On May 21, 1993, I called my husband’s aunt during a blackout reaching out for help. She ran a recovery center at the time. God was truly doing for me what I could not do for myself – making that first call. Usually after a blackout, bits and pieces come back to me until the picture is complete. However, the night of May 21 was never fully recovered. The phone call brought me to the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous. I remember being truly concerned that I would not be able to drink champagne at my daughter’s wedding. My daughter was only 18 months old!!! If your alcoholic, you understand.
I remained sober for 17 years, relapsed for 3 years and I currently have over 4 ½ years of sobriety. And guess what happened during my sobriety? Not only did I celebrate both of my children’s college graduation, my daughter got married last month. And… I did it all sober!!! The worry and concern over not drinking at my daughter’s wedding in 1993, proved to be wasted energy. From planning the engagement through the wedding day, I had no desire to drink. But, I’ve also put in A LOT of hard work in to my sobriety and have regained trust with my family. It would be insanity to throw it away for the most important day of my daughter’s life.
There are parts of the wedding day that I do not recall. There are pictures that I do not remember taking. But contrary to an alcoholic blackout, I simply do not remember due to the whirlwind of emotions. The day was filled with family, love, joy and laughter. And I was there to fully participate, to be present.
With the celebrations behind us, my son settling into his new career in another state and my daughter now married with her own family, my husband and I start a new chapter – empty nesters (that’ll be a good future topic to post about!!!). In the meantime, I need to keep my sobriety my priority because the reality is that I’m an alcoholic – I may have another drunk left in me, but I’m not guaranteed another recovery.
Imagine with all your mind ~ Believe with all your heart ~ Achieve with all your might
Lisa
Life With Lisa 
Inspiring 😊
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Proud of you, your choices and your inspiration.
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Thank you!
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Ha…love the part about not being able to drink at your daughters wedding, when she was 18 months. Your transformation post (3 Years in the Making) caught my eye as I am searching for that inspiration to change my eating/exercise pattern and lose weight. Ironic that you were in Newport Beach, my hometown. It’s nice to be reminded that I live in a pretty cool place.
I recognized recently that my weight battle is really another manifestation of addiction. Who else would lose 5 lbs and then go out, buy a quart of ice cream, and proceed to eat the whole quart. We’re empty-nester(ish). I want to be around for the next part of life. The weight has to go…argh!
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Good morning, I really appreciate your feedback!!! Yes, you live in a VERY cool place. So beautiful and serene. My journey began with Weight Watchers. It’s not about all or nothing, it’s about balance. I encourage you to check them out. Baby steps along the way will take you far. Please keep me posted!!!
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