A recovering alcoholic wrote to me: The illness of alcoholism thrives in the dark and isolating world of silence. Let the light in and the glimmer of hope be seen. We say in AA that ‘we are as sick as our secrets.’ We are lucky to be able to talk freely to our fellow members and this helps us manage to keep the darkness at bay.
My reflection: When my son was in active addiction, I kept the silence for many years, allowing shame, guilt, and fear of judgment isolate me. I finally learned that the only way to fight addiction is to bring it into the open. When I was young, we didn’t talk about abortion or homosexuality or even breast cancer. Today, conversations about these topics bring us closer to understanding.
Today’s Promise to consider: Only by lifting addiction out of the shadows and into the light can we truly confront it. Today, let us learn about the disease, participate in support groups, and talk with professionals, other parents, and those courageous souls in recovery. In our pain, we will bond. In our stories, we will find hope. In our love, we will continue to believe.
Exactly – lost my son to the disease a few weeks ago, I’m sure the stigma and shame contributed to the disease winning.
I am so very sorry for you loss. I know this pain. As one “undone” mother to another, I send you prayers in your time of deepest immediate shock and mourning.Two years for me, and yes still sadness,but the pain is softerand I feel he is never very far away.
My dearest Linda, I’m deeply sorry for the loss of your son. There is no greater pain. I’m sure you did everything you could for him, and I’m sure he knew he was loved. I join hands with you in hope that, one day, the stigma and shame and silence of addiction will end. I join hands with you in hope that, one day, those suffering will get the help they so deserve. We’ll all stay close in love and prayer.
So very sorry for the loss of your son Linda.
You have been our brave pioneer in breaking stigma and shame and helping us all out of the shadows. Light on our deepest wounds is ever healing. Silence is a kind of violence against the truth .But the courage you have led with!
My precious Joy, Your words hit me hard: “Silence is a kind of violence against the truth.” Yes, yes, yes. Let us break the silence in love for all those suffering. My love to you, always.
Linda, praying for you and your family. I’m so very sorry for your loss.