Loss, Recovery and Tough Family Choices
Dear Annie: I am also a parent of a child who lost his battle with addiction in 2022. There are so many of us with difficult stories to share.
My son found alcohol and drugs at 15 and battled those demons until his death at the age of 30. I have come to know that there are some types of brains that truly do not know how to turn off that switch. We did all we could do as a family, and as a mother, I was taken into a series of events that I was neither prepared for nor able to combat effectively.
I have come to view those years with my son as a time where I examined the fragility of life and the undeniable love I had for another person. I miss my son every day, but I wouldn't take one bit of my time away from him, even though many of those times were bleak. I see the world much differently now and am a better person for that.
I hope that those who have experienced this type of loss will come to a peaceful place with the grief that is often overwhelming and focus on helping others with the benefits of the knowledge that they have learned. Thank you for printing these letters. It reminds us all that we are not alone. -- A Mom of Grief
Dear Mom of Grief: I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story and for your understanding that you are not alone.
Dear Annie: Reading those letters from parents of alcoholics brought tears to my eyes. I am a recovering addict/alcoholic. It took three rehabs and two relapses in my recovery. I am grateful to God I'm still alive.
I wrote this letter to send hugs, love and understanding to all those who are still suffering. AA and NA gave me a free, wonderful recovering life. Don't quit until the miracle happens. -- Miracles Happen
Dear Miracles: Thank you for your letter. I hope it encourages others to carry on.
Dear Annie: I always read your column and have forever, but today is the first time I've been inspired to write.
I read the letter from the woman who was saying her parents were celebrating their 50th but felt they should have ended the marriage years ago.
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