In 2009, we published Stay Close. Shortly thereafter, we launched a website and blog in order to create a community of support for all those suffering from the consequences of addiction. We started with a team of three dedicated people, who believed that we could make a difference. Jeff and I wrote weekly meditations, and Aamir Syed brought our vision to technological life.
Today, July 21, 2022, we celebrate Jeff’s 16th anniversary of sobriety. After suffering through a 14-year heroin addiction, he stands as a testament to the hope of recovery. A noble and gentle man, he is a good son, brother, and uncle; a productive businessman; and a loving friend to many.
On this significant day, with gratitude and grace, we’ve decided to close this chapter and stop writing Thursday Meditations. We thank you, our readers, for staying close all these years. You have humbled us with your outpouring of support and compassion, all the while sharing your stories of suffering and hope.
We also thank a team of talented artists, who helped us along the way with visual and technical support. We couldn’t have achieved our goals without Michele Borzoni, Mikele Roselli-Cecconi, Maria and Carolina Usbeck, Davood Madadpoor, George Burroughs and Lauren Giordano.
We thank John Boss, Jeff’s former sponsor, whose faith and wisdom continue to inspire us. Our beloved Dr. Patrick MacAfee has passed on, but not before he was able to help Jeff with compassion and love. He showed me, through his example, how to open my heart and understand the conundrum that is addiction. He taught us that only by taking addiction out of shadows and into the light can it be healed. He will be forever in our hearts, and his teachings will continue to light our way.
Our love to all of you. Stay Close.
Libby, Jeff, and Aamir
Thank you for all of your openness and encouragement throughout these years. I have been touched in many ways and it has helped me not feel alone in the recovery process for my own son. I wish you all the best and a lifetime of God’s blessings!! -Sheryl
Dear Sheryl, Thanks for your kind and compassionate words. I’m so grateful that our messages helped you to feel less alone. Addiction is such an isolating disease. Thanks for the good wishes. God bless us all. xoxo My love to you.
Libby,
I have read and shared your blog with friends for many years.
One such friend suffered many years with 3 addicted children. Everything eventually worked out but Wally continued to attend Al-Anon meetings for years, seeking to help others, until his death 2 years ago.
What comfort and hope you have provided for those seeking solace and peace.
God bless you and your family.
Woody
Dearest Woody, Your message touches me. Your friend had three addicted children. My heart breaks for his horrendous suffering. Thank the Lord that everything eventually worked out. Al-Anon was the saving grace in my life, too. I’m humbled that we were able to provide ssome sense of help to him and those who suffer. God bless you, too. My love to you and yours.
I’m crying- tears of sadness and tears of joy.
I look so forward to your blog every Thursday, and words can’t express the the appreciation I have for you and Jeff. You turned your pain into something so selfless and generous as writing this blog. You have helped SO many, myself included. So the blog ending are the tears of sadness. The tears of joy is imagining 16 years of sobriety for Jeff! What a beautiful testimony to hope. I wish you both nothing but love and joy as you move on in this wonderful miracle that we call LIFE! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Laurie
My precious Laurie, Thank YOU for staying close all these years. You have inspired me by sharing your comments and compassion. Thanks, too, for your joy in Jeff’s recovery walk. You and I both know it’s one day at a time, and I remain both grateful and prayerful. Yes, life is a wonderful miracle. Thanks for walking this journey with me. My love to you. We’ll stay close in love and prayer.
Thank you both! My son is 3 years clean sober and active in the recovery community. Your words have given me hope and inspiration along the way.
Dear Beth, Your son is 3 years sober. This is huge, and I celebrate with you. We give each other hope and inspiration. Thanks for walking this walk with me. My love to you and your precious son.
Thank you for your writings. I found comfort in your book while my daughter struggled with heroine addiction. I struggled with how to help her, my family and myself during this time. I loved the premise of your book and I felt encouraged by your words.
I am so proud of my daughter – she has been clean for over 7 years, obtained her under grad and grad degrees and works full time to help youngsters become the best version of themselves. Thank you again and I wish you and your family only the best.
Thank you again.
Dear N.S., Your daughter is 7 years healthy, and she has accomplished so much. She is now working full time to help young people. What a blessing!! I’m grateful that we could be some help along the journey. Stay Close guided us, and I’m glad it guided you, too. My love to you and your daughter.
It’s been wonderful to share the journey with you.
Ahhh, Debbie. Thanks for your love and compassion, and thanks for sharing your insightful comments that you learned along the way. You, Jeff, and others in recovery have been my best teachers. Your courage and strength inspire me. Thanks for walking with me and for helping us to help others. I’m grateful. With love and respect.
“Stay Close” was truly the first step for me to be able to deal with my son’s substance abuse disorder. Your book gave me hope and a mantra that I use to this day. I have since recommended the book and the Thursday meditations to too many people suffering with this family disease. Thank you both… but especially Libby whose journey as a parent with a struggling loved one really touched my heart. All the best on your next chapter and many congratulations to Jeff on his 16th year!
Dear Janice, Stay Close was my first step, too, in really understanding how to manage all my conflicting feelings about my son’s substance abuse disorder. When Jeff was suffering, ‘tough love’ was the mantra, and I’m grateful that “Stay Close’ offered another way of loving through the trauma. Thanks, too, for your good thoughts for Jeff’s recovery. Please keep him and us in your prayers. It’s one day at a time, and I remain prayerful. My love to you.
Dear Libby,
Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Your book was life changing for me. Stagli vacino. My son and I say that to each other often. You taught me to be more compassionate and accepting. To just simply love him where he’s at. I will miss these Thursday morning messages so much but I understand. You’ve been of service for so long I guess it’s time. I’ll continue to share your book with new parents I encounter on my journey. I hope that one day my son will be able to get clean like Jeff has. I will forever be grateful what you have given me.
With love and respect, Carri
Dearest Carri, Your words touch me deeply. Stagli vicino. You and your son say these words to each other. It’s powerful, I think, when our children know that we will stay close and love them through it all. Thanks for staying close to us all these years. I join you in prayer your your son. Where there is life, there is hope. My love and respect to you.
Thank you. You gave me hope when I couldn’t find it anywhere. My son has been sober a year and now you’re giving me hope it can last.
Will the old posts still be available so I can get my Thursday dose of hope?
Dear Terri, Your son has been sober on year. This is huge! Jeff says that one day is a celebration. God bless him, and you.
Your sentence affirms our work – ‘You gave me hope when I couldn’t find it anywhere.’ That’s why we did what we did. Thank you for your love and compassion.
Yes, the old posts will always be available, and I’ll stay close in love and prayer. My love to you and your son.
Thank you Libby and Jeff for sharing your journey with us and helping all of us. Your story, your book and constant message “stay close” has resonated and become part of my daily conversations as we journey through my son’s path to sobriety. Finding out about your book and hearing your story helped me believe and not give up on “hope”. Your Thursday Meditations will be missed BUT not forgotten and will continue to be the cornerstone that helped me find healing and peace among the chaos and again most importantly stay close and not give up!!
Prayers and Thanks. God Bless you all.
Dear Tanya, Thank you for your loving and gracious message. I’m humbled that we were part of your your journey toward healing and peace. Addiction feeds off chaos and misery, and hope and love are our antidotes. Yes, we’ll stay close and not give up! I join you in prayer for your son, and please keep Jeff in your prayers. My love to you and your precious family.
Dearest Libby, Jeff, and Aamir – what a difference the three of you have made! The impact of your commitment and dedication to this mission, and particularly your heartfelt words of encouragement and comfort to those of us whose lives are touched by addiction cannot be underestimated. No one deserves hours added to their week more than the three of you, so enjoy that time and be at peace.
With love and gratitude,
Leigh
Dearest Leigh, I’m grateful our paths crossed years ago, and I thank you for your compassionate sharing through the years as we walked together. Your art inspires me as you bring beauty to the canvas. Keep sharing, my friend. You were gifted with a great talent. My love to you and your precious family.
So much gratitude for your sharing words of truth, hope and understanding.
Thanks, Merlene, for your gracious words. I’m grateful that our words touched your heart. Our love to you.
Your weekly blog has offered support to many. I will miss your wisdom on Thursday mornings.
Dear Karen, Thank you. I will miss writing our blogs and connecting with so many good people. Keep us in your good thoughts. My love to you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support of families in addiction. I too hope to one day share a recovery story with my 34 year old son. Good bless you!!❤️
Dear Rhonda, Thank you for your beautiful message. I join with you in faith and belief that you will one day share a recovery story with your son! Yes. God bless you and your son.
There are not enough thank-you’s to offer… but THANK YOU for what you have shared, we are incredibly grateful for your wisdom..
Dear Marla, Your message brings a smile to my face and touches my heart. Thank you. My love to you and yours.
Libby,
I have been faithfully reading your blog since my son entered his first treatment center back in 2013 and your book was on their recommended reading list. I felt so lost, afraid and alone. Your words brought me comfort and peace. My son is 7 years in recovery and I still looked forward to receiving your weekly blog. I truly appreciate all you, Jeff and your team have done to help the families of those suffering from the chaos that addiction causes. Thank You!
Bernadette
Dearest Bernadette, Thank you for your kind and compassionate message. Your son is 7 years in recovery, and this is wonderful news! God bless him, and you. You’re right that addiction causes tremendous chaos, and I’m grateful that we could help in some way. Our love to you and your family. Thanks for staying close all these years.
Libby, I remember well meeting you at your mom’s so many years ago. Your postings have inspired many, given hope to many and I’m sure helped heal many. Thank you for your many positive messages… they transcend drugs to help others with all sorts of addictions and issues. With faith in God and love and forgiveness to others, especially our family members I say Thanks for these years that you have shared with all… God Bless.
Dear John, Your message touches me deeply. You’re right that, ‘With faith in God and love and forgiveness to others, especially our family members’ all is possible. I remember you well, and I thank you for reaching out. Please give my love to your precious family. Jeff and I send our love to you all.
A read a number of books early on in my son’s addiction. Your story/book moved and resonated with me. Your weekly blogs supported me through my son’s journey. Thank you so much for being so giving of your time and wisdom. God bless you both. You have given me hope for my son. I wish you all the best the future holds for you.
Richard’s mom
Dear Ann, I’m so grateful that our book and weekly blogs gave you some comfort and hope. Your words give me hope that we made a difference in some lives. Our love to you and Richard. God bless you both.
I am so sorry to hear this news, but (as Mother Angelica would say) “nothing lasts forever.” I met you in Medjugorge in 2007, on a pilgrimage with Father Kiel (RIP). I never knew your story until I got home and bought your book and signed up for your meditations. They have been so helpful to a child and sister of alcoholics! (Many I’ve saved! ) Thank you and Jeff and your family for the sharing and support. You are a gem! God bless-Diane Z.
Dear Diane, Our trip to Medjugorge was life changing, and your words bring back such warm memories. Thank you. Jeff was just newly sober in 2007, and I was still suffering from all of it. Addiction doesn’t discriminate, and (as you know) it affects the entire family. Thanks for writing and staying close all these years. My sincere thanks. Please keep us in your prayers as we move forward. My love and blessings.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. This has been a wonderful source of comfort and reassurance. It will be sorely missed. So very happy that things have worked out for yourself and son.
Dear Susan, Your words give me comfort. Thank you. I’m grateful that our messages have offered you comfort and reassurance. Thanks, too, for your good thoughts about Jeff. It’s one day at a time. My love to you.
I can’t tell how much these weekly emails have helped me and my friends and family. Thank you and good luck moving on to the next chapter that God is guiding you towards.
Dear Nathalia, Thank you for reaching out. I’m grateful that our messages have helped you, your friends, and family. Thanks, too, for your good thoughts as we face the next chapter. God’s will will be done. xoxo
Thank you for all you have done for addiction and families affected. My daughter is still in active addiction at age 38 after 18 years of use. Our relationship is not easy but I am trying to “stay close”.
Good luck in your future endeavors amd Congratulations on your clean amd sober date! You will be missed.
Dearest Jacqueline, Thank you for your generous words. I’m sorry that your daughter is still in active addition after 18 years of use. Jeff used for 14 years, so I know the heartache, desperation, and utter despair. I join with you in prayer for her. Where two mother’s hearts are joined, there is strength. We’ll stay close in love and prayer.
Thank you so very very much for all the inspiring messages ❤️ it helped me a lot
Dear Julanda, Thank you for writing and letting me know that our messages helped you in some way. I’m grateful. My love and thanks.
I’m so sorry to hear this as it was your meditations that often kept me and my daughter grounded. All good things come to an end I know but it sometimes is sad. Good luck for your future(s) and we will Stay Close ❤️
Dear Kristen, Your words touch me, and I’m deeply grateful that our meditations helped you and your daughter. What a blessing for us. Yes, we will Stay Close. Our love to you.
Thanks for doing this over the years. I’ve used some of your blogs in openings of my parent support meetings. Enjoy your “next chapter.”
Dear Sarah, What a beautiful message – thank you. I’m humbled that you used some of our blogs in openings of your parent support meetings. This is a blessing to us. Our love and thanks.
Congratulations Jeff, it is incredible what we can do one day at a time! The news of your blog ending fills me with sadness as I know how many you have both helped with your writing. I am sure the next chapter will be one including service of some kind. Thank you for your courage, generosity and wisdom in all your work.
Dearest Margaret, Thank you for your kind words to Jeff. You know well the struggle he faced and the many years of suffering and destruction. You’re right that one day at a time, we can move mountains. I’ll forward your message to him so he hears directly from you. For me, I thank you from the bottom of my mother’s heart. Thanks for including me in your important work of helping others. I admire you. Our love and thanks.
I am so sad youall are ending this blog- it has helped me more than I can say. Your book has also been a huge help and I have read it several times and passed it to others to read. I am also so happy that things are going well for youall and that you are moving forward in your life. Thanks for all youall have done to help support this community.
Dear Mary, Your words touch me deeply. Thank you for writing. I’m so deeply grateful that our book and blog helped to give you comfort. Keep us in your good thoughts as we take our next steps. Our love to you and our sincere thanks.
Even though I lost my Kyle a year ago I still read your messages. I’m so happy your son survived the awful torment of heroin addiction. It’s such a small percentage that ever survive. I’m really going to miss your blog. God bless you!!!!! Kiss your son and tell him I’m so proud of him.
Dear Terri, Your message brings tears to my eyes. I’m deeply sorry your lost your precious Kyle. Addiction is such a dreaded disease. My heart breaks for you and your suffering. Thanks for staying close to us, and God bless you. I’ll stay close in love and prayers….and I’ll kiss Jeff and tell him that you’re proud of him.
Congratulations on 16 years Jeff!!! Your story gives me hope for my son! Your mom is amazing and I’m grateful for the Thursday mediations and the book that gave Helped me “Stay Close” with my son Wishing you both all the best!!!!
Dear Kristi, Thank you so much for your kind words. You’re right that Jeff’s story gives us all hope. I’ll forward your message to Jeff so he knows that his story made a difference. Your words give us hope. Our love to you and your son.
Thank you all for sharing your journey and being so open in doing so. So many times in my time of need did I turn to your readings and
they helped me thru some difficult monents. God Bless and be safe, most importantly Be Well!
Dear Debbie. Thanks for your beautiful comment. I’m deeply grateful that some of our readings were helpful to you during your difficult moments. This is what my son and I wanted to do, and your words give me hope. Please keep us in your prayers, and I’ll keep you and yours in mine. My love to you.
Just know this weekly message of hope has blessed me beyond measure. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, heart , and encouragement ❤️
Dear Kim, Thank you for your kind words. I’m humbled that our messages have helped you in some way. This means a lot to me. My love to you and yours.
Libby, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you have given me and so many who have leaned on your ever word of encouragement and hope. You have been a true blessing. Thursdays will never be the same♥️♥️Ajia
My precious Ajia, How I love you. Thanks for writing. We have held each other up these many years. You have suffered greatly, and I’ve learned from you how to take one more step. And then another. My love and respect to you, always.
THANK YOU THANK YOU!! Many more sobriety years to youJeff
Dearest Lynn, Thanks for your celebratory message. I join in with you: Many more sobriety years to you, Jeff. xo
A friend shared your blog with me a few years ago. It has been a blessing each week to read your messages of hope and encouragement amidst our son’s ongoing struggle to find sobriety and recovery. I add my thanks to those of countless others and also express my joy for your son’s sixteen years of recovery. Blessings to both of you for whatever comes next in your journeys. Thank you so much.
Dear Lynn, Thank you for your gracious and kind words. I join with you in prayer for your son’s sobriety and recovery. I’ll bombard the heavens. Blessings to you. Stay Close.
You are all miracles of healing and hope and examples of courage. You not only share Love .. you taught us all to choose to live Love. TO Never give up. To choose sanity. To open our arms to the journey and our hearts to all. THANK YOU. EVER and Always and beyond.
My dearest friend Joy, We’ve been together for many years, and your words have always touched my very soul. You understand Stay Close in your very bones. You understand how to live love. My sincere thanks for sharing your wisdom, pain, and joys. You will always be my ‘sister in love.’ Jeff, Jeremy, and I send you our love. Stay Close.
My wife passed away 10 years ago and I came face to face with our daughters addiction which at that time went out of control in many ways with alcohol, drugs and gambling. Through much personal consulting, alanon and actually connecting with your Thursday messages and meditations I was able to step aside from what I couldn’t controls I worked hard on not being codependent if that ever is totally possible but never gave up on her sobriety. i want to thank you for the years “Of Thursday’s with Libby” as there were many times through your message, wisdom that I was able to take another step forward. I am very excited with myself, family, and friends out of the way she is now 3 years sober and works as a Case Manager for a Rehab clinic as she also works her program One day at a time.
Thankyou for your support, guidance, experience and wisdom. Jeff was a true inspiration
God Bless!
Dear J, Thank YOU for the beautiful message. I’m deeply sorry your wife passed, and you had to face alone your daughter’s addiction. Your precious daughter is good today and 3 years sober!!! This is wonderful news. God bless her, and you. She is working as a Case Manager for a rehab clinic. You’re right that we are powerless to change our children’s lives, but that we can stay close and out of the chaos. I love your reference to ‘Thursdays with Libby.’ Thank you. I’m grateful that our Meditations helped in some way to help you feel not so alone and to take another step forward. My best to you and your family.
Hi there,
Congratulations to Jeff for his 16 years of sobriety and many thanks to you for writing inspiring words of wisdom every week! You helped me keep hope while my daughter was active in addiction and in her journey to maintain sobriety. I’m going to miss your Thursday meditations! I wish you and your family all the best!
Sincerely, Shirley
Dear Shirley, Thanks for your kind message and good thoughts about Jeff. I’m grateful that we helped you to keep hope alive. I understand how hard it can be to hold on when the consequences of addiciton are overpowering. My love to you and your daughter.
Your book spoke to me back in 2009 and I recommended it to many people. I still have my copy and I look through it from time to time. I too have a son who suffers from addiction. He has been sober for 13-1/2 years and I am grateful everyday. I am proud of the man he is and I love to watch him continue to grow. He is now 37 years old. Thank you for your weekly blog/meditation. Good luck with wherever your journey takes you.
Dear Julie, My eyes are filled with tears of joy for you and your son. He is 13 1/2 years sober!!! I’m sure you are proud of the man he is and is becoming. God bless him, and you. This is the happiest news I’ve had all day. Love you. Thanks for your good wishes and support.
Libby & Jeff – I had to write since your blog / book came into our family’s life at just the right time. Our son was in rehab 4 years ago and in the hospital where we sought help & we were recommended to your book to help families deal with addiction issues. I bought your book immediately & I highlighted so many paragraphs you wrote that related to me and our struggles. It became “my book of help & hope” during that dark period! Your words written have helped us tremendously! Thank you always for the weekly encouragement. I have given a copy your book out to many others struggling with their kids struggling with addiction & recommend your blog to others to get insight and maybe see the light into seeking help for their loved ones. Our son, I can say has gotten back his life – he has direction and a purpose now. Yet I’m often caught saying, I love him dearly, but you can’t the Adam out of Adam…..there seems to always be something he needs to figure out as a young 25 year old, but he now takes responsibility, and figures his stuff out, since he can. And for that we are grateful. You gave us the encouragement to continue to love our son dearly & stay close, but always stay out of his chaos. A Big thanks to your encouragement since it is TRUELY the Right way to approach addiction in the family unit. My son now recognizes our families tough and honest words in love is what helped make a different choice and move through his challenges. I will miss the Thursday weekly encouragement, yet completely understand it is time. Congratulations to Jeff for 16 years sober…that’s no small feat, but rather amazingly wonderful accomplishment & encouragement to many. Thanks for sharing your story, struggles & most importantly the real truth a family can go through when one of the Members is struggling. We have unfortunately been supportive to 2 different dear friends that have lost one their son & another their daughter to addiction. And my heart hurts tremendously for their unnecessary loss way too early in their lives. But I hold on to our family hope that we will continue in your footsteps & stay close strong together. Good Bless.
Dear Carrie, Thank you for your kind and gracious message. Jeff read it and was touched deeply that the story of his struggles made a difference to your family and with your son. That’s why we wrote the book — to make a difference to some one. Your words have given us confirmation that our goal has been met.
Your son is good today, and this is the best news!!! He has direction and purpose. He’s young – only 25 years old – and I am humbled that ‘Stay close, but out of the chaos’ made such a difference. It did it our lives, too. It gave me a road map tuhat detailed how to love my son, but allow him the dignity of his choices.
I join you in prayer for all those still struggling. Our love to your and your family, Carrie. God bless you all. xo
I am so sad to see this Thursday story and prayer go away. I have embraced it for years , keeping my daughter, 10 years clean and son, five years clean in mind. I repeat to myself : Love them no matter what!”
Dearest Patricia, Your note gives us such great joy. Your daughter is 10 years clean, and your son is five years healthy. This is WONDERFUL. I join you in your mantra, “Love them no matter what.” Love heals. My love to you and your precious family. xo
I will miss your Thursday Meditations. A friend recommeded your book ‘Stay Close’ and it helped me through my son’s addiction. Happy to say he is 4 years clean, and studying to become an addiction counselor. Your words have always brought comfort and understanding. You and Dr. MacAfee have taught me to bring addiction out of the shadows and into the light, and I am forever grateful. May God bless you and keep you safe.
Dear Kathleen, Thank you for your beautiful message. Your son is 4 years clean, and he’s working and studying to become an addiction counselor. This is the BEST news. God bless him, and you. Yes, our beloved Dr. MacAfee made a difference in this world. He taught all of us about addiction, and I join you in being forever grateful. My love to you. xo
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY ALL THESE YEARS! YOUR BOOK & THEN YOUR BLOG HELPED ME WITH MY OWN JOURNEY THRU MY SONS ADDICTION. YOU TOLD ME YEARS AGO THAT WHERE THERE IS LOVE THERE IS HOPE & YOU WERE RIGHT! I WISH YOU & YOUR FAMILY ALL THE BEST LIFE HAS TO OFFER!
Dearest April, Your words brought tears to my eyes: “Where there is love there is hope.” Yes, love is powerful. Thank you for staying close all these years. Our love to you and your son.
Dearest Libby,
Thank you for your simple words “stay close”. Your writings have given me gentle, peaceful reminders of the love of God in the midst of my grief and utter anguish. Some how you seemed to know my personal sorrow and loss. Thank you for that gift. I understand the need to move on from this journey. Blessings to you and Jeff.
Dear Libby,
I have missed your Thursday postings and thought it was due to my email address which has recently changed. Today, I read that your posts have ended.
I want to thank you again for your beautiful book and especially the mention of San Patrignano. As you may remember, this passage and my determination to help my son, led him to live there for four years.
Today he is sober, married and the father of two beautiful children.
I say a prayer of thanks everyday for you and the wonderful San Patrignano community.
With love and eternal gratitude,
Amy