“Recognize that life is what you get when you’re born … living is what you do with it.” – Jim Allen
It was April 13, 1988 I was hammered at a bar in Cortland NY. I was in college my sixth full-time year in college with only an Associates degree to show for it. I had called my mother in desperation, I was surrounded by friends that thought I was having fun, but internally I was drowning and lost. I had called her several times over the past month, always drunk and in the middle of the night. But this time was different, she said, “Danny, don’t call me back tomorrow and tell me you are fine, I am coming to get you”.
The next day April 14, 1988, my parents showed up at the pizza shop I worked at part-time. I got in the car and they drove me to see my two children in Albany and then South back to Long Island to the Veterans Hospital where I went for detox and rehab.
It has been twenty-four years today. I must admit there have been some extremely difficult life situations since that time but nothing like the desperation and pain I felt. I felt alone and lost amongst many as an active drunk! Life has new meaning, I continue to learn about myself and grow. I live by the mantra my sponsor taught me, “Life is meant to be enjoyed and not to be endured”! I can tell you this today, LIFE IS GOOD!
Go, Go, Go…
Dan 🙂