"Things between my mother and I were at an absolute low point" - E.A. Hanks reflects on growing up with an 'abusive' mother

Writer E.A. Hanks, 42, daughter of Tom Hanks and Susan Dillingham, revealed unknown anecdotes about her childhood in her memoir, The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road. The actor and his first wife welcomed their daughter on May 17, 1982.

Following her parents' divorce, she stayed with her mother in Sacramento. However, the experience turned out to be tough, leading her to shift to Los Angeles and stay with her father and stepmother, Rita Wilson.

In an interview with The Guardian, E.A. Hanks opened up about her childhood and living with her allegedly abusive mother. Recounting those days, she shared:

"Things between my mother and I were at an absolute low point."

E.A. Hanks spoke about her mother and the days they spent together

In 1996, the writer and her mother headed for a road trip across the U.S. on the latter's Winnebago. Recalling the drive, she shared that Susan (whose stage name was Samantha Lewes) stopped the car just to eat and sleep. Throughout the journey, her mom continued to smoke and have Christian rock music on, she recalled, according to The Guardian.

During the conversation with the outlet, E.A. Hanks remarked on the journey as:

"Three awkward, silent, painful months that would end up with us in Florida."

Susan died due to cancer on March 12, 2002. Around 17 years after her death, Hanks tried to understand her truly. To figure out her life and how things unfolded, the writer went on a road trip on the exact road.

E.A. Hanks later explained:

"I had no idea where my mom grew up, or how she grew up, or who was around. All I knew is that she never spoke of it. It always had this tinge of southern gothic drama and violence."

E.A. Hanks never got to be in touch with her mom's family. Neither did she have any information about her maternal relatives. According to The Guardian, no one from that side of the family came to meet Susan when she was battling cancer. Nor did they attend her funeral.

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Growing up, Hanks reportedly experienced a disturbing childhood. Without any prior information, Dillingham left home multiple times. When she left, she did not arrange for food or clothes for the little one. At 13, she was shockingly punched by her mother without reason.

She presumed that Susan struggled with bipolar disorder. Although this was not a medical diagnosis, E.A. Hanks grew to believe it, seeing the symptoms and traits. In fact, per The Guardian, Susan Dillingham was addicted to cocaine.

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