A mother wrote to me: I have three children all touched by addiction: A daughter who is doing well in an extended-care program, a son who has been in and out of several rehabs and is currently in jail, and another child who was recently arrested while in a drunken rage for fighting. We are a “normal” family, kids raised in the Church with both parents who were very involved and loving.
My reflection: How much pain must a parent carry? This mother reminds us that addiction is a disease. It happens in all types of families – spiritual or not, loving or not, and supportive or not. It is an illness and, maybe, no other explanation is necessary.
Today’s Promise to consider: Society often stereotypes those suffering from addiction as coming from neglectful, broken, uneducated, or economically disadvantaged families. Society is wrong. Addiction touches people regardless of wealth, religious affiliation, or family solidarity. Today, let us reach out a hand to another. Let us bring addiction out of the shadows. Society might be mistaken, but we know better.
Your insight and strength continually lift and inspire, Libby, and give power to us to speak out clearly for our loved ones as well .
My love to you, Pamela, and I join you in strength as we continue to speak out clearly for our loved ones. xo
Your messages are so on target! You have been a special inspiration and encouragment
for a number of my son’s sober years as well!
Thank you, Pat. We inspire and encourage each other. Your son is sober and healthy!! THIS is inspiration. God bless you both. xo
It’s a hard battle
Yes, Wendy, it is a hard battle. There is nothing easy with addiction. It’s gut wrenching. xo
I also have two children that suffer from addiction. My daughter almost died from alcohol abuse. She spent 100 days in the hospital with acute pancreatitis. My son has been addicted to heroin for 14 years. I know what it feels like to suffer that pain. Gods plan for me was not what I would have thought however, it has molded me into something wonderfully different. I have learned a lot about the disease of addiction. I am glad to say my daughter is in recovery and speaking out against addiction and helping others! My son will enter drug court soon and has yet another opportunity. God has a plan for him as he should not be alive. I am working on myself now for the first time in years. Thank you so much for your post. I need to know I am not out here alone.
God Bless
Dear Terri, Your message rings out with hope! What a BEAUTIFUL message. Thank you!! Your daughter is good today and speaking out to help others. Your son has another chance to redirect the course of his life. You are working on yourself for the first time in years. God bless you all!!! I join you in hope and faith and love. You are not alone; we are not alone. Let hope continue to lead us forward.