Category Archives: The Ongoing Story

My daughter is doing great in school and on her sports team.  She’s been bumped up a level in her sport and she’s so excited!  I wanted to post this because it’s one way for me to acknowledge publicly that there is more going on in my family than drug recovery.

I’ve had a few good nights of sleep since my oldest went to rehab — It’s just not consistent yet.  I still have those nights — like last night — when I wake up at 3:00AM with worries running through my mind.  I know this happens to many moms for many reasons.  I’m not alone.  

I am learning to use meditation techniques like deep breathing and creative visualization to at least relax my mind and body even if sleep is difficult.  And of course, prayer…

Before I back up to the early parts of the story, I want to say that right now, I have hope.  I actually have real hope that both of my boys will work their recovery processes and get healthy again.  This isn’t an easy hope to handle.  Some will say the odds are against them.  But I’m listing what’s on their side:

• A strong family and professional support system.
• Intervention/counseling/rehabilitation in early stages of use.
• A strong desire to be well and live healthy lives.

I’m not an idealist.  I know there are always risks of relapse.  But I’ve got to have hope.  Heck — I’m a mom — hope is part of my job.  Not blind hope.  But hope nonetheless.

My oldest boy is finishing up a 28-day rehab stint in an excellent facility.  He’s doing great, and he’s now leading others who are just getting started.  And the younger boy, he was in the very early stages of use when he confessed his involvement with heroin.  He’s doing great with a low dose of medication and weekly counseling. 

I don’t know what lies ahead.  But today, I am hopeful.  And I’ll take every ounce of optimism I can get my hands on!