My mom died as a result of this awful disease, her choices left her riddled with guilt and unable to be happy. So she drank.....and drank.When she died I was devastated as we had only been reconciled a short time. I wrote her a letter after she passed and I didn't hold back. It was a cleansing process and although I began with anger and self-pity, I finished with feelings of compassion and love for her. I often take out that letter and read it, it reminds me that we are imperfect human beings but that we have the power to change, to seek serenity and have courage to greet each day, not with regrets but with hope in our hearts.