How much we miss when drinking!
 

Besides the major things we miss (like the whole life we could be living if we weren't stuck behind a bottle whenever possible).. I was struck last night by the little things that have brightened up since I sobered up. It's like I was living by flashlight and now somebody turned on the overhead light and I can see everything.

A little example: My husband is out of town again so it's just me and my kiddos. Both of them wound up in my bed at some point over night (or course. Not like I could stretch out for a night ;)). Now, 6 mos ago I would have gotten really drunk last night and now (10am) would no doubt be taking the edge off with someone or other. Instead I woke at some point over night to the sound of my son laughing in his sleep. And then about an hour later (maybe 4am) I hear a little voice whisper "Mommy? Can I lie on you?". My 2 year old.

6 months ago I wouldn't have heard her. She'd have asked in her little voice and gotten a snore as a response.

These things fuel my sobriety but oh my goodness. The memories break my heart.

Nice. VERY nice.

Thanks for sharing that.

Love that.. :)

Here's to not missing those little voices, laughter, and random childhood moments.. fabulous.

Thx for sharing :)

Thanks for the post. I can totally relate to you. 35 days and counting for me. Truly one of the best things about sobriety is to 'be' there for our kids. Enjoy your day, my friend.

This made me smile. It really is the 'little' things, isn't it.

Beautiful post, SS - so happy for you AND your family!

(Love that "Mommy, can I lie on you?" :) )

oops typo in my OP. I would be taking the edge of with someTHING (some drink). Not someONE. That wasn't how I rolled :lmao

lol....now you just made me spit out my water..... lol. Wasn't how I rolled - love it. Good stuff hon and so glad we can enjoy the little things once again.

I'm 6 mos pregnant. If you can picture the scene :rotfxko

I can really relate to this post. Snapping at my beautiful 7 year old because I do not feel well because of the night before. Not spending time with him in the evenings because i am too busy drinking. Pushing the guilt to one side when he asked me to play with him and I said no, because i would much rather be drinking. He is the most important precious thing in the world and if I do not stop this self destruction I am going to miss all the things that make him so wonderful. Dertermined that this will be the last time I have to go through this. For me and him.

Love this post and love the clarification that came later :lmao

Too sweet and too funny:) I don't think I've ever heard someone laugh in their sleep:)

Congratulations and I love this post. It is the little things like this that warm your heart and mean the most.

This gives me chills in the good ways. What small voices might be talking to me that I now have a chance of hearing?

I heard my little one laugh in her sleep last week! So cool.

What a great post. Thanks for the reminder that some of the smallest things are really the biggest things.

Thank you for sharing that.

I went on the best field trip with my 9 year old yesterday. The teacher was just glad we survived and I was sharing with her that I just had so much fun. She has no idea...

I, too, love those magical, special, and funny moments SSIL75. Sobriety gives us all those wonderful events to experience and look forward to. As a Mom of three, I treasure those times.... so glad I choose to take the sober route for my life.

Thanks for all the thoughts on what we miss out on with our children when drinking. I'm on day 11 and with my children there's a definite change. I give them more time, I'm listening more, laughing more. Today I spent 3 hours in the garden digging earth and planting vegetables with my son who is 11yrs. We were both so happy and relaxed. I never ever garden! In fact this is my first time ever planting vegetables and I know for certain that if I was still drinking I wouldn't be gardening thats for sure! Its strange how thoughts of drink took over my days. "When can I? How can I? What if someone notices?"

Now I think of drink but more in terms of sobriety and how new and amazing it is to be into my second week. I notice it everywhere, especially on sunny days like this with people in supermarkets loading up their trolleys with wine and beer. Now I'm eating ice-cream and drinking soft drinks. Its like being a kid again, and thats not a bad idea! Life is definetely simpler.

I love gardening as well with my kids... too much snow yet, usually middle of May we can plant the garden and I am SO looking forward to it Marria. Congratulations on your sober time -- it is so worth it. Enjoy!