- Drugs
As I write this story, it’s the Monday after Thanksgiving, 2014. It’s also the first day of December, which means we’re smack dab in the middle of the holiday shopping season. But this Christmas—just like the last two Christmases—I don’t need anyone to buy me anything, because I already have the greatest gift I could ask for: My oldest son’s sobriety.
I’ve written extensively about my son’s addiction and recovery. I’ve documented my family’s experiences in my personal blog (http://mylifeas3d.blogspot.com) and in blogs and stories for other sites (including Heroes in Recovery). Whenever I look back at how far we’ve come, I’m always reminded of how difficult the holiday season used to be for us.
There were eight or so years that were incredibly challenging for my family. My son’s depression and addiction made Thanksgiving and Christmas less than happy occasions for a number of years. Personally, I reached a point where I wished I could just push a button and fast-forward through the holidays. It was that painful and stressful. But I struggled through as best I could.
Then my son finally got clean and sober in July of 2012. And things changed dramatically.
Thanksgiving and Christmas were kind of surreal in 2012. My son was pretty new to serious recovery and the family was still getting used to it. It was to go through the two biggest holidays of the year without wondering if my son was going to want to participate, whether he’d be high if he did participate, or if things were going to just blow up. Things were actually normal.
After the holidays passed, it was like we had experienced some kind of dream. Except it wasn’t a dream. It was real.
My son continued to maintain his sobriety and the 2013 holiday season was downright amazing, free of any stress, worry, or fear. The prior year was great practice for us and we were able to thoroughly enjoy the love and comfort of family like we hadn’t been able to do in a very long time.
Now 2014 is upon us. My son has been clean and sober for two years and five months. Thanksgiving this year was like something out of a storybook. My family celebrated together, enjoying each other’s company and fabulous food.
My son has come so far and matured so much during his recovery journey. It’s like having a brand-new member of the family. He is becoming everything my wife and I knew he was capable of—and more. He’s a joy to be around, a joy to converse with, and has a heart of gold. He works full-time, has his own benefits, and lives with a girlfriend he adores (and vice versa). He smiles all the time and expresses gratitude and thanks like he never has before.
If you would’ve told me five, or four, or even three years ago that my son and my family would be where we’re at today, I never would’ve believed you. But you would’ve been right. Recovery can and does happen, and I have my son to offer up as proof.
If addiction is affecting you or someone you love, please don’t ever give up hope. Keep the faith and continue to work toward the goal of recovery. Even if it seems to be something that’s out of reach, keep trying and know that becoming a hero in recovery is most definitely possible.
I know this, because my son is my hero. And I can’t wait ‘til Christmas.