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BETTER TOGETHER: A NEW WEBSITE

In 2010, we developed the Stay Close website and blog. We started with a small team of three dedicated people who believed that we could make a difference and bring hope to others who were facing addiction’s chaos. Jeff and I wrote weekly meditations, and Aamir Syed brought our vision to technological life. Mikele Roselli-Cecconi’s photos offered a visual interpretation of addiction.

This week, the first Thursday in 2018, we’re sharing with you a new site. Two creative women, sisters Maria and Carolina Usbeck, worked tenaciously to create a new digital presence for the website and blog. Jeff and Aamir helped along the way, while Davood Madadpoor, a talented street photographer in Florence, contributed many outstanding shots.

I thank all these people: Aamir, Carolina, Maria, Mikele, Davood and my son, Jeff. Our team invites you to take a look at the new site. Let us know what you think.

My reflection: There is power in a good and diverse team. Others bring talents, strengths, insights, and creativity that are unique to them. With addiction, the power of community is essential. I learned my greatest lessons in the rooms of Al-Anon, in conversations with another mother of an addicted child, or when listening to a recovering addict. I need others to help me. I think we all do.

 

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View Comments (18)

  • Thank you - your meditations and insights are very helpful to me & I share them with others!

  • Hi Libby, I just want to let you know that I look forward to checking my email every Thursday morning for your inspiration! I also am reading "Stay Close"....incredible. Is this new website in place of the current blog or just a new look?

    • Thanks, Charlene, for writing. This website replaces the old one. I couldn't have done it without all the help from my son and his friends :). Thanks for your comments about the book. My son and I joined together to write it with the hope of reaching one person. Your comment means the world to me. xo

  • Blessings Libby!
    I have followed your Stay Close blog ever since I read your amazing book... your Experience, Strength and Hope has helped me on this journey with my daughter more than I can say in words.... looking forward to continuing this journey with you... xoxo

    • We walk together, Nancy, and we learn from each other. Thanks for staying close all these years. Blessings and love back to you. Xoxo

  • Congratulations on the beautiful new website and thank you for your steadfast and continuing witnessing of the journey which so many are traveling. Yes, "better together." Back in 2010 when you developed your first website, it was a beacon of light for me as my son began yet another residential rehabilitation program after a lengthy, devastating battle with his addiction. As he healed, so did our family; five years of recovery followed. Then, as happens on this journey, another relapse, followed by two years of "staying close" and weathering that storm, buffered by what we had learned in al-anon and blogs like yours but baffled by the tenacity and ferocity of this disease. Heroic efforts on all sides could not stop the siren's song of heroin; finally in November, an arrest and incarceration did what all of our efforts could not. We recently visited our son in jail on his 29th birthday and Christmas Eve. As difficult as that was, all of us are relieved and grateful that this may open the door to recovery. I will always rely on faith and hope, knowing my son is on his journey, and I am on mine. I can witness his healing journey, offer love and respect for his efforts, and stay close. Thank you and your team for all you offer and a place to share our own journeys.

    • Maureen, Thanks for sharing a small snippet of your journey. I'm so sorry for all you and your family have gone through, but I understand well the rollercoaster of addiction. Gratitude keeps me grounded, even when there seems to be little for which to be grateful. We parents 'stay close' with hope and love. Your words hit me hard, "...baffled by the tenacity and ferocity of this disease." Please know that I will bombard the heavens for you and your son. I'll stay close with love and in prayers.

    • Maureen, your story resonates with me. You sound so strong and inspire me. I often slip back into old habits of worry, grief, and anxiety. We are in "active recovery" now but healing path and learning is never ending. My own critical self -talk needs improving. So do my coping/life strategies. Libby's book, this blog, the community I met here, saved me from complete despair so many times and even better, pointed the way to new ways of responding and being open to the 12 step program. Mostly, to not be alone! There are really no words to express my gratitude and discovering how we are better together.

      • Yes, we are better together! Beautiful. As for slipping back into worry, grief, and anxiety, Dr. MacAfee once told me, "You've been vigilant a long time. It's normal that you continue to worry and feel anxious. Be patient with yourself." A wise man.... Love to you all.

  • Love the new site! I am so honored to have Libby & this beautiful strong community in my life, as we learn how to navigate and live this journey together. Thank you each & every one.

    • Thanks, Pennie, for being here. We walk this journey together. In community, we are all stronger. Love to you.

  • This looks fabulous. Look forward to every Thursday and community as we continue a journey where much love and honesty and courage is needed.

    • Joy, I love your words, "...much love and honesty and courage." So true - without honesty, we are lost, and without courage, we fail. Love wins. <3

  • This is a community of acceptance and hope and sharing and love. Libby's book and words here have healed and saved. I used to be Joy on the other site but to avoid confusion as I see there is another Joy since I started posting years ago-- I will now post as Lynn instead. New site is wonderful!

    • Lynn, I'm glad you're back. We've been together a long time. We join together in hope, acceptance, and love. Thanks for staying close.

  • Hi Libby! I look forward to your new site. It will continue to bless many, especially me. You look absolutely stunning in this picture my dear. Love always!

    • Linda, Thanks for staying close all these years. I remember well the delicious meal you prepared for all of us. You are a blessing, my Italian friend. Love to you.