A mother wrote to me: My son is an alcoholic and has just returned from Iraq. Today he is good, and I pray that tomorrow will be the same. He is working his program in AA, and I am staying close to him and to my support group in Al-Anon. There are winners in recovery and it’s important for us to keep solid role models of hope out there, in front of us, to keep us all going.
My reflection: For all of us across the spectrum of recovery, it’s critical that we see positive examples of wellness and success. I am on a rowing team of breast cancer survivors and we join together as a visible example that there is life after cancer. We know we’re lucky to have survived and we row together for our own health and to offer others hope.
Jeff talks about the “old timers” in AA who are sober and have lived in sobriety for decades. They “keep coming back” to give hope, share wisdom and support others. In Al-Anon, I look to our “old timers” who know my wounds and help me stay centered in the face of life’s challenges.
Today’s Promise to consider: I will remember that there are people who have survived the chaos of addiction. I will look to them for guidance and point to their successes. Where there is life, there is hope.
Dear Libby,
Thank you for this beautiful meditation. It is so true,
‘where there is life, there is hope.’ Over the years, you and Jeff have provided unwavering support to help me (and others) by sharing your experience, strength, hope, and courage. I am eternally grateful for this gift.
I will continue to ‘keep coming back’, work on my recovery and hope to support others as you and Jeff have supported me. Would not be here without it.
God Bless, Nanci
This is a wonderful reminder to keep the faith.
Nanci expressed my feelings exactly.
In prayer for all who suffer from this disease.
Pat
My son is sober 4 months now. I am always inspired by your meditations and have hope once more. Thank you.
Dear Libby,
What a beautiful meditation. Nanci said it perfectly. My sentiments exactly.
This month makes 5 years for my son’s overdose. Your meditations have kept me grounded and focused on my lifetime recovery.
Thank you for the great (hard) work, reaching out to all kinds of survivors.
My love to you,
Barbara
This is beautiful
Libby I love what you call the spectrum of recovery. It is so true. It is truly a spectrum. Also, I agree that seeing examples of success, wellness and the spectrum of recovery in our support groups is helpful to our progress. We can get well in spite of the outcomes of our loved ones. Our recovery depends on us. Not easy stuff but circling the drain is painful
Love to all
Jane
Thinking of Joy and her family right now. I just read your post from last week and I am sending my thoughts to you. As Libby said, we know the wounds, and the disappointment. As Barbarav said, relapse is a part of recovery as much as it hurts there is learning involved. It took many many times for my son. It is not a perfect recovery story, but he is still learning and trying. This summer marks 4 years from his overdose. He was very lucky to survive. Hope is there at every corner
Love
Jane
Dear All,
We’ll keep the faith. Thank you all for being here, offering your wisdom and strength to us. Jane, your posts are clear and full of inspiration. Pat, you’ve walked a long journey home and what you’ve learned helps all of us. Barbara, you are my role model of faith. Nanci, we’ll keep working on our recovery, together. Andrea, your son is four months sober and this is huge! God bless him and you.
Love you all.
Thank you for this reminder of hope.
Where there is love there is hope.
Where there is Libby there is hope.
Somewhere i’ve never been in the spectrum.
But here. (: staying close