Saturday, August 20, 2011

Milestone, and another new day

Today is the first day of the rest of Tony's life.  And it marks TWO years of sobriety.

Seems like a big milestone to me.  Two years represents a long time, struggles, hard work, ups and downs. We're proud of him.  I think if he can stay clean for two years, he can stay clean for the rest of his life.

But, I think most of us know that it isn't that easy.  He has a lot of challenges ahead, hopefully finishing college, and figuring out how to make a living, to name a couple.  All of this is hard enough for most people, but for him and all recovering addicts, life has taken a detour and is difficult to get back on, and stay on the right track.

BTW, he is celebrating this milestone by going target shooting with his new gun.  GRRRRR.

I did talk to him about the gun purchase.  I told him he would be contributing more financially than he had in the past.  I won't be protecting his Savings anymore, he will have to use it until it's gone, and work more hours if necessary.  I know this is going to be difficult with school, but I think he can do it, and I know I can't baby him.

He surprised me (again), by telling me he's been contemplating joining the military (Marines).  I think the  Marines would crush his gentle soul, and I told him that, after asking politely if I could offer my opinion. I'm not sure if he's serious, we'll see.  Again, this is way out of my comfort zone.  Of course it is NOT my life, and these are his choices... (sigh...)

4 comments:

  1. Two Years sounds like a great milestone to me!!!! Does he meet all the qualifications to join the Marines? if not, that will take care of that. My son wanted to join but you can't if you've been in a mental hospital or have a felony - he's got both strikes against him.

    Congrats to him for being a success story.

    Shooting can get expensive unless your shooting something small (.22) or relatively small (9mm). Maybe his passion for target shooting will diminish as his funds start to take a hit. Then again, everything is more expensive out here, maybe its not that bad....

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  2. Barbara, he's never been arrested. Don't know if the drug rehab will count against him.

    Yes, I did find out that the gun is a 9mm, don't know how expensive ammo is. I suppose that he will figure out pretty quick it costs money :).

    Funds are already dwindling...

    All that aside, I'm so proud of him for reaching the two year mark. He has worked so hard for it.

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  3. Congrats on 2 years... interesting changes occur in those years..enjoy the peace

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  4. My son (22) talked about the Air Force. I didn't discourage him but I did some research. Since he has a GED and has a drug history he was immediately not eligible. I think the drug history is true with all branches of the armed forces. My son is actively using so of course he did not follow up with any of it anyway. Peace to you and your son.

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