Lost a family member this week...
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2013
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 13
Lost a family member this week...
On Monday, a cousin of mine suffered an aneurysm and was brain dead immediately. She passed away on Tuesday. At first I thought of it as just another hurdle I was going to have to get through without drinking, as I would normally handle grief with a couple of glasses of wine followed by a minimum of twelve beers. I was right that it was a hurdle, but I've realized upon reflection that it is also an inspiration for me to keep going on this journey.
She was just 46, only nine years older than I am. She was very active, social, loved life, and seldom took a drink. In fact, she was the polar opposite of myself in almost every way. The inspiration came when I realized that there is no guarantee of tomorrow no matter how we live our lives. I started to think of all the hell I have put my body through over the years and how lucky I am to have a chance to get myself healthy and go on living. I'm so very fortunate to have an opportunity to make more memories, sober memories, and do things I dreamed of doing, but never got a chance to do because I was stuck in a bottle. I'm feeling very somber after the funeral tonight, but also very sober and glad of it.
Just thought I would share...
She was just 46, only nine years older than I am. She was very active, social, loved life, and seldom took a drink. In fact, she was the polar opposite of myself in almost every way. The inspiration came when I realized that there is no guarantee of tomorrow no matter how we live our lives. I started to think of all the hell I have put my body through over the years and how lucky I am to have a chance to get myself healthy and go on living. I'm so very fortunate to have an opportunity to make more memories, sober memories, and do things I dreamed of doing, but never got a chance to do because I was stuck in a bottle. I'm feeling very somber after the funeral tonight, but also very sober and glad of it.
Just thought I would share...
Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 987
I'm so very sorry for your loss, TNGal; 46 is so young! But it's good that you didn't drink and this terrible sadness still held some inspiration for you to stay sober--- you have a very long and full life ahead of you.
Hugs and deepest sympathies to you tonight.
Hugs and deepest sympathies to you tonight.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Eire
Posts: 211
sympathies to you TN. That's very painful for you. Your reaction to this painful event is admirable. I drank my way through fathers grief making it far worse. Thanks for sharing. Its important to share your feelings during this time. Your cousin sounds like a wonderful human. RIP x
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,746
I'm sorry for your loss also. 
It's good that you've chosen to remain sober during this trying time. And you're right; we only have today. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. So living in the moment is the best thing we can do for ourselves.
It's good that you've chosen to remain sober during this trying time. And you're right; we only have today. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. So living in the moment is the best thing we can do for ourselves.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2013
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 13
Thanks for all your comments and condolences.
I am about to head out to the graveside services. Although I had another sleepless night, I have my usual sense of morning relief that I don't have a hangover as well. That would make this day doubly tough.
I am about to head out to the graveside services. Although I had another sleepless night, I have my usual sense of morning relief that I don't have a hangover as well. That would make this day doubly tough.
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