a coma is an apt metaphor if he is using using using...
my ex is back at work in recovery again, without living here as an enabling distraction (?)
the other metaphor/comparison that I occasionally use is that he is off at war..."employed" on the front lines. god bless him
certainly it is not the same as men who are called to service in the wars that our country engages in...
but the man is fighting an intense battle
sometimes the enemy ambushes
sometimes the soldier is not keeping guard according to orders
sometimes the battle is lost
it is not my battle
I do hope he one day returns to his home, stable, immersed in the victory of recovery and ready to receive welcome and love, whether that is with me or someone else