May can be tough on mothers. Especially for those waiting for a call on Mother’s Day that never comes. I’ve had my share of those. This year was another. Which is why I revisited a tribute I wrote about my son ten years ago during an especially hopeful time in his life, right after the birth of his daughter. I thought he’d finally beaten down his addiction, and the life I always hoped for him was taking off. Reading this still gives me hope. He did it once. He can do it again. And whether he calls me or not on Mother’s Day, there’s a love bond between us that cannot be broken.
I know it's not a popular view, but I don't see it as a disease. At least not a physical or hereditary one. I view it as (in my case) a spiritual malady that is fully curable. Curable in the sense that the chemica, or habit, is merely a symptom of said malady.
I do agree with some of what you say. It is a spiritual malady that is curable when one reaches that level of enlightenment where one finds peace and a sense of inner well-being whatever the outward circumstances. But I do believe that there is a hereditary component to becoming susceptible to addiction, and while many who become addicted are self-medicating, searching for a sense of peace and joy that alleviates painful maladies, taking addictive drugs like heroin changes your brain and ability to make healthful choices. The cravings become life-consuming, a hellish torment that only the heavenly heroin can sure. It's a vicious cycle. In that sense it's a physical and spiritual dis-ease. Of course, I'm speaking from the outside, as one who has witnessed its torment, not experienced it. But can you be cured of addiction? Yes, I believe so. But I also believe that addicts deserve our compassion---no one chooses to become an addict, chooses to become homeless, but the resources to heal addiction are tragically lacking, and the stigma of addiction and homelessness exacerbates the problem, and for many, seals their fate.
You're correct on so many points. Susceptibility I won't deny, although I don't ascribe it in my case. I have a special relationship with and understang of "junkies", they're my kind of people, even though alcohol was "my thing". Lack of empathy and resources are a terrible thing and the plethora of aggravating factors in society are rampant and growing. Check out the song, "Mind of a Junkie" by Anders Osborne, it crowns my "Recovery" Playlist.
My sonnet Echoes is one of my semi-covert pieces on my "recovery " experience. It's on my website. I maintain just over 45 sonnets there and replace any I use for my Monday posts.
It made me fill with tears reading this Deborah. We have to keep faith in our kids above all else. If a mother can’t then who can?
Love and strength to you xx
You are absolutely right, Julie. Thank you for coming here and subscribing. It means a lot to me.
Thank you for sharing such a personal journey. Life is a fertilizer for that food of love we call poetry.
It is indeed. Thanks Frank.
I understand "recovery" myself, not having had a drink for over 57 months.
Addiction is a heartbreaking disease and habit so difficult to break. Stay strong.
I know it's not a popular view, but I don't see it as a disease. At least not a physical or hereditary one. I view it as (in my case) a spiritual malady that is fully curable. Curable in the sense that the chemica, or habit, is merely a symptom of said malady.
I do agree with some of what you say. It is a spiritual malady that is curable when one reaches that level of enlightenment where one finds peace and a sense of inner well-being whatever the outward circumstances. But I do believe that there is a hereditary component to becoming susceptible to addiction, and while many who become addicted are self-medicating, searching for a sense of peace and joy that alleviates painful maladies, taking addictive drugs like heroin changes your brain and ability to make healthful choices. The cravings become life-consuming, a hellish torment that only the heavenly heroin can sure. It's a vicious cycle. In that sense it's a physical and spiritual dis-ease. Of course, I'm speaking from the outside, as one who has witnessed its torment, not experienced it. But can you be cured of addiction? Yes, I believe so. But I also believe that addicts deserve our compassion---no one chooses to become an addict, chooses to become homeless, but the resources to heal addiction are tragically lacking, and the stigma of addiction and homelessness exacerbates the problem, and for many, seals their fate.
You're correct on so many points. Susceptibility I won't deny, although I don't ascribe it in my case. I have a special relationship with and understang of "junkies", they're my kind of people, even though alcohol was "my thing". Lack of empathy and resources are a terrible thing and the plethora of aggravating factors in society are rampant and growing. Check out the song, "Mind of a Junkie" by Anders Osborne, it crowns my "Recovery" Playlist.
My sonnet Echoes is one of my semi-covert pieces on my "recovery " experience. It's on my website. I maintain just over 45 sonnets there and replace any I use for my Monday posts.
Thank Frank, I'll check it out.