2 Years sober today
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: East of Eden
Posts: 420
2 Years sober today
Two years ago today was a Wednesday. I remember it because it was the night my wife told me she was filing for divorce and my life came crashing down around me. Everything I had ever wanted, needed and worked for came tumbling down around me. The consequences of my alcoholism finally caught up to me and ripped my family to shreds. I was plunged into a darkness and pain I had never known nor even thought possible. I didn't eat or sleep for 4 days. I was an utter and complete wreck. The Monday after she broke the news, I found myself in a wonderful rehab called The Retreat here in MN that emphasizes 12 step recovery. I dove in head first. I had nothing left to lose. Nothing.
Fast forward two years: My divorce has been final for a year. I have my own house and a reliable car. I still have my job and my relationship with my daughters is better than it ever has been. They actually have a dad now, because he's learning how to put others first and live in the moment. I have a good enough relationship with my ex wife that we and our daughters can do things as a family every now and then and actually enjoy each others company a little bit. I am very active in AA and have a sponsor, and my own sponsee. I'm able to reach out to others who need help (in the program and outside of it) and not think about getting something in return. Is my life perfect? Far from it. There has been damage done that I know will never heal or go away. That's life on life's terms. But I don't have to run from it anymore. I've been given the tools to cope with the bad things that come my way without using alcohol to escape, or the circumstances as an excuse to pick up. But I didn't do any of this alone. Without help from people, a lot of people, I wouldn't be here today. So now I try to give back what has been given to me. And I'm a grateful alcoholic.
Fast forward two years: My divorce has been final for a year. I have my own house and a reliable car. I still have my job and my relationship with my daughters is better than it ever has been. They actually have a dad now, because he's learning how to put others first and live in the moment. I have a good enough relationship with my ex wife that we and our daughters can do things as a family every now and then and actually enjoy each others company a little bit. I am very active in AA and have a sponsor, and my own sponsee. I'm able to reach out to others who need help (in the program and outside of it) and not think about getting something in return. Is my life perfect? Far from it. There has been damage done that I know will never heal or go away. That's life on life's terms. But I don't have to run from it anymore. I've been given the tools to cope with the bad things that come my way without using alcohol to escape, or the circumstances as an excuse to pick up. But I didn't do any of this alone. Without help from people, a lot of people, I wouldn't be here today. So now I try to give back what has been given to me. And I'm a grateful alcoholic.
Forum Leader
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 16,945
That's a very inspiring story NewRomanMan, thanks so much for sharing it with us. It's a real testament to the positive things that can happen in our lives despite how bad it may seem at first when quitting. Congratulations to you and your family for all the good that you've done and I'm sure it will get even better with time.
Trudgin
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,348
Well done!
Life on life's terms is having faith without seeing - we keep working and one day, maybe years from now God allows us to make amends in ways we can't even phathom today.
You've made two years of amends thus far. Keep it up
Life on life's terms is having faith without seeing - we keep working and one day, maybe years from now God allows us to make amends in ways we can't even phathom today.
You've made two years of amends thus far. Keep it up
12 Step Recovered Alcoholic
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 6,613
Congrats on two years. The fun part is over, now life begins
I have just come back from visiting some AA buddies back home. These are folks I got to know as I travelled around the country attending different meetings. I was last there more than two years ago.
It is always the same. The folks that are still there are the ones doing exactly what you are doing. Service, helping others, getting involved. This has got to be the best kept secret in AA. The others, who sat there with their hands out trying to get something for nothing? They have all been replaced by another set of faces.
I have just come back from visiting some AA buddies back home. These are folks I got to know as I travelled around the country attending different meetings. I was last there more than two years ago.
It is always the same. The folks that are still there are the ones doing exactly what you are doing. Service, helping others, getting involved. This has got to be the best kept secret in AA. The others, who sat there with their hands out trying to get something for nothing? They have all been replaced by another set of faces.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,499
Thank you. That was so great to read.
Your post gives HOPE to those who are in a similar position. When we first come here, when we have damaged ourselves and our lives and those around us seemingly beyond repair, when we are told but just can't see how things can get better if we put down the drink ... your story is an actual example of how it does get better if we stop drinking and choose sobriety.
Awesome work. Awesome post.
Your post gives HOPE to those who are in a similar position. When we first come here, when we have damaged ourselves and our lives and those around us seemingly beyond repair, when we are told but just can't see how things can get better if we put down the drink ... your story is an actual example of how it does get better if we stop drinking and choose sobriety.
Awesome work. Awesome post.
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