Two years ago we thought we had lost Andy forever. His lifestyle had hit a concrete wall and there seemed to be no end in sight beyond prison and eventual death. After six years of addiction, 13-18 placements (we lost count) & permanently removing him from our home, TODAY we celebrate the most wonderful anniversary of our lives as a whole family unit.
A post from Andy on 8/8/2013
"Today is something I always dreamed of and knew
was possible, but never thought would come. It's been the biggest up and down
emotional roller coaster but given the chance I wouldn't change a thing that
has happened thus far. Everyone I've come in contact with whether I love, hate,
or have no feelings for, have helped me more than you know. Today we celebrate
2 years without a drink or drug."
Who would have thought that "Just For Today" would
string so many days together?
Have faith fellow PSST members - there are some amazing miracles that can happen.
Have faith fellow PSST members - there are some amazing miracles that can happen.
Cheryl, Jim, Andy and The Three Stooges
6 comments:
Hooray!!! Now THAT is something to celebrate. We are so happy for you.
Brigitte and Francois
Dear Cheryl, Jim, Andy, and the Three Stooges - I celebrate sobriety with you! Your testimony gives us all the hope that clean and sober time is possible for those who believe and work the steps. My son is back to using occasionally, and reading your success story takes me where I hope to be with Lenny one day. Thank you for your post, and congratulations! - Roxie
Congratulations to all of you. There were dark days. You have all pitched in on this one and while Andy gets the credit for what he has done with his life the roles that Cheryl and Jim have played have been important- how much so we'll never fully know.
Jim, you and Cheryl fought the Courts to have Any placed in the program that you believed could help him the most. You did your research, then you fought a reluctant Court system and you won.
Early on you both went to a lot of counseling sessions with Andy and stuck with it when it didn't seem like it was helping.
Then, on that eventful home pass from one of the first institutions, you both decided that Andy would not be helped by returning home but that he would have a better chance of staying clean by taking a different path. I'm not suggesting that this would be the right decision for all families but for your family this was the right decision, you stuck to your guns, and eventually Andy had to face the fact that his actions had burned the bridge back home.
At the same time you never abandoned Andy, you continued to help him in different ways, ranging from leaving him in Jail for quite a while to campaigning to move him from Jail to Shuman.
At another point you guys took responsibility for your own resentments built up over the years. With the ownership of those feelings you began a new more positive relationship with Andy.
You didn't stop there but you continued to come back to PSST and help other parents learn better ways to continue the same fight. I saw it Saturday in Cheryl's role-play. It's the power of "I'm here for you and I'm not interested in judging you today."
I could go on and on. You guys have been there every step of the way with Andy, and you've been there spreading hope and understanding at PSST too.
On top of congratulations for being there with Andy thanks a million for being there with us.
WOW, so happy for your entire family!! Such a long journey & you never wavered in your love and support for Andy, in spite of seemingly insurmountable odds. Relish the moment!
Brad & Jenn
We want to thank Judge Woodruff, Lloyd, Kathie, Valerie, Justin and a whole cast of characters too long to fully remember for assembling the best support team available in the Allegheny County Juvenile Probation system. Each of you played such an important part in our journey in saving Andy's life.
Even when he wasn't "getting it" and there was no hope in sight, not one of you ever gave up on Andy or us. You helped us recognize the most infinitesimal progress and then conversely gave us tough love when we were leaning towards being enablers. You all gave us the strength to fight the good fight, taking it one day at a time.
Also, the unbelievable support of our fellow PSST parents must be acknowledged. The sharing of common
experiences and strong support really has meant so much to us. Only at a PSST meeting can we simultaneously laugh and cry at the actions of our addicted teens. Any outsider would surely think we are all mad!
The words "thank you" seem hollow in comparison to each of your contributions! Our son is still alive, he's two years clean and still taking it one day at a time. Thank you....each and every one of you.
Love, Jim and Cheryl
Congratulations. I didn't realize that the 2 years went by so quickly. You have all come so far! There were many tough decisions for you along the way but from what I have seen it has only made each of you stronger. I must say I am very proud of Andy for acknowledging a need for change and accepting help. He may have been stubborn along the way but you were able to realize that and you helped him learn a very valuable lesson along the way. I must say I enjoyed working with your family, Andy kept me on my toes at times. I like to think ultimately he learned something from me because I know I learned from him.
Continue all of your hard work and I wish you all well.
Justin
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