You may or may not have noticed that I've not been around for awhile. My laptop is no longer. Borrowing one temporarily to get some Christmas shopping done. However, I've been procrastinating (lol) over letting go of my hard earned dollars. Would rather catch up on this board and Facebook and a site that provides current information for my job. I really miss everything my laptop provided most of all the comradery with my friends. Patience being a virtue, hopefully in Feb. my tax return will leave enough after other things to get a new one.
First of all..... HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, JOHN!! What a Godsent you are to those fighting their respective addictions by providing such a wonderful site. It has helped me through the coping of my now deceased exH's alcoholism and most recently my daughter's. And beyond in other areas of my life. I was such a mess when I started coming here and reading. That first year I was silent and didn't participate much. Yet, I kept returning and eventually ask questions from AAr's. Phil, Wren, you and some others, were all so kind even knowing I should be on the AlNon side. Ten years came and went and I grew to be a much different happier person. This past year, I faced the same challenges with my daughter as with exAH. Yet my coping skills and approach have been honed. I knew what I could and couldn't do for her. And above all trully left her in the hands of God. She is now close to six mos. sober, after 2 rounds InPatient treatment, followed by Outpatient, and continues to work the program by attending meetings. (Thanks Pappy and John for being there for me this time around!) I am grateful for her progress! So to you John, THANK YOU!!! May you be blessed in your own sobriety and continue to inspire us all in many years to come!
Two new granddaughters this year. Making my total of g-kids now 5. I thoroughly love them all and enjoy times with them!! I also love watching and listening to my kids as they go through the trials/joys of parenthood. I just smile when they relay some of the antics, their children have pulled thus far. My daughter often says, "Paybacks are hell. He's just like me!" Yep, he sure is. lol And am both amazed and proud of how involved my sons have been/are. It is clear they are great fathers by the admiration of their kids.
My life is full and blessed for sure!
Relunctantly will have to return this laptop to my gracious niece soon. So I will say to everyone now in case I don't get the chance later on......
May Christmas be a joyful time for you and Santa bestow you with all sorts of wonderful things. And may the New Year continue to bless you as you continue your journey through sobriety.
Hi Wanda, I'm glad you're back on this Forum again. Hope you can get a new laptop as soon as possible. Isn't it amazing how dependent we are on these devices now? Can't hardly function without a computer anymore. I know you haven't met me, since I only found this Forum this year. I've been in A.A. for over 25 years but I never used online A.A. until recently. Soooo, I'm kind of a "newbie" on this. Anyway, I sure hope we can hear more from you on a regular basis. Blessings, Mike D.
Thank you Mike D! Glad to make your acquaintance. And welcome! As I said, I landed on the AA side of the forum/site. In my search for help because I was so naive I sort ditched the Alnon because all I seen was alot of moaning and groaning. I was very green back then. Decided if I came here and 'listened' to the stories from the diseased I might learn a few things. And I've never regretted it! the fact is whether one is the diseased, the illness makes everyone close to him/her ill. Regardless of what 'side' we're on we are in this togethor!!! It is a matter of accepting the fact there is a problem and taking action to FIRST better our individual selves, before remotely attempting to help another from what we learn in coping with our own personal struggles. When I get down about something, I come here to read. It gives me strength to know that there are others who struggle with 'life' as I do. Sometimes I just read, sometimes I post input or share. This is exactly where I came the night of my exAH's passing and throughout the following days. I had to share those feelings that I knew I couldn't with my children at the time. When my daughter's problem was apparent, this is where I brought her and allowed her to read my posts. Allowing her to 'know' that although she was deeply grieving she wasn't alone! Allowed her to see she wasn't alone in her struggle with alcohol. I am not ashamed of my involvement with AA! My closest friends know. The people I know who are in treatment have my word on anonomity. I have told several of this site, about it's people, and most of all the benefits I've garnered, without pushing the issues. Like others life sometimes gets in the way and I get busy, thus may not 'check in'. This laptop thing has put a damper on that! (Does that qualify as another addiction because I miss it so much? lol) Thanks for the kind words. Blessing back at you! Hopefully I'll be back soon!
Hi Wanda,
What a nice posting you have given to this board. I think it is wonderful that you have and still are trying to educate yourself about alcoholism to help you deal with that in your family. I just reached my 6 month mark too. It is so nice that your daughter has you in her life to support and encourage her.
Well....hello again Wanda! I understand that you're a member of Al-Anon. Great! My wife is a member as well. Alcoholism touches everyone....not just the one who is doing the drinking. Glad to hear you're getting some good out of our postings. Hope to hear you share more. May there be peace and healing in you and your whole family. Blessings, Mike D.
