Hi Everyone, Just wanted to let everyone know how grateful I am for the support over the last 6-7 years. I've come so far from the 'helpless' and 'scared' person back then. And I'm sure that there are still things that the future will bring that will challenge me, humble me, and bring me back to earth when I think I'm in control or the ego gets out of hand. I know one thing for certain I'm not alone and I've found a great deal of support here and beyond. Support that I've come to realize will be here always. I was such a mess emotionally back then. AH up and leaving me. No job, no money and 3 kids. The jobs were easier somehow to come by than raising the kids. They too were on a sort of emotional roller coaster. And they challenged me in ways I couldn't never have imagined I'd face. And from each of the mouth's came the words, "I HATE YOU!!!!" with such conviction that I myself believed it true. No matter what I did or said it was wrong. (In part that was very true, unfortunately) With AA/MIP I learned to 'cope' in ways that were more fruitful. It was FAR from easy! Today......my heart is filled with joy and tears are falling. They are tears of happiness coupled with feelings of love. It is Mother's Day! A beautiful rose plant and greetings from Iraq from the son who never seemed to remember his own name, let alone special occassions. The son who upped and moved out at 16 and would not speak to me for a long, long time. Then......a ring from the 2 yr old grandson, via his mother. Unplanned (and about 99% sure it was alcohol related) and unsure where we all were going with this new little addition to the family. AA taught me however, to step aside and allow my daughter to make decisions on her own and be there should I be called upon. Love my 'little man' beyond words! Daughter presented me with a sewing machine. The words in the card, VERY touching! Of course, there is a catch to this gift.....have to create some things for her new home. LOL It will be work gladly done. And lastly an email. 'Sorry won't see you today. I'll be in jail....on the right side of the bars. LOL Happy Mother's Day. Thank you for all you've done for me over the years. Love you, B" (This son is a guard at the County Sheriff's Dept.) OMG is this a dream.....I feel so Blessed. Blessed for the children that I've always loved. Blessed for my friends here on this board that showed me patience, endurance and to never give up. Blessed for my own mother who taught me the same, but it just didn't quite 'click' back then. To you who are coping with all the struggles of alcoholism including relationships, I just want you to know MIRACLES DO HAPPEN! Keep faith, keep working the steps, and don't give up. In do time you will 'see' the miracles as I am. Very appreciative for all the love and support I've found here. To all the mothers, grandmothers, step/foster, or other women who have undertaken the challenge of raising children: Happy Mother's Day!!!! (To Joni, Joni, yes, to you and other women who endear your pets as your kids.....I'll include you to.) Wanda
Thanks for sharing in your gratitude with me, Wanda. It's a beautiful place you're feeling & these are gifts & rewards for your efforts. Sometimes we feel we just need to be staying away from that first drink cuz we don't want to die & because we want to love our families more but when they actually turn around & give us some of the loving we dare to crave & wish we could expect then all of a sudden it is still a surprise & a joy to be loved & appreciated no matter how far we've come. I'm glad you're feeling blessed today. Hang onto it & do your best work with your good feelings. It is wonderful to be sober. Thanks for being here, Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
