GingerM, thanks for this. I love the phrase: "I am not entitled to the family I think I should have, only the the one I have." Recently I was thinking about how some people I've encountered in recovery seem to feel they are "entitled to have it all." I have trouble with that, because it seems they are using some sort of standard to measure what they think they "should" have (at some other time) instead of dealing with what they "do" have (today, focused on the present moment, in the now) and working from that point forward. (Not sure I'm expressing clearly!) Anyways, thanks for sharing, it was good to know your perspective. As a newbie to recovery (4.5 mos CoDA) I sometimes wonder what it's like further down the road.
And Grewup, I love your signature: "A turtle only makes progress when he sticks his neck out" So true! And these days, I'm sticking out my neck!