Fresh Start
Today, I’d like to share with you something very personal and powerful. Like so many others in recovery, I dealt with a lot of deep-seated guilt. I felt guilty about the years I had wasted and the people I had hurt, especially my son Mike. One day I came to him asking forgiveness for being such a poor parent. I’ll never forget his words - this is what he said: “If you weren’t who you were then, I wouldn’t be who I am now.” I was stunned by the power of his words. With one sentence, Mike removed years of gut-wrenching guilt. I no longer had to justify, rationalize, obscure and lie about all my previous poor parenting decisions. I was free to start fresh and be the dad I always wanted to be. Once again, I could love my son without condition or suspicion. Today, Mike and I attend college together. We meet for coffee or lunch, study together, laugh and joke around. And we’re both studying Social Work, in hopes of helping others. Now, how cool is that?
Posted by mseyrig on 08/25/2008 at 5:30 AMAdd Comment
Comment posted by Anonymous on 08/25/2008 at 4:31 PM You are in the home stretch! We are counting the days till you are safely home again. Your "fresh start" inspires us every day. Thank you. God speed. Diane and Jim
