and help with just about everything through the years.

To Nicole, the daughter I never had. Thanks for helping me keep my
sanity for all these years. I love you. Give Max and Doug a kiss for me.

To Andre, my mentor and friend who lived the chaos with me, tip the
glass for me and tell Mr. Grumpy Mrs. Gibson's gone to Cleveland.

To Nina and Polsia, your perseverance, professionalism and knowledge has helped both Alex and me achieve our visions from past to
present. I love you both as soul sisters. We will do more great things
together.

To Judy Segelin, you have seen the best and the worst from the legal
side and have remained my friend through it all.

To David and Sue Zedeck and the girls, for your support, love and
friendship through the good times and the bad.

To Glenn Yeffeth for believing in my project and me, thank you. I
hope we will work together again.

To Jim Dickerson, thank you for your guidance and patience in helping me edit this book. It was greatly appreciated.

And last but not least to the love of my life, Tony. Your support and
love on this roller-coaster life of mine has helped me more than you
know. I love you with all of my heart and look forward to spending the
rest of my life with you.