Parenthood

 10.6.2022

Our son turned 33 this morning. I can remember holding him, whispering that I would never let him down. I was still battling my alcohol addiction at the time.

Here's the thing about addictions. You seem to convince yourself that your times of enjoying your bad habits are relatively harmless at the moments of imbibing. Regrets? You bet. Thankfully, he never knew me as a functional alcoholic, only a recovering one. I am so thankful.

Tonight with him, his fiance', their two daughters & my Bride, it was again a special time of reflection for me. Probably not a big deal to him, or the others. And that's ok. But to me, burgers & ice cream & cake & balloons & hugs & kisses & laughter...lots of laughter...were the name of the game. Yes, I have pride in my 31 years being alcohol free. I know that it could have gotten so bad that I could have lost it all. I've seen it happen.

Thank you, loving family. Thank you, solid friends. And a HUGE thank you to AA and all of the supporters, in all the groups, in all the meetings, in all the towns. 

If you know, you know.

To others that struggle with their addictions: there is a way out. I'm a huge believer in the fact that if you want something bad enough, you can probably obtain it. But you have to truly want it. 

Remember this. A drunk does not mean somebody you imagine lying in a gutter, soaked in their own urine, a puddle of vomit close by, a capful of whiskey remaining in their pint bottle. 

A drunk is me. 

Me.

Thank you for stopping in.