17 Years Today
Life is Grand
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Michigan
Posts: 2,039
17 Years Today
A little over 17 years ago, I was sick, tired, beat down, homeless and running from everything and everyone. I had tried so hard to kill myself with Alcohol for so long, my mind was clouded and my body was a wreck. I somehow decided, that if I wasn't going to die, I might as well learn to live again.
I dragged my sorry arse down to the Health Department, and asked for a referral to a treatment center that would keep me the longest. I was given a referral to S.H.A.R. House in Detroit (where I was bouncing from place to place) On April 27, 1994, I entered the facility...more dead than alive, two warrants out for my arrest, and my family hadn't heard from me in over two years.
I was sick for a solid month, skin so dry it was peeling everywhere, even on my hands and feet. Night sweats that would soak through my clothes and sheets. My hair was like straw, my throat felt like sandpaper...it was HORRIBLE.
But I stayed. I stayed for the 90 days in treatment, then I asked to stay longer as a resident trainee(to live there and work for $50 twice a month and room and board) I stayed and went to group and meetings for over a year after I completed my 90 days. I went to court to take care of my warrants. I got in contact with my family, who were very leary in the beginning, and I learned how to live again.
I had to learn everything, like I was a hopless child...sleep and night, awake in the day. Eat food that is healthy for mind and body, learn to let go, learn to forgive...etc.
Today, life is very good. My Dad died last year...but I had over 16 wonderful sober years with him, and I was there for my Mom. I have a great 15 year old Son who is the total love of my lofe. I can hold a job, and put a roof over my Sons head. I have a legal drivers license and a reliable car. Believe it or not, I am a respectable, responsable, productive member of society. I find great joy in just about everything, the warm feel of the Sun on my skin...the smell of the wet earth after a Summer rain shower...even the blue light outside while I shovel snow in the dark ...today, Life is grand.
Thank you to everyone here for helping me stay sober, you are all an important part of my recovery....weather you have one day, or 30 years sober....I still love to learn...and you are all my teachers.
Cathy
I dragged my sorry arse down to the Health Department, and asked for a referral to a treatment center that would keep me the longest. I was given a referral to S.H.A.R. House in Detroit (where I was bouncing from place to place) On April 27, 1994, I entered the facility...more dead than alive, two warrants out for my arrest, and my family hadn't heard from me in over two years.
I was sick for a solid month, skin so dry it was peeling everywhere, even on my hands and feet. Night sweats that would soak through my clothes and sheets. My hair was like straw, my throat felt like sandpaper...it was HORRIBLE.
But I stayed. I stayed for the 90 days in treatment, then I asked to stay longer as a resident trainee(to live there and work for $50 twice a month and room and board) I stayed and went to group and meetings for over a year after I completed my 90 days. I went to court to take care of my warrants. I got in contact with my family, who were very leary in the beginning, and I learned how to live again.
I had to learn everything, like I was a hopless child...sleep and night, awake in the day. Eat food that is healthy for mind and body, learn to let go, learn to forgive...etc.
Today, life is very good. My Dad died last year...but I had over 16 wonderful sober years with him, and I was there for my Mom. I have a great 15 year old Son who is the total love of my lofe. I can hold a job, and put a roof over my Sons head. I have a legal drivers license and a reliable car. Believe it or not, I am a respectable, responsable, productive member of society. I find great joy in just about everything, the warm feel of the Sun on my skin...the smell of the wet earth after a Summer rain shower...even the blue light outside while I shovel snow in the dark ...today, Life is grand.
Thank you to everyone here for helping me stay sober, you are all an important part of my recovery....weather you have one day, or 30 years sober....I still love to learn...and you are all my teachers.
Cathy
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 15,238
Cathy.....You are truely and inspiration
for many
who are entering recovery today. Your story can
give hope to others who only feel dispare because
we have been there.
I wish
for you many more AWESOME years of a happy
joyous life in recovery as you continue to reap the rewards
of the promises granted to us in recovery.
for many who are entering recovery today. Your story can
give hope to others who only feel dispare because
we have been there.
I wish
for you many more AWESOME years of a happy joyous life in recovery as you continue to reap the rewards
of the promises granted to us in recovery.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: TX
Posts: 87
Awesome!!!!!! You are a hero to many here if not all here! To come back from the bottom like that is incredible and can give everyone a sense of appreciation that it can be done from rock bottom or on the edge. Thank You!
:ghug3
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
