I haven’t made a blog post in quite a while but nothing much has happened around here. I’ve been wondering what I could write about and this morning I decided I should write about a few things but mainly about what November 17th means to me and my family.
As most of you who read this blog know I used to drink quite a bit. That’s an understatement. I used to drink a LOT. I always knew I was an alcoholic but I kept telling myself I was a “functioning alcoholic” because I was able to keep a job.
Of course I kept ignoring the fact my 2nd marriage ended because of my drinking and I was fast approaching my 3rd ended marriage and then something happened that made me realize I needed to change my life.
That thing was a DUI in August of 2003.
The really sad part of this story is that I believed I was innocent and actually took it to trial. Predictably, and thankfully, I lost the trial but the judge was smart enough to know that I needed help and sentenced me to a treatment center and 100 AA meetings. I am a firm believer that he and the people who helped me during that time saved my life. I believe if I had just pleaded guilty that I wouldn’t have had the epiphany that losing a trial caused.
The day I lost the trial and the day I stopped drinking was November 17th, 2003.
I spent a few months going to a treatment center and about 100 days going to AA meeting and during that time I came to realize that many of the bad things in my life were caused by my drinking.
I also came to realize that the woman I was married to was a saint. Thankfully she didn’t leave me although looking back I wonder why.
Last night I went to an AA meeting and took a cake for my 8th birthday. As I told my story to the group it hit me that I really wasn’t embarrassed about being an alcoholic anymore and this morning when I decided to write a blog post I decided it was time to share this publicly.
The last 8 years have been so much better than the previous 30 that I spent half in a fog.
I apologize to everyone that I hurt during that time. I wish that I had been able to see what I was earlier but I can’t change that, I can only learn from it.
Today I have no compulsion to drink. I thank my higher power for that. Today I can think much more clearly and I try to treat people better. I still have a long way to go but I’m taking it one day at a time.
What an awesome testimony! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. What you’ve done for the past eight years has taken a lot of courage. You’ve obviously had a lot of support from your family and that is invaluable Continue taking care of yourself and may God bless and keep you.
Comment by Dianna — Sunday November 20, 2011 @ 12:17 pm
You must realize how much this blog means to your family. We are so proud of you that you have never once “fallen off”. That takes so much will power; we can never overlook that. You are so much fun to be with now. God bless you, my dear son. There was alcoholism in your family background, and I’m happy to say that you are one who has the miserable illness, and are overcoming it each day..
Comment by Mom — Sunday November 20, 2011 @ 12:55 pm
My last sentence doesn’t sound right. I’m not happy that you have the illness; that would be a dumb thing to say. I’m overjoyed that you are overcoming it each day.
Comment by Mom — Sunday November 20, 2011 @ 1:09 pm
I knew exactly what you meant Mom. Thank you.
Comment by Don — Sunday November 20, 2011 @ 2:52 pm
This blog was certainly worth waiting for, Don. Beautifully thought out and written, emotionally personal and courageous.
Comment by Dale — Sunday November 20, 2011 @ 4:33 pm
I remember those days, though I guess it was worse than I suspected then. The change in you is wonderful. I guess AA has saved a lot of people.
Happy Anniversary!
Comment by Daryl — Monday November 21, 2011 @ 4:26 pm
Wow, that’s a real accomplishment. Congratulations! I didn’t realize it went as far back as your marriage to Judi. Betty is certainly a treasure. ♥
Comment by Donna — Tuesday November 22, 2011 @ 5:33 pm