Dr. MacAfee, our beloved addiction therapist, wrote, Learning to live drug free touches every facet of a recovering person’s life. He has to learn to laugh without using. He has to learn to “do today” without using. He has to learn to be intimate without using. There is no part of his existence untouched by his drug history. It is literally like starting his life over, yet with a memory of a life before.
My reflection: I remember well the day Jeff and I talked with a group of young recovering people, who were attending a sober living high school in Texas. One boy said, “I can’t listen to the same music as before. I have to find new music that I like.” Jeff responded, “I understand. When I got sober, I didn’t even know what color I liked best.”
Today’s Promise to consider: Compassion for recovering addicts is imperative. They have to relearn everything: ways to be social on a Saturday night, what to do on a date, and how to relate to themselves without the cloak of drugs and alcohol. As Dr. MacAfee writes, “It’s literally like starting life over, yet with a memory of a life before.” Today, I’ll remember the courage it takes for my loved one to begin anew.
And when your 24 year old son dies from an overdose it’s the same. Trying to start a new life with memories of the old one.
My dearest Sallie, I’m deeply sorry that you lost your son to this disease. Yes, I can understand that you are trying to start a new life with memories of the old one. Your pain is the greatest of all. I’ll stay close in prayer and love.
Wow! Such true words which is why I am learning every day to let go and let God! His recovery has to be on his timeframe and no one else’s! July 22 is his new birthday and I couldn’t be prouder of my son!
Dear Diane, Congrats to you and your son. He made it!! He did it!! His recovery was on his timeframe, and he had to courage to work hard and start a new life. My love to you both.