Shaking the Family Tree
Viewing comments for Chapter 9 "Against all Odds."Excerpts from addition to recovery.
19 total reviews
Comment from estory
I thought this was a really interesting, well written essay. I liked the little poems strewn across it; they gave it a soul, gave voice to the emotions underneath the cerebral structure and information in it. I think your essay takes us on this journey of battling addiction. So many people are caught up in this, and I personally had a long struggle with it, and witnessed the deaths of many who could not overcome it, including my cousin, who passed away at 52, due to alcoholic induced diabetes. You gave us a picture of the determination, the hope, the fortitude of those battling these demons, and the hope comes through in the success stories. In the end, addiction squeezes through the chink of low self esteem in the chain mail of the soul. It truly is a tragedy, and I think God views it the same way. That's why he died on the cross to give you a place to hang addiction, and low self esteem, and realize that no matter what, God loves you, for YOU. And that's when you are able to participate in the resurrection of the spirit. estory
reply by the author on 29-May-2018
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I thought this was a really interesting, well written essay. I liked the little poems strewn across it; they gave it a soul, gave voice to the emotions underneath the cerebral structure and information in it. I think your essay takes us on this journey of battling addiction. So many people are caught up in this, and I personally had a long struggle with it, and witnessed the deaths of many who could not overcome it, including my cousin, who passed away at 52, due to alcoholic induced diabetes. You gave us a picture of the determination, the hope, the fortitude of those battling these demons, and the hope comes through in the success stories. In the end, addiction squeezes through the chink of low self esteem in the chain mail of the soul. It truly is a tragedy, and I think God views it the same way. That's why he died on the cross to give you a place to hang addiction, and low self esteem, and realize that no matter what, God loves you, for YOU. And that's when you are able to participate in the resurrection of the spirit. estory
Comment Written 29-May-2018
reply by the author on 29-May-2018
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Thank you for the wonderful detailed review. Pretty obvious that you know something about addiction. This is a chapter in my book. Shaking the Family tree. Published last year. I decided to put it out here.
Comment from Halfree
I worked my way through college as a ward attendant in a state mental hospital. Spent some time on the addiction unit, alcohol and drugs. Addiction is a real sickness and not something easily cured,it is a life long disease. One is never cured, addiction is a life journey.
Every clean day is a challenge. So hang in there, every sober or drug free day is a victory and the next day a little easier.
May God, in your journey, hold you gently in his hand. Thanks for sharing your story.
reply by the author on 29-May-2018
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I worked my way through college as a ward attendant in a state mental hospital. Spent some time on the addiction unit, alcohol and drugs. Addiction is a real sickness and not something easily cured,it is a life long disease. One is never cured, addiction is a life journey.
Every clean day is a challenge. So hang in there, every sober or drug free day is a victory and the next day a little easier.
May God, in your journey, hold you gently in his hand. Thanks for sharing your story.
Comment Written 29-May-2018
reply by the author on 29-May-2018
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Thank you for the wonderful, detailed review. Just read your Star Dancer. I loved it.
Comment from ciliverde
This is quite a story. I commend you for the strength it takes to beat addictions of all kinds, and to document it all in writing. I'm sure your story will inspire many, as it has inspired me,
Carol
reply by the author on 29-May-2018
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This is quite a story. I commend you for the strength it takes to beat addictions of all kinds, and to document it all in writing. I'm sure your story will inspire many, as it has inspired me,
Carol
Comment Written 29-May-2018
reply by the author on 29-May-2018
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Thanks for the great review.
Comment from Mistydawn
What a wonderful, story, A lot of information but you still managed to keep it interesting, the readers engaged. My oldest daughter is struggling with a drug addiction. She had to reach her rock bottom before she decided to get help. She's three months in, I hope and pray she'll continue. Thank you for sharing this with us.
reply by the author on 28-May-2018
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What a wonderful, story, A lot of information but you still managed to keep it interesting, the readers engaged. My oldest daughter is struggling with a drug addiction. She had to reach her rock bottom before she decided to get help. She's three months in, I hope and pray she'll continue. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Comment Written 28-May-2018
reply by the author on 28-May-2018
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The best of luck to your daughter. Thank you for the awesome review. Only a couple more chapters to go. It is actually a very short book. Less than 100 pages
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Comment from Artasylum
I just wrote a poem on exactly this subject to introduce this site to the wonderful things that "To Write Love on Her Arms" (TWLOHA) It is an organization that covers addictions and beyond such as cutting and suicide... If you have a chance look them up. They have saved many lives. yours, diana
reply by the author on 27-May-2018
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I just wrote a poem on exactly this subject to introduce this site to the wonderful things that "To Write Love on Her Arms" (TWLOHA) It is an organization that covers addictions and beyond such as cutting and suicide... If you have a chance look them up. They have saved many lives. yours, diana
Comment Written 27-May-2018
reply by the author on 27-May-2018
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Just reviewed your poem. Thanks for the info.
Comment from Mustang Patty
Hi, Dallas;
You have done a wonderful job of telling the story without sounding 'preachy,' or needy. The best thing I feel when I read your stories about recovery is the HOPE. You seem to say, if I can do it, you can do it. It won't be easy, but you can do it.
Your writing is well organized, and I didn't see any nits or SPAG.
Thank you so much for sharing,
~patty~
reply by the author on 27-May-2018
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Hi, Dallas;
You have done a wonderful job of telling the story without sounding 'preachy,' or needy. The best thing I feel when I read your stories about recovery is the HOPE. You seem to say, if I can do it, you can do it. It won't be easy, but you can do it.
Your writing is well organized, and I didn't see any nits or SPAG.
Thank you so much for sharing,
~patty~
Comment Written 27-May-2018
reply by the author on 27-May-2018
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Thank you so much for the awesome review. My purpose in writing was two fold. To leave my children tangible evidence of their legacy and to help shed light on the disease and give people hope.
Comment from Mastery
Hi, Alice. I am sure many people on here will find this story not only strikes home but may even help somewhat. I hope so. I give you credit for exposing yourelf in these chapters. You are brave.
In the grand scope of your post this is minor, but I thought I would point this out as a suggestion youmay or may not take:
Here: ".......a break from work, I would slip downstairs and have a rendezvous with the vending machine, stuff my pockets with Reese's cups, then smuggle them into the restroom where no one could witness their annihilation. I still wasn't convinced that I had an addictive personality until my sponsor noticed how it flexed its muscles at the gym."
I suggest this change: " . . . a break from work, I frequently slipped downstairs for a rendezvous with the vending machine, etc etc."
You can be proud, my friend. Bob
reply by the author on 27-May-2018
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Hi, Alice. I am sure many people on here will find this story not only strikes home but may even help somewhat. I hope so. I give you credit for exposing yourelf in these chapters. You are brave.
In the grand scope of your post this is minor, but I thought I would point this out as a suggestion youmay or may not take:
Here: ".......a break from work, I would slip downstairs and have a rendezvous with the vending machine, stuff my pockets with Reese's cups, then smuggle them into the restroom where no one could witness their annihilation. I still wasn't convinced that I had an addictive personality until my sponsor noticed how it flexed its muscles at the gym."
I suggest this change: " . . . a break from work, I frequently slipped downstairs for a rendezvous with the vending machine, etc etc."
You can be proud, my friend. Bob
Comment Written 27-May-2018
reply by the author on 27-May-2018
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Thanks, Bob.
Comment from damommy
Having watched one of my sons fight this battle, and finally win, I can certainly identify with all you said. It's been a hard struggle for us both, but it's almost three years now. Hurrah!
Thank you for sharing this. It will educate a lot of people who didn't understand additions before.
reply by the author on 27-May-2018
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Having watched one of my sons fight this battle, and finally win, I can certainly identify with all you said. It's been a hard struggle for us both, but it's almost three years now. Hurrah!
Thank you for sharing this. It will educate a lot of people who didn't understand additions before.
Comment Written 27-May-2018
reply by the author on 27-May-2018
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Thank you for the kind review. My purpose in writing the book was to leave my children and grandchildren tangible evidence of their legacy and to shed light on the disease and give hope. Congrats to your son
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Thank you.
Comment from Swampfox1
I have been away from it for 21 years and counting. I have stayed away from alcohol and cigarettes from the same time. I like what you write. It's all true. It's just a matter of going from one thing to another. To me, what took me away was God himself. I have seen so many people despise God and refer to the "higher power" as God and refer to a sewing machine as their higher power. Thank God I haven't gone back to it or to any meetings. Lord those dry drunks and their attitudes made me feel like going out to hit the bottle. I think our book will do well. Thanks for sharing, have a blessed day.
reply by the author on 27-May-2018
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I have been away from it for 21 years and counting. I have stayed away from alcohol and cigarettes from the same time. I like what you write. It's all true. It's just a matter of going from one thing to another. To me, what took me away was God himself. I have seen so many people despise God and refer to the "higher power" as God and refer to a sewing machine as their higher power. Thank God I haven't gone back to it or to any meetings. Lord those dry drunks and their attitudes made me feel like going out to hit the bottle. I think our book will do well. Thanks for sharing, have a blessed day.
Comment Written 27-May-2018
reply by the author on 27-May-2018
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Sounds like you had a bad experience with AA. Thanks for the kind review.
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You're welcome. I did have a bad experience, I couldn't afford to drive to the better group about 20 miles out of town.
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Yeah, different groups have different personalities just like real life. I am fortunate we have so many different meetings in our area.
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Yep, that is true. Yes, you are very fortunate.
Comment from Spitfire
Exceptional writing as always. Lesser writers would have a hard time with this autobiographical post without overusing the word "I". This made me think of other addictions which seem safe, but could also damage a person's life such as addiction to a clean house (The saying is you'll never see happy children in this environment.) Addiction to perfection is just a bad. Moderation in all things as Benjamin Franklin said.
reply by the author on 27-May-2018
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Exceptional writing as always. Lesser writers would have a hard time with this autobiographical post without overusing the word "I". This made me think of other addictions which seem safe, but could also damage a person's life such as addiction to a clean house (The saying is you'll never see happy children in this environment.) Addiction to perfection is just a bad. Moderation in all things as Benjamin Franklin said.
Comment Written 26-May-2018
reply by the author on 27-May-2018
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Thanks, Shari.
Funny you should mention those two addictions.
My poor sister is also addicted to a clean house. She is cursed with perfectionism and it is gift wrapped in big bold letters: OCD. Another gift from our mom that has infected us. Some more than others. Thanks for the great review, only a couple of chapters left.