Make a Commitment And Then Elmer's Glue Yourself To It

My friend -- who I have taken to AA meetings, helped get set up in her first apartment, gave a copy of my book to -- texted me yesterday that she has relapsed, lost her job, and doesn't have money to pay the rent. I am devastated.

What follows came to me through Facebook today. I thought it worth sharing. I request of you the same thing this writer asked: Please share your story -- through this blog, at meetings, one on one, etc. Maybe you will help someone like my friend, who is once again lost in the high weeds:

    The Alcoholic Next Door

Today marks 16 years of sobriety! What an amazing journey it has been. 16 years ago today I woke up in a detox facility not remembering how I got there. I can still remember the feeling of relief when I found out where I was. The fight was finally over. I had no idea what to expect or what my life was going to be like sober. All I knew is that I couldn’t go on the way I was living and I made a decision to give this thing called recovery everything that I had. It was time to write my comeback story.

16 years is hard for me to put into perspective. It feels like yesterday and forever ago at the same time. Everything I have in my life today- My wife, my daughter, my family, my friends, my career is because I finally said the three hardest words I ever said- I NEED HELP. Today I am a husband, father, brother, coach, friend and mentor. I have a full life and can’t imagine where I would be today had I not stopped. If you or someone you know is struggling please reach out and ask for help. There is an amazing life waiting for you if you just have the courage to give up and ask for help. If you are one of the fortunate ones that have made it to the other side and are living a great life in sobriety I ask you to please share your story! People that are struggling need to see the possibilities and know that there is hope. I am so grateful that I have been able to impact so many people’s lives simply by being an open book and showing what is possible. You can save a life just by telling your story. What a gift that is!

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