The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
A friend of mine passed away yesterday AM due to multi organ failure and a stomach infection as a result of his alcoholism. I was close to his wife, actually, as she was a rock at many of our AL Anon meetings and she and I had traveled to a few Christian women's retreats together that her church organized. She was a very spiritual woman who was strong in her faith, she was so selfless, and so in love with her husband despite what the disease was doing to him and to their family, at times.
He was 41 and leaves behind my beautiful friend and their 2 young children, aged 10 and 11. It's been a heartbreaking few days for me as he had taken a bit of a turn for the better a few days ago but then it was all downhill afterwards.
I hate seeing what this disease does to people and to see what gets left behind for those who have to grieve and pick up the pieces. I cried on and off yesterday for her and for the children. So difficult for me to visualize them not being together. Every picture of them together on Facebook would have her beaming up at him and completely in love. She adored him and he was truly a good protector to her. It breaks my heart but it also makes me grateful for program, for recovery, and for my own family and our good health. I'm coming down with a cold, I've got two down with fevers right now, but I'm just plain old grateful that I'm jobless right now so that I can serve them. God is good.
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Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be!
Right Andromeda this is a very very heartbreaking disease and being that is over 6000 years old it has taken more than it's share of victims both drinker and non. Your empathy is very supportive and important. ((((hugs))))
(((Andromeda))) - I'm so sorry for the loss for you, your friend and the family. It is so hard to watch this disease destroy as it does. God is good and your willingness to be of service is spot on. Sending positive thoughts and prayers for all....(((hugs)))
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Prayers, it's so hard to watch the disease in action. I am dealing with a friend who is active and trying to find the right balance between boundaries and self preservation. Knowing if she continues on it means a certain death for her is very difficult for me to reconcile.
Hugs S :)
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Faith minus vulnerability and mystery equals extremism. If you've got all the answers, then don't call what you do "faith". - Brene Brown
"Whatever truth you own doesn't own you" - Gary John Bishop
I'm sorry for your friend. I watch too many fall down and hit rock bottom and NOT be able to get back up and it hurts my heart to watch it and know there's nothing you can do. They are battling their own demons and all we can do is offer support and be a friend. HUGS!
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Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be!
