Update-Big fat dose of powerless

[callieco]

I am back from vacation and fully recovered from the appendectomy. My husband and I were gone 9 days...just the two of us...it was during National Parks Week....So we visited 6! loved every minute of it....and the beautiful reminder to me of how big my HP (who I call God) is....bigger than anything I am going through right now. Right before we left...I recieved a txt from my oldest son...not an addict...successful doing well...I guess you could say that with all I have been through with my AS that I kling to the fact that my oldest never seems to have a struggle or a problem.....well he txt'd me to notify me that he fathered a child with a young woman he briefly dated last summer and that the baby, a little girl, was born three weeks ago. Then he sent me pictures....of course I fell in love instantly....I talked to my son...he said this isnt what he had planned right now...(gee wonder where he gets that from lol) ...no it sure isnt...but shes here now...he is letting it sink in and saw her three times last week. Today I got to meet her for the first time...she is so precious. I plan on enjoying every minute that I am able to spend time with her and am so thankful her Mom wants us to be part of their lives.

Then, I got a call from my AS tonight and I guess I can actually call him my RAS at the moment....he is doing so well...he actually called me once last week just to see if we were enjoying our trip. He has one more week of rehab left and has applied to a sober living home and will be moving there in another week. He started back to work a week and a half ago. Hes doing it! Just for today hes doing the right thing....He sounds better than I have heard him sound in a very long time. I know that nothing I can say or do can stop him if he decides to blow it and use again...I have given it to God...but I would ask that others pray for him too as the sober home he is moving to just happens to be 2 blocks from where a long time addict friend of his lives...this guy lives with his parents still and they continue to turn their head as he uses in their home...please pray for him and his family also.

I am so grateful for this forum. Though I dont diligently work the program as others or as I should...I cannot imagine where I would be right now if it werent for the forum and the program.

[Cheryl]

Congratulations on the new addition to your family. Your granddaughter is very lucky to be welcomed into your family, to be surrounded by love.

And I am happy to hear about your son. I know how hard it has been for you. Once my son came home from treatment 18 months ago, he made the decision to stay away from any of his former drug-using buddies; he knew from what he had learned that just being around them could be a trigger for relapse and hopefully your son will feel that way.

You wrote,

I know that nothing I can say or do can stop him if he decides to blow it and use again

In the event that relapse occurs for your son, it does not have to result in "collapse", it doesn't have to mean that he has blown his recovery. My son has had a recent relapse using alcohol (to help with sleep ) but, he is taking responsibility for his recovery, going to 1 or 2 meetings a day for right now, and working closely with a new sponsor. I think it is terrific that your son has gone back to work and that he has found a sober living house .... those are positive steps in making a smooth transition.

Hang in there. You are not alone.

Love,
Cheryl

[evergrowing]

I think sometimes it is hard to measure our own growth. But I hear so much detachment, acceptance and awareness in your share. Sometimes its easier for our Nar Anon family to help us to see it.

How exciting that you have a granddaughter. I am so happy that the mom is open to having you in its life. What a blessing for all of you!

Enjoy the peace. Keep taking care of you!

[Christina]

So good to hear the positivity!