Over twenty-six years ago, this sign represented hope for our young family. My husband had decided that his addictions to drugs and alcohol had taken too much away from us, so he came to this place to find sobriety and sanity. Through many days of struggle, soul searching and commitment, the bumpy road to recovery was traveled by my husband. Relationships affected by addiction are fragile and must be reinforced by therapy for both of us. Throughout the years following addiction treatment, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings provided guidelines for healthy living.
During this weekend, we drove the same wavy, twisty journey to Starlite, so that we could attend an alumni weekend. We were surrounded by hundreds of sober-living people who had a great time eating, visiting, playing games, admiring each other's families and listening to speeches from invited guests.
Orginally, Hubby was to speak at one and then the time was changed to two and finally three o'clock was the assigned time. Doesn't sound like a big deal, does it? Each time the schedule changed, my hubby greeted the new time with, "Okay, that works for me, no problem." He didn't let the changes bother him, which helped him adjust his attitude quite quickly. Others might let postponments irritate, but not someone who appreciated all that a sober life had given him. You have to admire someone who knows that another life could have been his, if he hadn't choosen sobriety. Acceptance of changes kept my husband cool, while others around him fretted and itched with impatience.
While waiting for the speakers, music was played and Papa held his Grandlove so that they could dance. They danced like no one was watching. They danced under the hot, summer sky. They danced in joy and appreciation for all that is right in the world. They celebrated sobriety and sweetness. Capturing this moment and holding it in our hearts is what matters to us the most.
All the activities were conducted outside and for those not in our area, it is SUMMER here, already. Large, well placed, ice tubs held bottled water and sno-cones did their best to cool our insides; while the sheltering oak trees cast cool, lacy shadows. Each soft, brave breeze was greeted with a sigh of relief from us.
Our Grandlove was precious as usual. He entertained himself by exploring the blades of grass that tickled his bare legs; attempting to eat elusive ice chips from his great-grandmother's hand; and flirting with all the pretty ladies in the audience. He actually was more patient than others in our family who seemed to think that continually announcing, "I'm Hot!" would make the day cooler. Finally, late in the afternoon, I strapped the little guy in his stroller, found the shadiest spot and rocked him to sleep. What a precious little guy.
Driving home (boy was that a long drive) gave us time to appreciate how far we have come. During my husband's treatment, I would drive up on Friday nights and on Sundays I would drive home with our little girl passed out in the backseat. Now, we had our curly-headed Grandlove in the backseat and his mom next to him, love just keeps growing with us.
We are a sober family, who appreciates the past in order to value the present.
