The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
My husband and son are going to upper Michigan to go hunting together. To most people it's pretty uneventful. To me, it's pure joy :)
My son has waited for this for a literal lifetime. To be with his Dad. Some background: I didn't allow my son to go anywhere with his Dad because of the drinking. When my son was 10 there was an incedent that stopped everything. He had went camping with his Dad just a few towns away. While there, my A got drunk and hit a tree in the campground with my son riding in the back of his truck. He wasn't hurt only because they were in the campground and couldn't go very fast. It was a huge wake up call for me. I couldn't ever fool myself again that an A would do the right thing because our son was with him. I was in denial back then that alcohol wins over everything and everyone else, no matter how precious.
My husband's father was killed in a air show accident when husband was only 21. He left the cabin and 50 acres to my husband and his brother, who is 2 yrs younger. A wonderful man that was their Father's best friend took them under his wing and acted as a father figure and has done so for the last 30 some yrs. He is the camp cook :) He's called me several times over the years to give me support and ask how my husband is doing. He was very saddened that alcohol ruled his world.
My husband hasn't gone up north hunting for about 4 yrs. The Father figure is getting on in years, in his 80's. My son has only met him a couple times (because we live 400 miles apart) but knows we adore him. His wife has early onset Alzheimers so this will most likely be the last year he goes. My son has never gone to the cabin. A drunk, guns and son were 3 things that I couldn't allow together.
My husband's brother and his family also live 400 miles from us. Our son is close to his Uncle but doesn't get to see him very often. There's loads of laughing when my son is with his Uncle and cousins. We have managed to make the trip most years for Christmas or Thanksgiving.
So...my husband calls my son (now 18) and asks him if he can get out of work to go hunting. My sons eyes lit up like the 4th of July and he is soooooo excited. He gets to: Spend the time with his Sober Dad that he has dreamed of. See the property he will inherit someday. Learn the rules of hunting, taught by his Dad. Be with his Uncle and cousins (2 boys 20 and 22). Get to know the father/grandpa figure. Do a bunch of male bonding. Experience the wilderness (the closest store is 2 miles).
His first question to me..."can I take a guitar?" LOL!!!!
My husband is flying from Alaska to MI (he works/lives there, for those who don't know) and son will fly from here to meet him. From there they will rent a car to get up to the cabin. About a 4 hr. drive. It should be a memorable experience since the cabins electricity comes from a generator and heat is from a wood stove. There's nothing fancy about it.
I can't tell you how happy I am. Husband will be 3 yrs sober this Feb. and is doing wonderfully. He has worked for BP in Alaska for a little over 2 yrs. He's been promoted 2X and is the boss of his department. He was just honored at a banquet for his commitment and work ethic. I flew to Alaska to be there and surprise him, plus it was his Birthday. He was pretty surprised!! I was supposed to be 4,000 miles away. I even went as far as to have one of my friends answer his morning e-mail to me so he would think I was still home. I spent 10 wonderful days with him.
Life is really, really good :)
Christy
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If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
One of those gifts Christy , who would have thunk it ?? I remember his trip to hell 3 yrs ago was with u every step of the way . Miracles all around us , just gotta be alert to not miss them . Am so happy for your son , and am reminded that sometimes we get to watch . *hugs* Louise
Hard to believe it was 3 years ago when that hell started. I remember you coming into the chat room and barely believing that he might live. Now look where you and the family are. Give hubby an extra hug for me. Tell him how proud I am of him. I hope they have an extra special trip. I know Tim will be looking down over them and keeping them safe and sound. I know he's in a better place as he sent me pansies this fall. Pansies don't bloom in the fall in the Northeast. But they did here, for me. So if your "boys" get into some fun kind of trouble, I have the feeling Tim's prodding them along to do so. Boys will be boys. So glad that life is good for you. Much love and blessings to you and your family. Love ya girlfriend. Kiss the animals for me.
Live strong, Karilynn & Pipers Kitty
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
Another great aspect of this program is in your comments. Three yrs ago I shared lots of pain and fear, and you were there. Sometimes in to the wee hours of the morning, thank you. Now you share my happiness. Both are invaluable to me and I will be forever grateful for both fear and the joy and where it led me...but most of all for life long friends.
Christy
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If we think that miracles are normal, we will expect them. And expecting a miracle is the surest way to get one.
I love how this MIP family is here to share the load during the painful times and also here to celebrate the joy. I feel so happy for all of your family from the 80 something father figure to cousins, uncle, son, husband and you!!! Hurray for happy times. Thanks for sharing this Christy!
hugs, ddub
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"Choices are the hinges of destiny." Pythagoras You can't change the past, but you can change the future.
