We are together. My children are with me this week, and everyday I renew my vow to cherish these moments together. It’s not often that I have all three so close – Jeff, Jeremy and Iysa – away from the demands of work and school and responsibilities. What a gift.
My reflection: The preciousness of time is underscored for me by the tragic consequences addiction deals so many of us. As the mother of adult sons, one of whom was sick for 14 years, I’m grateful they are healthy and living good lives. My prayer is that I remember to touch every good moment with them and hold it tight.
Today’s Promise to consider: The preciousness of time sounds like a mundane concept, but as I age the reality of passing time becomes real. With addiction it becomes even more real. For those of us whose children are safe and healthy today, let us deeply appreciate these times. And for those of us whose loved ones are not, may we remember the times when things were better and keep hope in our hearts.
I was sitting on my back porch in July of 2013 watching the creek below rise as torrential rains permeated the landscape. The door surprisingly opens and my son appears. He walks slowly to a chair next to mine. I smile but say nothing. He sits with his head bowed. Thunder erupts the stillness, lightning all around. He begins to speak, his voice crackling with emotion then he takes a deep breath and ask for my forgiveness. He begins to cry. My mind immediately relives the past twenty-two years of pure hell addiction has caused the family and how I have longed for the day he would work his ninth step with me. His emotions subside and he repeats “I am sorry” several times. His head is bowed again and I can see the tears striking the porch tiles. I touch his shoulder and motion for him to stand and as he rises I embrace him and whisper, “I forgave you many years ago. I love you, you are forgiven.” He looked into my eyes and smiled softly responding, “Thank you Dad.” That was four years ago and tonight we will play golf in a two man nine hole scramble. I will embrace each moment as a miracle, which it is and I will give my God all the glory. Recovery for me and my son brought us back together. We share an even stronger love, devotion and respect for one another than we could have ever imagined. Please never give up hope.
Pat, Thank you for your bittersweet reflection. It brought tears to my eyes and strengthened my resolve to never give up. I’ve read Libby’s book several times and find this site so helpful as I cling to sanity while my 36 yr old son flounders in his attempts to pull out of raging addiction to meth and alcohol. He is in the end stage of meth effects on the brain, deep paranoid psychosis which dissipates with detox but result in hospital/jail stays and increasing violence. He was released from prison 5 months ago after serving a year for a “first strike” felony. He relapsed the day he was released and then twice more, though in between he managed 6 weeks of sobriety, a job, and daily NA meetings. We don’t house him but work hard to stay close, love him,never stop believing in him.