Surlyredhead

Today is my 16 year Annivarsary. It seems so much more important to me this year than ever before. Most of you know that my Dad died two months ago. Since he has been gone, I have been thinking a lot about how truly grateful I am to have had these last 15+ years to enjoy what a great Father he has been to me because I was sober. I get a lump in my throat just knowing that he was proud of me and the person I am today. If I was still drinking, not only would I have let my Dad die without ever knowing me sober as an adult, but my Mom would have had to deal with it alone. Just thinking about it makes my stomach turn.....

Because I am sober....

..I was with my Dad for 15+ years right to the end as a good Daughter, able to give back (if only a little) what he has done for me..
..I am here for my Mom ( a good thing today) and we are pulling out of the darkness together...
..My 14 year old Son never knew me when I was drinking (he knows I am in recovery)..
..I am responsible..
..I can hold a job..
..I am healthy..
..I am happy..
..I am a good friend to others..
..I wake up with clear eyes, happy to start another day..
..I can hold out a helping hand to others just starting in recovery..
..I have a house and a car (and a valid license!!)
..With sobriety, there are to many good things to list..

I thank you all for helping me stay sober, one more day, I could have NEVER done it alone.

Cathy

CAPTAINZING2000

thanks for sharing that.

grats to you on your 16 years

Rev

Awesome! Success stories like this remind me that I can do it too, and are the best motivation. Thanks for using those years to help out people like me.

Rev

yeahgr8

Congratulations on the 16 years! Great share, thanks!

NEOMARXIST

Nice one on 16 years sober!!

Peace

Aysha

WakeUp

16 years, that's great surly!

least

Sixteen years!! That's really great!

aasharon90

Accomplished many one days at
a time collected to get u were
u r today. Blessings upon you
always.

Horselover

Congratulations Cathy and thanks for sharing how positive your life became. Really, really appreciate it.

Dee74

Congratulations Cathy - & thank you for all you do here

D

pinkgurl87

Congrats on the 16 years that is amazing!!!

kyb5

WOW......congrats!!

Thanks for giving me hope.



.

joinedintime

Well done!!
Well written too.
Thank you for the inspiration.

wichitalineman

I say this from time to time when people are celebrating their many victories in sobriety (go us!)... but I would like to REALLY emphasize this today...

Can I just be clear: You said 'Sixteen Years'... sixteen... so let's see, thats a one followed by a six... sixteen... years? YEARS? SIXTEEN YEARS?!?!

THAT IS ABSOLUTELY HUGE!!!! I am about 2 hours from being at four months, I can't even imagine yet how great I will feel at 16 years!! Wow, this is so unbelievably gigantic, I can't even begin to say it! This is a MASSIVE inspiration for us newbies, thank you so much for posting, and congratulations on your banner day!!!!

Reubena

Congrats on 16 years!

Thanks so much for sharing all the accomplishments you have achieved in the last 16 years! I really needed that today.

Anna

Hi Cathy,

Congratulations!

And, thank you for all the support you offer to our members.

LibertyorDeath

What a touching post. Thanks for sharing and many blessings to you!

Impurrfect

(((Cathy))) - congratulations!!!

Thanks for such an awesome post, and for all you do here.

Many, many hugs and prayers to you (and your mom)

Amy

coffeenut

16 years. You truly are an inspiration, you know. We need people like you to let the rest of us know....there is indeed a way out of the hell of alcoholism.

I loved your list. It made me cry.