From my son, I learned that the knowledge that our family was waiting for him when he got healthy was an important part of his recovery. He knew that when he made the decision to live a sober life, we would be at his side.
The words of Johann Hari in Chasing the Scream echo in my mind: For a century now, we have been singing war songs about addicts. It occurred to me as I wiped his brow, we should have been singing love songs to them all along.
My reflection: Years ago, the Director of a branch of San Patrignano in Italy taught me the meaning of stagli vicino (stay close to him). He counseled me to stay close, but out of the chaos of my son’s addiction.
Today’s Promise to consider: Addiction is a family disease, and we are all involved, hurt and traumatized. We must learn to define and protect our boundaries, but we also should recognize that family members can be powerful parts of the medicine of recovery. Today, I’ll stay close in love and prayer.
That line.-if only it were level and straight. Thank you Libby. You are my Thursday leveller. Thank you
Dearest Anne, We walk together on this ‘unlevel’ journey. My love to you.
Thank you. Gives me a better understanding of how to stay hopeful
Dear Mary, Thank you for your compassionate comment. Whenever I’m despondent, if I can find my way back to hope and gratitude, I can take another step. I join you in staying hopeful. My love to you.