Spent the entire day with this individual's Mother who continues to abuse alcohol, pain pills and tranquilizers. Along with us were a 10 year sober individual and me a 7 year sober individual. Her son, 45 years old was there also.
A con artist, who was the boyfriend of the 41 year old, has moved in and is working hard at tapping her resources. We were unable to change anything for the better today. We did plant a seed though. Possibly she may get rid of this individual after the funeral.
I came here with this because it confuses the heck out of me. This disease is a cunning, baffling, and a powerful killing force. I remind myself that I am a miracle in progress. I see where my disease could have led me and without service to others and a constant vigilance, this disease can still get all of us!!
I am tired of burying people. I am tired of seeing this disease win so many battles. Logic does no good, only God's help, as we define God can help a person arrest this disease.
I have written the eulogy, I will be presenting the eulogy........I will possibly put it here at a later date and get some honest critiques.
The last six years of her life were not life affirming at all. I focused on the good memories that we shared when she was younger, vibrant and enthusiastic. Is it wrong to focus on the positive and gloss over her alcoholic demise? As any of you reading this can see, I'm a bit confused about it all today.
I will not drink over it, watching another person kill their liver, kill their kidneys, and kill themselves with alcohol has left me dumbfounded and exhausted.
Feel free to comment, that's why I posted here........
Is it wrong to focus on the positive and gloss over her alcoholic demise? As any of you reading this can see, I'm a bit confused about it all today.
I will not drink over it, watching another person kill their liver, kill their kidneys, and kill themselves with alcohol has left me dumbfounded and exhausted.
Feel free to comment, that's why I posted here........
Just an opinion from an old drunk ... 'Total Honesty' ... NO, it's not wrong to focus on the positive, in fact, I highly recommend it ... However, I would NOT GLOSS over her struggle with alcohol either ... everyone needs to know the 'fatal nature' of this disease, not just us alcoholics ... we need to spread the word about an available solution when and wherever possible ...
I don't know if this lady was ever in AA nor whether she ever practiced the principles or not ... but the fact remains that we should never 'gloss' over the dangers of this disease ...
Were it me, I'd focus on the positive, but I wouldn't neglect to mention there is a solution for those who are going through life with similar troubles that this lady had ... that there are answers to those questions for those who are struggling with an addiction, from which they can see the results right in front of them if they chose not to seek help ...
-- Edited by Pythonpappy on Monday 31st of December 2012 09:56:08 AM
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
I am also of the same focus as Pappy...Certainly focus on the positive and highlight the good stuff she gave you personally that you will carry forward in your life and this is a right time and place to mention that alcohol will kill any person who isn't aware of it's fatal nature. If she was in AA keep her anonymity. Alcohol will kill the non-alcoholic also. I would love to read your tribute to this friend, if you so bring it here. Keep coming back...save the good thoughts. ((hugs))
dear one....They told me alcoholism is fatal, and I thought,"These people are just tryin' to scare me, I've been around, I dont scare so easy!" Then my A.A. peers began to take that first drink, and dying. I got sober at 24, and all my friends were in their 20's. So many who I loved, who I got sober with, are dead, of the vicious disease...... People may think us longtimers can be a bit aloof......UNTRUE! Every couple of years, we get a new crop of new people....who talk....who get "good programs"....and who disappear! Two of my SPONSORS drank again! Staying sober inside of A.A., is like living within a battlefield! And at times, I see the sweet faces of my friends, who have succumbed, and my heart is shattered again! But not one single alcoholic death, has been for nothing! Not for me! These are my angels, who whisper in my ear, "KEEP COMING BACK NO MATTER WHAT!" & "WE DON'T DRINK/DRUG NO MATTER WHAT"!!!!!!
Spent the entire day with this individual's Mother who continues to abuse alcohol, pain pills and tranquilizers. Along with us were a 10 year sober individual and me a 7 year sober individual. Her son, 45 years old was there also.