A mother wrote to me: When we learned that our 19-year-old son was addicted to heroin, I remember praying and searching for other parents who would truly understand. All I really wanted was to talk with another parent – especially a mother – who could really understand the brokenness in that special bond between a son and mother. Al-Anon meetings helped, and our good God led me to a meeting made up mostly of parents of addicted children.
My reflection: Addiction floods us with emotion and confusion, and we want to command the addiction to go away, order it into the pit of the earth where it belongs. When I was lost in addiction’s grasp, other parents, who walked in my shoes, helped me find my way to sanity, serenity, and faith.
Today’s Promise to consider: After an Al-Anon meeting, I wrote, “I found a peace that has eluded me. My soul quieted there, in the basement of a church. I heard such pain from others, and I listened intently to how they are struggling to survive. Maybe I can find strength and comfort in Al-Anon, and ultimately in myself.” Today, I will open myself and my story to other parents of addicted children. I know that I am not alone.
It does help to know we’re not alone.
Dear Gail, I agree. It’s good to know that we are not fighting this fight alone and that there are others who know our pain and suffering. There are also those who can share their hard-fought wisdom with us. My love to you.
My recovery formula: Patience plus education equals understanding and understanding leads to forgiveness which creates renewed love and compassion which gives me hope and it is this hope that ignites my own long term peace and serenity.
Wow. This is great, Pat. Thanks. Education and understanding were keys for me, especially in the early years of my son’s addiction. I love that hope is what leads you to peace and serenity. I join you in hope for all those who are suffering.
Libby , I remember feeling exactly the same way , I drove 4 hours , to be with a group of mothers experiencing the same loneliness, fear and confusion. During those first days, months , when I first here the words Heroin almost 10 years ago now I thought – I can’t be alone, and I wasn’t . You have been a life line for me thru these years , you have opened your heart and life to so many of us Thank you
Thank you, Joan, for your beautiful comment. We walk together, and we heal together. My love to you.
Thank you for this post. I need to know I’m not alone in this struggle. So far, I’ve found online help and read our story in the lives of others. Having an addicted child is horrid. Reading stories of recovery helps me to stay hopeful.
Dear Kim, You’re right – addiction is horrid, and recovery stories give us hope. Online help is good, and if you could attend at Al-Anon or family-group meeting it would also be a help. For me, Al-Anon was my saving grace, and there I found people who shared my journey without criticism or judgment. My love to you.