When today's guest contacted me I was unsure about how his message would resonate with YOU, my audience. After all, you're used to hearing what authors treasure and learning about their books.
But I think his message is uplifting and definitely something to treasure so please welcome Dale Vernor....
Treasuring My Sobriety After
Alchol Rehab
I look at my daughter now and I know I would do absolutely
anything to protect her, to ensure her happiness. But there was a time not too
long ago when I couldn’t say that — even in my most drunken moments.
Yes. I’m an alcoholic.
I am one of those fortunate ones who had help, who was
forced to get help. And just in the nick of time, alcohol rehab changed my
life. Today I treasure my family and in order to be the best for them I have to
also treasure my sobriety, if it were not for finding it, I would have no
family to love so dearly.
It Wasn’t Bad… In the Beginning
I used to tell myself that alcohol wasn’t all bad because
I met my wife in a bar. She was celebrating a cousin’s engagement and she
noticed me sitting alone in the bar. She approached me then and there. I
should’ve been mortified. But I already had a couple of glasses in me and I
readily answered all her questions. I think she really believed I liked her,
too. I think it was only later that she realized that I was so flirty with her
because I was already drunk.
She always said she didn’t mind that I drank more than she
did. She said I was a sweet and quiet when I was drunk. And then she got
pregnant and there wasn’t really time for us to think.
After the baby was born, my drinking got worse. It’s scary
being in charge of a whole person. You need liquid courage; at least that’s
what I told myself. I felt I enjoyed my time with the baby more when I had a
few sips. I was more relaxed.
My Wife Knew I Had a Problem
Once, my stash of vodka in the laundry room disappeared. I
think, like me, she was trying to deny it.
Until she came home early one day and saw me lying face
down, naked a few feet from my robe and the crib. The baby’s face was already
red from crying and her bottom was irritated from a very soggy diaper. It
could’ve been worse, but it was enough for her. The next day, my daughter spent
the day at a childcare center while my wife
brought me to an alcohol rehab facility.
That was more than three years ago.
What I Learned
One of the most important things I learned in rehab was
that I had to forgive myself for what I had done in the past, while the alcohol
still had its grip on me. It’s not easy. I look at my little girl and wonder
what damage I had caused. But I strive to do it, and not as a punishment, but
as a way to endure.
My story could have gone in a different direction. My wife
and I didn’t really know each other all that well when we got married. I am grateful that she stayed with me throughout and didn’t take the baby and leave. I’m
also very thankful that she enrolled me in
alcohol rehab.
I cannot describe the wonder of looking at my daughter
with eyes not blurred by alcohol. I am amazed at how interesting and funny her
three-year-old stories can be. I cannot bear to imagine being drunk and not
being able to enjoy them.
And when I go out with my wife, orange juice or ginger ale
gives me a buzz when coupled with her boisterous laugh.
Every Day is Wonderful
I can smell the flowers that we planted together. I can
taste the different dishes I prepare for them.
And in five months, we will welcome a new member to our
family and I’m so excited. Not that I’m void of any apprehension. But I’m in a
good place right now—full of gratitude and love for my family and for myself. I
have faced obstacles in the past and can confidently say that I can squarely
face the challenges ahead.
