I received this anonymous email just now from someone who is obviously in pain. Please, if you can, leave a comment offering love and support.
Our prayers are with you, Anonymous Friend.
There are some of us who prefer to fight our demons privately. Up until now, that was me. Mostly because I didn’t want to change. I do not want to stop drinking. Ever. Only I know I must. For many reasons.
Today, I received a call from my sister’s fiance. He informed me that my sister was admitted to the hospital, her liver failing. He told me that she has been going to the hospital for 2-3 weeks now to flush out the fluids that are poisoning her since her liver can no longer keep up detoxifying her blood.
He was very stern. Strong. Factual.
I am so worried for my sister right now. The thing is, this comes as no surprise. It is no real secret. There is a history. For all of us. A history that cannot be rewritten until we are willing to face it. It is a history I don’t want to accept. Only I must. If I don’t, my daughters will suffer… as my sister, my father, my grandfathers, and yes. Even I have. This is my charge in life.
I will take on this fight to the death. I only hope I am ready for the battle that will come.
11 Comments
You don’t have to fight this battle alone. There are many different paths to sobriety, and anyone here is ready to help you find your path. I’m so proud of you for reaching out for support; that’s the first step. I’m so glad you are here.
You are not alone. You and your sister are in my prayers, and I am sending you support and love wherever you are. I’m so glad you reached out to us today, and that you felt safe enough to let us know what’s going on. Hang in there and know that we are always here if you need us.
Hugs,
Julie @ SoberMommies
As one of the members of the Sober Mommies community, thank you so much for reaching out as you did. You are very brave. Please know that you are not alone in this struggle. Many women, moms, struggle with alcohol addiction. Like you, I never wanted to stop drinking. But also like you, I knew I had to before someone, possibly me, my child, my husband, a stranger, got hurt or worse. I am sure it was very hard for you to reach out to us here. This is a safe place for support. You can find contact info on our Resources page to find some face-to-face support. It’s not easy to stop drinking but you don’t need to do it by yourself. There are people who can help. Keep coming back. Please.
Pain is a great motivator. I wish I didn’t always wait until I was IN pain to be desperate enough to change, but that seems to be how I roll. Alcoholism is a fatal disease. Fatal and ugly. We don’t die quick, pretty deaths; we kill ourselves slowly while others stand by helpless. While it may be too late for your sister, it is not too late for you. I found hope and redemption and I truly believe it saves my life one day at a time. If you choose to go that route, walking through the door to your first meeting will be the last time you have to do any of this alone. Much love and light to you.
You can do this. Like any challenge, you might not get it at first, but the worst thing you can do is let yourself believe that trials are failures. If you take a step back, take a breath and reclaim that step. Do your best to make sure that it is only one step back, not several (though you can recover from those too). It’s like a marriage–the first bit is really hard, and then you will be fine for a while. Then you’ll hit a rough patch and you’ll want to quit. Push through it and stay focused on the good things that come with sobriety, and hold them close while you ride the storm. Set little goals to acheive along the way so that you don’t get “bored” and start longing to liven things up with a drink. Life can be both beautiful and terrible when your mind is clear–make a point to focus on the things that are beautiful.
I’m so sorry your family is going through these struggles, and have for so long. It’s great you reached out, now keep on reaching! Break the cycle! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family..
You are among friends here and you can do this. Reaching out and wanting to change is the perfect first step. Thinking of you and sending you strength.
Love and prayers.
<3
Friend, I came across this prayer and have used it daily now:
Dear one, when you need someone to talk to, talk to me. When you need someone to hold you, my arms are open. When you need to be reminded of my love, listen. I will speak my heart to yours. – God.
In the busy life I live I often forget to just stop and let God have my worries. Nothing is to big or small to share and let go of. Prayers are coming your way that you find peace, joy, and contentment without having to numb your mind and body with drink. It is a hard road but one you can do with the unconditional love of these friends and God.
You aren’t alone in your fight my friend , hugs I’m so sorry your going through this and prayers for your sister …