What it was like?

It was two decades driving down a highway with no speed limit or off ramps, filled with lies and selfish behavior. The sound of a pill bottle shaking, plastic baggie crinkling, or liquor bottle coming out of the well sounded better than the sound of my sisters car pulling in the driveway with my infant nephew in tow. Didn’t care about anything.

What happened?

When my nephew was old enough and started to recognize who I was and when I was there, but more importantly, when I was there but not present, that killed me. Even though I still didn’t want to live, I didn’t want to die either. I wanted to be there for my nephew and watch him grow up. For me, that was enough.

What it is like now?

I didn’t get sober to get those I pushed away, back. I got sober to be a better man and be there for others. I am now a trusted brother, Uncle, and friend. I am an available and dependable brother, Uncle, and friend. I am an honest brother, Uncle, and friend. As long as I put my sobriety and others first, and my selfish desires last, everything will continue to fall into place and be AMAZING!