Mary Cosby has been an on-and-off presence on the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Season 1 showcased the preacher’s opulent life and unconventional marriage to her husband. But Mary never faltered when it came to supporting her son, Robert Cosby Jr. After some time off, Mary returned to the snowflake franchise with a purpose. Fans saw Mary have a difficult conversation with her only child. The serious topic set the tone for the franchise, leaving fans more impressed with Mary than in previous seasons.
Mary Cosby allowed for real topics to be talked about on Bravo
A recent episode of RHOSLC showed how real and raw Mary’s chat with Robert was. She wasn’t a Bravo star vying for a storyline; she was a brokenhearted mother fighting for her son’s life. The conversation resonated with many viewers. One of the few times a Real Housewives series dove into issues that impact a part of the American population. While sitting with Robert Jr., Mary asked about her son’s struggle, saying, “What are we doing? You got to be real. You got to talk to me.” Viewers have only seen a few episodes of Mary worrying for her son. In reality, she has been watching Robert fight his demons for years.
The 21-year-old finally admitted he was struggling with substance abuse. He said, “I’m taking Xanax” –– a sedative medication that can be used to treat anxiety. I just took half to chill me out, and then I take an Adderall to balance out Xanax.”
Robert Jr. added, “Sometimes I feel like, I don’t know, life is like just chicken unseasoned, but I don’t know. When I get high, it’s adding seasoning to it,” adding he started his habit when he was only 16. Mary’s son’s truth was tough as he said, “At first, I was like, I’m just gonna stick to natural stuff. And then, I went to a party, and someone gave me a Xanax. And then I was like, ‘Oh, I like this,’ so I started buying it,” he recalled. “Then I started doing Xanax with acid. And then molly with Xanax because I like Xanax, so I mixed it with everything. Xanax and cocaine.”
Mary Cosby’s son isn’t alone in his struggle
The United States has been in the midst of an opioid crisis for some time. Personally, I’ve lost two high school classmates from addiction, as it is a disease that touches almost everyone. Seeing Robert Jr. and Mary’s story play out on the small screen was something I needed. It was something Bravo viewers needed. Most will remember a D.A.R.E. officer coming in for an afternoon to teach us about “hugs, not drugs.” But somewhere along the line, the message has been muted. According to Rutgers: “Oxycontin is a complicated drug. With hundreds of thousands of patient testimonials warning bystanders away from its seller’s false promises.”
And overdose deaths among adolescents have risen sharply in recent years because more counterfeit pills contain fentanyl. Robert Jr. was open about his use, sharing, “You know the regular, 30-milligram Oxys? I noticed this was like a turning point for me was, like, I was taking 10 at once, and I couldn’t even feel it. I couldn’t feel it at all.” Robert also revealed he felt like a “stain” and “felt like this world wasn’t for me.” He said, “You’re the only reason I didn’t kill myself.”
Hopefully, Mary Cosby’s Bravo conversation makes a difference
Sadly, as we know, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young adults. Robert Jr. isn’t alone in his feelings, and more young adults struggle to see the light. However, the conversation hopefully shed light on a real issue. It also helped to show people struggling are not alone in their battle.
Many others agreed with my interpretation, and friends and strangers reached out to commend Mary for her bravery. Heather Gay opened up on Watch What Happens Live. She shared, “It was completely compelling television, and it kind of brought me back to why we watch reality TV in the first place.” Close friend Angie Katsanevas posted an image of Mary and Robert Jr. hugging during the latest episode writing. “A mother’s love,” the caption reads. “Love to you and Bubbs @mary_m_cosby.”
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF MARY’S CONVERSATION?
