I had an opportunity to use this thread yesterday as I was talking to my son when we went to visit him in inpatient yesterday. He said that it really hurt him to know that we simply thought of him as an "alcoholic/addict". I thought of this thread and I told him all of the things I loved about him and how his addiction does not define him to us....it is all of those wonderful qualities that we love about him.
I don't know if that soaked in but I hope it will with time.
I love each and every post on this thread. I loved reading about all of these wonderful people whom we love. Thank you all for sharing. Your love came through clearly in your words.
gentle hugs