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KY_EnviroGuy

(14,605 posts)
Sat Sep 14, 2024, 10:45 PM Sep 2024

A 34th anniversary of a different sort.

On the morning of this day, a Friday, September 14th in 1990, my wife (RIP) drove me to University of Louisville Hospital where I was admitted into the detox ward and where I began a brand-new life at the age of 43. I tried to gain admission to regular treatment centers here in town but was far too sick. A big tumbler of wine slugged down in the parking garage was my last drink of alcohol, a moment which must never be repeated. I was there for about a week and will never forget waking up Sunday morning still with an I-V in my arm and feeling well for the first time in many, many years.

I'm forever grateful for the lasting support my family and friends so graciously gave me through the years and for the team of doctors at U of L that treated me. My family and friends provided the patience and love I needed as I started a journey of total rebuilding, as did thousands of AA meetings - many of which were out of state as I traveled for work.

Each year, this date brings back a flood of precious memories of the hundreds of special people that helped me along the way, from my first AA "home group" of crazy working men here in town to a retired cowboy and miner in Wyoming (and another in Utah) and a retired paper mill maintenance man from Gardner, Oregon who took me on a grand tour of the coastline during a weekend break. A gracious fellow working in a chemical plant in Newark brought me a packet of AA literature to direct me to meetings, while I got to see the Twin Towers still standing proud from the Newark Bay shoreline. These were all everyday AA members that needed to help me in order to stay sober and who extended a helping hand to a shy boy from Kentucky. That dedicated shower of love is what we all need during the worst of our struggles, along with good professional help.

These statements of sobriety dates must never be about pats on the back but instead quiet reflection and gratitude, and most importantly - an example for those still struggling to achieve lasting freedom from addiction and that yes, it's possible.

With love to all and have a great weekend!

KY..........

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A 34th anniversary of a different sort. (Original Post) KY_EnviroGuy Sep 2024 OP
Beautiful, beautiful story -- and my deepest congratulations to you for your courage and fierywoman Sep 2024 #1
Congrats, man! johnnyplankton Sep 2024 #2
Congratulations johnnyplankton Clouds Passing Sep 2024 #4
Congratulations KY_EnviroGuy! Clouds Passing Sep 2024 #3
Congrats, KY! SheltieLover Sep 15 #5
Congratulations, KY RainCaster Sep 15 #6
Kudos to you! bif Sep 15 #7
Thanks, bif. KY_EnviroGuy Sep 15 #8

fierywoman

(8,128 posts)
1. Beautiful, beautiful story -- and my deepest congratulations to you for your courage and
Sat Sep 14, 2024, 10:52 PM
Sep 2024

hard work.

johnnyplankton

(455 posts)
2. Congrats, man!
Sat Sep 14, 2024, 10:55 PM
Sep 2024

Hit 21 myself on Tuesday. I couldn't stop until I realized I couldn't stop on my own. AA saved my life too.

Clouds Passing

(2,569 posts)
3. Congratulations KY_EnviroGuy!
Sat Sep 14, 2024, 11:11 PM
Sep 2024

I hope your story reaches many ears, minds and hearts! Your story is a gift for anyone who hears it and that these fortunate people choose sobriety.

You are so lucky to have been surrounded and encouraged by your wife, family, friends and strangers who care!

May you walk in clarity, love and the peace of sobriety for all your days.

Love and Peace, Clouds Passing

For your wife

RainCaster

(11,603 posts)
6. Congratulations, KY
Sun Sep 15, 2024, 09:42 AM
Sep 15

Some day I will get there, too. If I just keep stringing along 24 hours at a time. Service work is essential, as you know.

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