Steve Hawk, the husband of HGTV’s Good Bones star Mina Starsiak Hawk, recently opened up about the profound losses and life-altering decisions that have shaped his journey. In a candid conversation on Mina’s podcast, Mina AF, Steve delved into the deeply personal reasons behind his commitment to sobriety, sharing how a past filled with family struggles and heartbreaking tragedies led him to this pivotal choice.
A Childhood Marked by Alcoholism
Steve’s upbringing was heavily influenced by his parents’ battles with alcoholism. His mother struggled severely with alcohol dependency, while his father also grappled with the disease in a more functional manner. The destructive impact of their addictions set off a chain of tragic events that left deep emotional scars on Steve.
Throughout his twenties, Steve witnessed firsthand the devastating toll that alcoholism took on his family. His mother’s addiction spiraled out of control, leading to multiple interventions and hospitalizations before she eventually became homeless. Despite loving them deeply, Steve felt he had no choice but to distance himself from his parents—a decision that resulted in years of estrangement and lingering sadness over lost time.
The Fight to Save His Family
In an effort to help them rebuild their lives, Steve managed to get both of his parents into a homeless shelter designed for families. It was during this period that his mother made an attempt at sobriety—a brief respite that allowed for some healing in their relationship. However, her recovery was short-lived; after only a few years sober, she relapsed.
During these challenging times, Steve took responsibility for caring for Stefanie—his younger sister who was just 14 at the time—while their parents tried to piece together their lives again. Eventually Stefanie returned home as things seemed stable enough—but unfortunately stability proved elusive for this troubled family.
The Heartbreaking Losses That Followed
In 2018 came another blow: Steve’s mother received a diagnosis of stomach cancer and passed away shortly thereafter. Just six months later tragedy struck again when an unexpected fall claimed the life of Steve’s father as well—leaving him reeling from back-to-back losses within such short succession.
Stefanie too began struggling under immense pressure; though living independently while working alongside Mina at Good Bones, she started withdrawing from those around her—including missing work frequently or avoiding social interactions altogether—which raised alarm bells among loved ones who couldn’t fully grasp what lay beneath until it was too late…
Losing His Sister
The year 2020 brought yet another devastating loss when Stefanie passed away due ethanol poisoning—a tragic end which left both Steve & Mina grappling not only grief but also guilt over whether they could’ve done more sooner… When they arrived at her home after receiving news via phone call from brother Tad during filming sessions—they were confronted by stark evidence revealing just how much pain Stefanie had been enduring alone towards end days…
This realization haunts them still today—as questions linger about missed opportunities where intervention might’ve saved someone so dear…
Then Losing His Best Friend
As if all these losses weren’t enough already—the recent sudden death involving best friend due motorcycle accident added even further weight onto shoulders already burdened heavily… This latest tragedy served harsh reminder regarding fragility inherent within human existence—and importance placed upon cherishing every moment spent alongside those we hold close hearts…
Choosing Sobriety: A New Path Forward
Reflecting upon everything experienced thus far—including painful memories surrounding parental struggles along sibling loss—it became clear something needed change if future generations were avoid repeating same mistakes seen before… During COVID-19 pandemic period (when wife pregnant daughter Charlie), increased drinking habits caught attention prompting serious self-reflection ultimately leading decision embrace complete sobriety moving forward instead continuing down potentially destructive path previously traveled…
Now two years sober—with unwavering support provided lovingly by partner despite own reduced consumption levels—it seems clear commitment made towards healthier lifestyle represents significant turning point within ongoing journey toward healing & growth beyond past traumas endured…