Despite life’s everyday trials and tribulations, Cheryl and I (Jim)
have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Our
entire family is enjoying good health. Our granddaughter (who became the glue
in repairing several family “tears” that addiction had ripped open) is now a
beautiful toddler. Our third son, a Marine, is safe on U.S. soil for this
holiday season.
In particular, we are so blessed our son,
Andy surpassed his thirty-ninth month of sobriety. We are living a reality that
at one point we would not have allowed ourselves to even dream it would come to
pass. When your addict emerges from the darkness of addiction, everyday is a
blessing.
For anyone reading this that has an addict
still struggling, remember to just work to keep him/her alive for another day. Even
in the face of overwhelming despair, there is always hope…always!
I saw recently saw this poem online and
thought it was appropriate for the journey of an addict and hope.
Recovery Poem
There's a time I
remember, A time I had Fun
No stress and no
worries, When I was Young
Many moments of
joy, Hanging out by the Sea
Many moments of
Freedom, Many places to Be
As I grew Older,
Some friends that I Met
We all started
Using, For that I Regret
As Time went by
Quickly, I used & Drank More
I soon Realized,
It's the Booze I Adore
Problems with
Family
And friends all
the Time
My pain and my
suffering
These faults are
all Mine
The fun I once
Had
Seems so distant
and Far
My reality of
Life
Was a lost
distant Star
My pride and my
Ego, So shameful to Be
This life I
Created, Just wasn't Me
Relapse and
Rehabs, Were right in my Sight
My future I
Created, Did not look that Bright
My soul wanted
Out, Like a cough from my Breath
Jails,
Institutions, And then there is Death
I woke up one
Day, To get the help that I Need
To start from the
Beginning, Just like a Seed
To Grow more in
Spirit, Have faith and I'll See
The true unseen
Beauty, That lies inside Me
There's a time I
Remember, A time I had Fun
I want that all
Back, It has to be Done
With hard work
and much Effort, The future I See
My
reward for not Using, HAS NOW SET ME FREE ! ! !
2 comments:
Jim & Cheryl,
So happy to hear how well your family is doing now! Andy's addiction brought such turmoil into your lives, but both of you were such a strong team in the face of adversity. Your family would never be where it is today without all the hard work both of you put into rebuilding those relationships, or without your unwavering faith that you could make a difference over time.
Andy himself has had a long, difficult road, and his commitment to recovery is nearly breathtaking - I know you are very proud of him.
Thank you for sharing your story of family, hope and thankfulness.
Jenn
Great post! Congratulations to all of you, especially Andy, who has grown to be an inspiration to so many. I remember so vividly those dark years and I am so happy for you that you've emerged as a reunited family. Your realistic view of sobriety and the ability to take each day as another blessing is a great reminder to all of us.
Brigitte
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