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.

Photo Credit: Davood Madadpoor

Dr. MacAfee told me that the pain of addiction is the agony of being trapped. Using has become critically important because it answers every problem in their lives … until it doesn’t. The use is the solution until it becomes the problem. What was once an escape becomes a prison. The juxtaposition is baffling, and the addict literally has to fight for his life.

My reflection: During the early years of my son’s fourteen-year addiction, I thought that he could simply turn off his drug use. I told him to stop and expected it to happen. In time and with education, I learned that it would take my son great courage and tenacity to change his life.

Today’s Promise to consider: Drug use often starts as a party, until it becomes a prison. Once it takes over, our loved ones are caught up in a sandstorm, unable to see the impact their sickness has on those who care about them. Instead of derision and incarceration, they need love and compassion. They need support from communities like AA, from people who have walked in their shoes and are now living in the solution.