All grown up

by Jess
(Albuquerque, NM USA)

I walked into the room and found her on the couch. This was a scene I had become all too familiar with. Would she even remember our conversation from a few moments before? No doubt she was passed out from the Vodka, the odor which would smack one over the head. Why did this still bother me so? Aren't I all grown up?

As an adult child of an alcoholic, this is an all to familiar scene. The promises, the disappointment, the betrayal. What do you with this? How do you not allow such a battered, bruised relationship taint all others? Being the adult child of an addict may tell people where you have been but does not have to dictate where you are going.

How does one move on? The answer sounds simple... education, prayer,and grace.

Education- Educate yourself about alcoholism. That old saying "ignorance is bliss" really cannot apply when dealing with an addict.

Alcoholism is a disease that is not prejudicial- alcoholism will destroy regardless of race, gender, age, religion, or socio-economic status. Attend an alanon meeting, share your journey with others who have been there.

Prayer- Pray for the individual. This person is ill and needs prayer! Invite others to pray for you.

Grace- This may be the most difficult. I try to imagine Jesus on the cross saying "Father forgive them for they know not what they do.'

It is not an easy journey and there has been a lot of disappointment. I am fortunate that God reminds me on a daily basis that I do not need to be a victim of the past. I can celebrate with the one who holds my future.