15 years ago today...
15 years ago today, June 5, 2011, was my last day of drinking. 15 years ago today, I was unemployed and un-employable. I was a drunk Mom to a 3-year-old little girl. I was living in a local homeless shelter that did not allow drinking or drugging. I had been caught drinking and was waiting for a detox bed. I knew that if I got caught drinking again, we would lose our housing. I. Could. Not. Stop. Drinking! Everyday I would wake up and say I was not going to drink that day. By 4:00 pm, I would have to be drunk or I would be angry, sullen, and sick.
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon but my soul was dark. I was drinking my daily fifth of rot-gut, store brand, turpentine-y vodka, alone as I preferred. My Daughter was napping in her stroller. My best drinking buddy, at the time, came up to me. I don't remember all the details but I had to walk away from her because I wanted to hit her! I pretty much already hated everybody and they hated me too 🤣
I woke up / came to, the next morning, June 6, 2011, and started my day hungover, like always, when I got the call. A detox bed was available. I washed our laundry, went to the clinic for Librium, my Mom came and got my Daughter and I shakily went to detox. Checking into Detox was my leap of faith (the size of a mustard seed).
It was the first in a series of steps that have changed my life and brought me back from the brink of the abyss!
I completed detox. I did 90 in 90. I got a sponsor. I worked the steps. Within 6 months, I was out of the toxic, abusive relationship I was in with my Daughter's Father. Within a year I was working full time. Within 18 months we were out of the shelter.
My Daughter is graduating highschool in less than 2 weeks. We have been living in our home for over 12 years. I have been at the same job for almost 8 years.
We have had our ups and downs, but mainly ups! Through the steps I was able to find God! I've grown up in AA and I am who I always wanted to be. I am of service to my family, I am a worker amongst workers, I am actively involved with AA.
I thank God that I was so desperate when I got here that all I could do was listen and follow instructions (for the first time ever😂🤣😂) I am happy and at peace. AA has given me a life that I am proud of.
I hope this helps someone who may be struggling. We can and do recover! Tomorrow, June 6, 2026, I will be celebrating 15 years of continuous sobriety and I guard my sobriety because it is a precious gift to me!
Thank you for letting me share💝