I ran the marathon in Providence last Sunday and although I finished in the bottom of the pack, I can't see it as anything else but a sign of God's grace in my life.

When you're a slow poke like me and only hope to "complete, not compete," you usually reach a point in a marathon where you know you just have to start toughing it out. Even though you've already survived 20 or more miles, the few remaining ahead of you seem impossible. You tell yourself stuff like "just...

I haven't been posting much to my blog lately because I've been finding it hard to put my thoughts and feelings into words.

I've been experiencing emotions that seem to be coming from nowhere and everywhere. I laugh sometimes and cry sometimes and often have moments of total bewilderment and doubt.

I don't think it's a sign of serious mental instability. (I'm hoping not, anyway.) I just think it's the fog of my addiction clearing a bit, allowing me to see things...

One of my greatest joys since giving up drinking is taking out the trash.

My recycle bin now boasts only a few empty juice containers, soup tins, and soda cans. No more liquor bottles overflowing down the driveway and into the street, obstructing traffic and endangering public safety.

Okay, that's an exaggeration, but not by much.

I don't suspect that many people find pride and inspiration in their trash, but I see mine as symbolic of my recycled life....

I finished the hardest part of my marathon training Saturday with a 20 mile run. The workouts get much easier now, tapering until the race on May 3rd in Providence.

I plan to run this marathon as an act of thanksgiving to God on behalf of myself and all others who struggle along with me on the road to recovery.

And if and when I cross the finish line, I'll accept neither credit nor congratulations, but acknowledge my many blessings and pray for continued perserverance....

I cracked a tooth and may not be able to get in to see my dentist for a few days.

It's not unbearable, but it's sore. Aspirin doesn't seem to be helping much.

There's an old statue in the Stephansdom in Vienna which, legend says, can afflict an unrepentant sinner with a toothache.

Now I'm not saying that's what happened to me, although I was there recently and was still out of control at the time... But if so, it's more of a blessing than a curse....