What a Long but Well Worth it Journey its Been!

[ibizan]

31 years ago today was my last drunk and high!I clearly remember what i was wearing,who I was with,where I was and how sick and tired I felt of being unable to have that GOOD feeling anymore with alcohol and drugs.People say how can u remember that far back?BECAUSE I NEVER WANT TO FORGET WHERE I CAME FROM!When i first saw the movie Blow with Johnny Depp,I saw myself in both he and Penelope Cruz.At the end of their addiction they were sick,miserable and wore out.THAT WAS ME!My biggest cheerleader,my mother is gone now.I looked at her picture on my mantle and said One More Year Mom!All the work has been well worth it.She used to say to me,even in her advanced dementia "I know what a journey its been for you,and i'm so proud of you for continuing it"!!!!I feel her support all around me,as well as the support HERE!I don't miss being a slave to chemicals anymore.I don't miss the blackouts,the hangovers,the drunk driving the so-called fair weather friends,the withdrawal from my old loves Valium,pot,alcohol and cocaine!I have so much to be grateful for and am glad this forum exists for us!I'm blessed to know the folks with good recovery who contribute here,and you know who you are!THANK YOU!Lets keep the Recovery Train a Runnin!:)

[dominosarah]

It is so nice to see you here again!!!!!!!

[ibizan]

Thank You IB!in the beginning a few weeks of no use felt like a few years!but the years have whipped by!I give my two now gone....STRONG ethnic parents the credit.......i must've inherited their will determination and they did teach me to finish the task one starts!But for as long as I'm on this earth...its still THE JOURNEY....one hour at a time.....one more day at a time!Hope your're doing well...so nice to see you here!

[lboogie7729]

Congrats on 31 years ibizan! That is HUGE and totally inspiring!

[ibizan]

Thank You!I've had people say to me....can't believe you haven't had a few glasses of wine thru the years..or don't have a few every now and then!I NEVER had a few glasses...had to be the entire bottle!LOL!its been WELL worth it.....nothing good in life ever comes easy...or fast...and when it has its left faster then whence it came!

[ibizan]

Thank You my VERY treasured galpal in cyber recovery!yes she's with me in me and all @ me!I'm blessed to have had her in my life!Hope you and your treasured 2 leggeds and those 4 leggeds have a blessed Thanksgiving...we certainly have a lot to be thankful for!

[dominosarah]

Oh good lord, how did i miss this!!!  I remember you telling me how your mom would always remember your sobriety anniv!!  She lives thru you now and i know she is sooooo sooooo proud of you, just as i am.  You have been a powerful figure in my journey.  You have always kept it real with me.  When life was chaotic you always made me see what was really important.  I have been blessed with some really incredible people on my journey and you are one of them.  I send my love and Congrats~

Calamity and the weagle send 31 woofs!!!

[ibizan]

Thank You my Irish cyber friend!i feel my mom all @ me every second of every day and I know my dad is beside her feeling the same way!Hope all is well with you and that 4 legged companion, the 2 legged as well!:)

[rod44]

Congratulations on 31 years sober.  
Sobriety is its own reward!!

I think your Mother is looking down on you with pride :)

Thank you for your support and advice over the years,

[ibizan]

Thank You Tink!We're fortunate to have you here as a family member who had to learn the difficult task of true detachment from their loved one who sadly died from this disease.You offer such wise advice to those who come here seeking what you've learned and have to practice!I value your strength experience and love reading your posts here!

[TTinKKerBBell]

Congratulations on 31 years !!

As You know my Mother never 'chose' to take the Journey of Recovery from alcoholism so I do understand the Struggle(s) and the Despair of the alcoholic - and of those who love the alcoholic.

I have UTMOST admiration and respect for You and I am glad to know You here.  I wish my Mother could have known You.

Regards,
Tink

[ibizan]

Thank You Lesa!so glad you are here,love reading your insights and growth!You are a valued forum member!

[10356]

Congrats Ibizan !! 31 years is Wonderful !! I'm so Glad you feel the Love and Support. You Deserve all the good this Ole World has too offer !! Thank you for you leadership and guidance throughout the years !! lesa