Son2 did an amazing thing this week. He went on tv and told his story. Kid's got guts, that's for sure.
Link------> Son2 on the news
I surely hope this will make a difference in our community.
So, the cat's out of the bag. Time for me to come clean now with people in my life. No more hiding from this.
My name is Lu Ann, aka Momma, and my son is an addict. My son's name is Tony.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
I made a new friend...
She is the new SO of a very old friend of my husband. They've been around a lot this summer, and she's not from around here, so it's been fun to show her our midwestern ways. She's from out east, has traveled a lot and is a very interesting person. I'll call her R.
This is significant because... well... I'm kind of a natural home body. My choice, I'd rather stay home then go out and party, and it's not exactly my thing to go out with the girls... in other words, I guess I don't have many close friends that I hang out with.
I mentioned to her a while back that I had a chair in the basement that I had been meaning to recover for about 15 years. She jumped on it and offered to help, pick out fabric, etc. She brought me swatches, evaluated the chair, helped me take it apart and measure the old fabric. Then we went to find new fabric and spent last weekend recovering. I don't imagine I'm the kind of girlfriend she's used to, I'm not cosmopolitan or sophisticated, don't wear a lot of jewelry or low cut outfits. I wear jeans whenever I can, and shorts. I sweat when I'm hot... well, you get the picture. But R is a very down to earth woman, she's real, and she's sweet, with a great sense of humor. Plus she is a woman's woman. She sticks up for herself and is self-assured.
I always loved this rocking chair... it was my grandma's (the one who is 97), I remember it from when I was a kid, then she gave it to me and I rocked my own babies. When we moved to the lake, it was all ripped and worn and went straight to the basement. The transformation absolutely thrilled me. There is something so rewarding about making something old new again. And it delights me how comfortable it is for me, no wonder I spent so much time rocking the boys in it. Long story short, it made me so happy.
So, last night I finished putting all the finishing tacks on the chair, wanted to show R before we went out shopping again today. I enjoy hanging out with her. It's amazing how fascinating Wisconsin can be to someone not from here. We always see ourselves as so normal and un-amazing.
I have a friend, someone to be myself with, where I'm not a mom, a wife, a daughter. I think this will be a nice summer.
This is significant because... well... I'm kind of a natural home body. My choice, I'd rather stay home then go out and party, and it's not exactly my thing to go out with the girls... in other words, I guess I don't have many close friends that I hang out with.
I mentioned to her a while back that I had a chair in the basement that I had been meaning to recover for about 15 years. She jumped on it and offered to help, pick out fabric, etc. She brought me swatches, evaluated the chair, helped me take it apart and measure the old fabric. Then we went to find new fabric and spent last weekend recovering. I don't imagine I'm the kind of girlfriend she's used to, I'm not cosmopolitan or sophisticated, don't wear a lot of jewelry or low cut outfits. I wear jeans whenever I can, and shorts. I sweat when I'm hot... well, you get the picture. But R is a very down to earth woman, she's real, and she's sweet, with a great sense of humor. Plus she is a woman's woman. She sticks up for herself and is self-assured.
I always loved this rocking chair... it was my grandma's (the one who is 97), I remember it from when I was a kid, then she gave it to me and I rocked my own babies. When we moved to the lake, it was all ripped and worn and went straight to the basement. The transformation absolutely thrilled me. There is something so rewarding about making something old new again. And it delights me how comfortable it is for me, no wonder I spent so much time rocking the boys in it. Long story short, it made me so happy.
So, last night I finished putting all the finishing tacks on the chair, wanted to show R before we went out shopping again today. I enjoy hanging out with her. It's amazing how fascinating Wisconsin can be to someone not from here. We always see ourselves as so normal and un-amazing.
I have a friend, someone to be myself with, where I'm not a mom, a wife, a daughter. I think this will be a nice summer.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
My boys
So, I couldn't resist because this pic is so great. This captures the essence of each of them, this is how I think of them, happy, joking around, having fun. The adults that they are today with a flash of "kid" still in them. I just love this.
That is Son2 on the left, and Son1 on the right. We were celebrating their dad's birthday, ice cream parlor after going out to dinner. It was a fun evening, and I was delighted that we were all together.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
parental criticism...
My folks came to visit yesterday... nice and quiet visit, steak on the grill, lots of time to catch up, sit outside and relax.
Of course the subject came up of Son2. I told them how well I thought he was doing, and that his grades came out pretty good. So, my dad had to say something... He said that if we cut him off from financial support for college, that would teach him to get good grades (or something like that). Why does that man make me so darn defensive!?! So, of course, he doesn't really get it, comes from a different generation, where threats were used often. And, I know my husband and I are proud of Son2... he managed to succeed in college despite his struggles. And, duh... I would NOT have continued to support that if he was still using, I am NOT (despite past history) a complete idiot.
I haven't told my parents much of anything about Son2 and K's relationship troubles. They adore (as do I) K and have taken the stance that if anything happens between them, it would be all Son2's fault. We had been talking about my nephew's recent engagement, and my dad doesn't think much of the kid, and never will give him the benefit of the doubt. I myself have been critical of my nephew, because I was never sure how much he knew and didn't say about Son2's drug use. But I don't know the facts, so I feel I must keep an open mind. My dad is judgemental, it's black or white with him.
My dad couldn't even (has not yet) congratulate or tell me he was proud of me for getting the promotion. All he could say was how come you have to work harder and not get any extra compensation.
Ok, so basically this post is about my dad and how he makes me feel. I will never live up... neither will Son2. What can I do? It's hard not to take all of it to heart.
Of course the subject came up of Son2. I told them how well I thought he was doing, and that his grades came out pretty good. So, my dad had to say something... He said that if we cut him off from financial support for college, that would teach him to get good grades (or something like that). Why does that man make me so darn defensive!?! So, of course, he doesn't really get it, comes from a different generation, where threats were used often. And, I know my husband and I are proud of Son2... he managed to succeed in college despite his struggles. And, duh... I would NOT have continued to support that if he was still using, I am NOT (despite past history) a complete idiot.
I haven't told my parents much of anything about Son2 and K's relationship troubles. They adore (as do I) K and have taken the stance that if anything happens between them, it would be all Son2's fault. We had been talking about my nephew's recent engagement, and my dad doesn't think much of the kid, and never will give him the benefit of the doubt. I myself have been critical of my nephew, because I was never sure how much he knew and didn't say about Son2's drug use. But I don't know the facts, so I feel I must keep an open mind. My dad is judgemental, it's black or white with him.
My dad couldn't even (has not yet) congratulate or tell me he was proud of me for getting the promotion. All he could say was how come you have to work harder and not get any extra compensation.
Ok, so basically this post is about my dad and how he makes me feel. I will never live up... neither will Son2. What can I do? It's hard not to take all of it to heart.
Friday, May 27, 2011
milestones...
I was going to post that it was my birthday this week, a year older, a year wiser, etc... It was a nice birthday, nice gifts, also my 15 year service anniversary at work, nice recognition for that.
The milestone I really want to mention, is that Son2 got his grades and he got all B's or better. Ok, so he only ended up with 3 classes this semester, but I can't even think how long it's been since he did this well in school. I don't even remember him getting grades like this in high school (or maybe I can't remember that far back). He certainly hasn't worked this hard, truly actually tried to do well, in several years. This is significant, and I am very proud of him.
He also started his new job, serving at a fancy place where they hold weddings and other events. He said it was best first day ever. He even spilled a glass of water and had to totally reset an entire table, and said he didn't even get upset, just asked "just tell me how to fix this" and did it.
He continues to do his step work, he is just starting step 5, please someone remind me what that is. He has now an additional sponsor, in addition to Angel. He has asked a family friend of K's, a pastor, to be his spiritual sponsor. I am glad to hear that. I respect this man, and I think this will be a good thing. Son2 also has been working on the first step with his sponsee. He says he's doing the first step along WITH his sponsee, so he's going through that again too.
He also goes to Group (after care) once a week, and meets with the addiction counselor one on one once in a while too. He sees the addiction doctor once every couple of months, he continues to wean off of Suboxone. It's kinda weird, he says it's like having a monthly period. Every month he gets crabby for a few days after he changes his dose.
I'm not sure how often, but it sounds like he attends NA meetings maybe two or three times a week.
He works hard at his recovery. It's part of life for him. He will mostly work his new job on the weekends, so I think he is planning on spending time this summer working with his sponsors and sponsee. He's trying to be more independent, K has not moved back in yet... not sure what's going on there.
It should be an interesting summer...
The milestone I really want to mention, is that Son2 got his grades and he got all B's or better. Ok, so he only ended up with 3 classes this semester, but I can't even think how long it's been since he did this well in school. I don't even remember him getting grades like this in high school (or maybe I can't remember that far back). He certainly hasn't worked this hard, truly actually tried to do well, in several years. This is significant, and I am very proud of him.
He also started his new job, serving at a fancy place where they hold weddings and other events. He said it was best first day ever. He even spilled a glass of water and had to totally reset an entire table, and said he didn't even get upset, just asked "just tell me how to fix this" and did it.
He continues to do his step work, he is just starting step 5, please someone remind me what that is. He has now an additional sponsor, in addition to Angel. He has asked a family friend of K's, a pastor, to be his spiritual sponsor. I am glad to hear that. I respect this man, and I think this will be a good thing. Son2 also has been working on the first step with his sponsee. He says he's doing the first step along WITH his sponsee, so he's going through that again too.
He also goes to Group (after care) once a week, and meets with the addiction counselor one on one once in a while too. He sees the addiction doctor once every couple of months, he continues to wean off of Suboxone. It's kinda weird, he says it's like having a monthly period. Every month he gets crabby for a few days after he changes his dose.
I'm not sure how often, but it sounds like he attends NA meetings maybe two or three times a week.
He works hard at his recovery. It's part of life for him. He will mostly work his new job on the weekends, so I think he is planning on spending time this summer working with his sponsors and sponsee. He's trying to be more independent, K has not moved back in yet... not sure what's going on there.
It should be an interesting summer...
Monday, May 16, 2011
the semester is over...
So, it's over. Son2 withdrew from the problem class, and managed to get B or better in his other classes, all studios. I'm proud of him, so proud... this is his best college semester yet... a couple years ago, I didn't know if he should even BE in college. He should be proud too, he worked really hard for this.
I think he is satisfied with himself for that. But, he is distracted again, with his relationship with K. It doesn't sound like she wants to move back in with him. They have been dating, but living apart. He doesn't like it. I think she doesn't want to move back in because she is afraid it will be like it was before, the same codependent thing. Of course, he promises it won't be, but can I really blame her for not believing him? I'm guessing she feels responsible, and doesn't think that it's fair. Well, of course it's not fair. She is not responsible for his sobriety, and we all know that, but saying it and believing it are different things. He is losing patience with her, she can't commit, doesn't want to move in, can't even say if she wants to be with him. I told him, he needs to prove to himself and to her, that he can live his recovery without her, and I don't know how long that will take. Sad, sad, sad, but he's working on it, and only time will tell.
On a different note, I miss my other son. Us bloggers, we don't often talk much about our other kids. I saw Son1 on Mother's Day, he brought me flowers and hung out with us and Son2 and K. We don't see Son1 much, he is busy with his life, his wife, job, friends, etc. He lives 20 minutes away. He is independent, isn't that a good thing? He also doesn't see his brother much, in fact I think they only see each other at family events. I don't want to think he is ashamed of his brother, but the thought has crossed my mind.
And finally, I'm tired and sick. I've been putting in some long hours at work on a big project with a lot of stress. It's finally taken it's toll, and I got sick, sinus infection. Forced me to stay home today, where I still managed to put a half day's work in. So, I'm a little whiny, and it's times like this when it's hard to be hopeful about anything.
Actually, I got nothin' to complain about. Both my boys are doing fine... it's just ME having a bad day.
I think he is satisfied with himself for that. But, he is distracted again, with his relationship with K. It doesn't sound like she wants to move back in with him. They have been dating, but living apart. He doesn't like it. I think she doesn't want to move back in because she is afraid it will be like it was before, the same codependent thing. Of course, he promises it won't be, but can I really blame her for not believing him? I'm guessing she feels responsible, and doesn't think that it's fair. Well, of course it's not fair. She is not responsible for his sobriety, and we all know that, but saying it and believing it are different things. He is losing patience with her, she can't commit, doesn't want to move in, can't even say if she wants to be with him. I told him, he needs to prove to himself and to her, that he can live his recovery without her, and I don't know how long that will take. Sad, sad, sad, but he's working on it, and only time will tell.
On a different note, I miss my other son. Us bloggers, we don't often talk much about our other kids. I saw Son1 on Mother's Day, he brought me flowers and hung out with us and Son2 and K. We don't see Son1 much, he is busy with his life, his wife, job, friends, etc. He lives 20 minutes away. He is independent, isn't that a good thing? He also doesn't see his brother much, in fact I think they only see each other at family events. I don't want to think he is ashamed of his brother, but the thought has crossed my mind.
And finally, I'm tired and sick. I've been putting in some long hours at work on a big project with a lot of stress. It's finally taken it's toll, and I got sick, sinus infection. Forced me to stay home today, where I still managed to put a half day's work in. So, I'm a little whiny, and it's times like this when it's hard to be hopeful about anything.
Actually, I got nothin' to complain about. Both my boys are doing fine... it's just ME having a bad day.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Stuff happens
Ron's posts often hit me right at home. Son2 is really experiencing life... and all the problems and day to day "stuff" that we all have to deal with.
He is not doing well in one of his classes. In the past, when this has happened, he basically ignored the issue until it was too late to drop and then ended up failing. This of course, has damaged his gpa almost beyond repair, but he has avoided getting kicked out, finally got off of probation, and this time, is actually trying to figure out what to do. He told me the other day he has to figure out if he should drop or if he can salvage his grade by studying like crazy. hmmmm... sounds like a plan to me. He actually told me he had to make this decision himself, and act like a human, actually act like a grown up.
The other life lesson, that just happened today, was that he cut his hand in art class today, working on a project, his metals class, I'm guessing. I've been extremely busy at work, long hours, lots of meetings, etc, etc. Anyway, when he called, I was going into a meeting and so couldn't answer, but texted him to ask what was up. He was already on his way to health service. I couldn't really do anything anyway, but we spent the next couple hours texting back and forth, me in several meetings, and him at health service, then HIM calling the insurance company, then to the ER, then to get a stitch and a tetanus shot. He sure seemed to have it all under control, but I asked for a text pic anyway. Just one stitch, but the wound did look pretty deep. So now, he has to spend the next week keeping it dry and not over extending it. Not easy when he has art project work to finish by the end of the semester. I told him to do his best. He told me not to worry, he would do what he had to do.
He is not doing well in one of his classes. In the past, when this has happened, he basically ignored the issue until it was too late to drop and then ended up failing. This of course, has damaged his gpa almost beyond repair, but he has avoided getting kicked out, finally got off of probation, and this time, is actually trying to figure out what to do. He told me the other day he has to figure out if he should drop or if he can salvage his grade by studying like crazy. hmmmm... sounds like a plan to me. He actually told me he had to make this decision himself, and act like a human, actually act like a grown up.
The other life lesson, that just happened today, was that he cut his hand in art class today, working on a project, his metals class, I'm guessing. I've been extremely busy at work, long hours, lots of meetings, etc, etc. Anyway, when he called, I was going into a meeting and so couldn't answer, but texted him to ask what was up. He was already on his way to health service. I couldn't really do anything anyway, but we spent the next couple hours texting back and forth, me in several meetings, and him at health service, then HIM calling the insurance company, then to the ER, then to get a stitch and a tetanus shot. He sure seemed to have it all under control, but I asked for a text pic anyway. Just one stitch, but the wound did look pretty deep. So now, he has to spend the next week keeping it dry and not over extending it. Not easy when he has art project work to finish by the end of the semester. I told him to do his best. He told me not to worry, he would do what he had to do.
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