Sober in Kansas

[toad]

Hey Devon.........this was outstanding, thank you very much for sharing. Maybe you could come and speak sometime for AA in Area 39 Western Mo.?

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You wrote:

"My name is DeVon, and I am a recovering alcoholic/addict, clean and sober since August 5th, 1990.

When I was taken to rehab in 1986, I was married to a violent, abusive alcoholic/addict. I was beaten on a daily basis except for those periods when he'd disappear on one of his drug runs.

I walked into rehab weighing 109 pounds. I am 6' tall. I had blown out all the veins on one arm. I was so weak, I had trouble holding my head up. I was also pregnant.

It is only through the grace of God that I was able to embrace recovery, and hang on like my life depended on it, because you see, my life DID depend on it.

When I first got clean/sober, I had no doubt I had a drug problem, but wasn't sure about the alcohol. However, my then husband went through rehab just before me, and as soon as he got out, he went right back to the whiskey and the meth.

That scared me bad enough that I figured I'd better keep an open mind on the alcoholism side of things.

I stayed clean/sober for 4 years, but because I didn't deal with the sex side of my addictions, I hooked up with a guy in the program who eventually relapsed, and you can bet I followed him all the way to hell.

Once again, by God's grace, I am in recovery, and for that I am incredibly grateful. It has been one hell of a ride over the years.

This program has taught me that even when things hurt like hell, there's nothing so bad that a drink won't make it worse, and the fellowship will help me through it.

I am now dealing with two daughters in active alcoholism and my heart hurts. I also know if I walk through that pain with the help of others in recovery, I will emerge a better and stronger person.

Last year, that husband I spoke of who beat me, was buried. He was 47 years old. He never found recovery, but I did. I will always be grateful for that bloody brutal marriage because it was the catalyst that finally dropped me to my knees and I asked God for help.

You see, this still IS a life or death thing for me. I see it around me every day. This disease is cunning, baffling, and powerful. It will wait forever for me to become complacent, or play stupid games.

I came to this board for fellowship and caring, and I have gotten that and so much more. I was welcomed with open arms, and even though I lost my bike when the ex-fiance walked out in 99, I still feel welcome here."
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Thanks for sharing this DeVon.........

Kansas has great AA. And also it is the place where the Patriot Guard Riders got their start, I am a member and grateful to be sober to serve.

I spent my high school years and twenty years after that in Kansas City. I lived in Westport, if you know where that is. When I was 14 we used to go over to Kansas and buy beer. Later at 18 we partied at all the 3.2 clubs.

Traveled alot to Lawrence, and some to Topeka and Witchita (Vern Miller territory). Alot of great music came out of Kansas. A buddy of mine got elected last month to the Kansas Rock and Roll Hall of Fame....he is Danny Gregory who played with the Roulettes back in the sixties and early seventies. I knew Jerry Wood the guitarist with Finnigan and Wood. Mike Finnigan from Witchita, played Hammond B-3 on Jimmi Hendrix's Band of Gypsies. He is still playing, do you ever hear of him?

They used to call me a Kaw Valley Hemp Picker........Many of my years from 14 to 40 were spent in and out of Kansas..........

Freedom........I enjoy what you post, makes me grateful to be sober, fully clothed and in my right mind.............toad

[Freedom1990]

Toad, I'd be honored to come and speak some time for AA in Area 39! Right now I'm a fair distance from there. I'm actually not too far west of Wichita in southcentral Kansas. I grew up in Ellsworth Kansas, and did all my partying in Salina Kansas. I'm actually hoping to relocate to MO after I get out of college as I have a good friend south of St. Louis.

I knew the Patriot Guard Riders started in Kansas, and God bless you for serving them with them! I ran across a link some time back that had the history on the Patriot Guard Riders and I did some reading.

Mike Finnigan is a name I haven't heard in quite some time! I like to go and hear the different groups at the Wichita River Festival every year, but that has grown to such epic proportions that it's a jostle-fest with all the beer drinkers to get a decent seat, and really not enjoyable for me anymore. I must be getting old!

Thanks for all your kind words, and hoping you have a blessed evening. I've got AA tonight and I pick up a gal who's lost her license for several years. She's really sweet and I enjoy having her as a newcomer to our group!