My mother's "accident" happened when I was 3. She was here one day, and gone the next. No warning, no indicator- just POOF and gone. Six minutes w/o oxygen left her oddly with the aptitude of a 12 year old. (This was after two years of intensive therapy at Duke Hospital) This intellectual stage, the nurses said was a testimony to my mother's intelligence prior to her accident. I quickly learned the value of life, as well as telling people how you feel in that very moment. All four of us kids well knew that moment may never come again. We were well versed in tragedy, or so we thought.
My sister is gone now, too. Not in the same way, not under the same conditions, but nonetheless still "gone." Two years ago she came to stay with me and my family. The idea was she would live rent free to get back on her feet- as her 30 year marriage had ended. She moved in with us from out of state. We went from random occasional visits to living together. Inside of two weeks I learned she was a raging alcoholic. She was in rehabs four times the year she lived in California. Each time unsuccessful, and each rehab stint progressively worse. Presently, she lives with someone she has met online and is completely cut off from all family.
I don't know who this person is. I don't know if she will ever get well. On one hand, she is "gone" yet, she is technically alive. Or is she?
Your slices are so poignant and tug at the heart sting. This one is no exception. This post is so sad, and I am sure it was painful to write and share. I hope she gets the help she needs. Hopefully, the branch isn't completely severed and may be grafted with grace and mercy.
ReplyDeleteI know you carry this pain every day and that it hurts really badly. It is so great that you are writing about it. Addiction is hell.
ReplyDeleteIt’s amazing how much I have learned about alcohol abuse amongst older women. Thank you for your comment.
DeleteThis is really painful to read. I can feel your struggle and your willingness to help whenever the help is wanted. You ask a very interesting question at the end.
ReplyDeleteYour strength and love for each of these women shines through in your writing. Even though this piece is filled with pain, I can also see your strength through your words.
ReplyDeleteYep, there sure ain’t no blueprint on this, that’s for sure. Thanks for your comment
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