The recent passing of my brother has been cause for many reflective moments. Although we grew up in the same home, our adult lives couldn’t have been more different.
Do you have a family member or friend who struggles with addiction?
If so, I’m sure you
- Can relate to how their actions impact family and those close to them.
- Understand how their choices can leave a trail of heartache.
- Understand they tend to alienate the people who love them the most.
When recalling my brother’s life, it became clear to me that the numbing effect of drugs and alcohol doesn’t stop with the user. Over time, the numbness spreads to family members and friends who care for them, causing an even greater divide.
It’s a very sad realization. Especially since validation is what any of us really want. We just want to be acknowledged, to be loved.
It wasn’t until he passed that I realized the ways in which I benefited from his decisions.
Today, thanks to my brother,
- I recognize how self-doubt and fear can be paralyzing.
- I have learned to have more tolerance, patience, empathy, and compassion.
- I have learned the benefits of forgiveness.
- Sometimes his choices really hit home, testing my faith, my hope, causing me to dive deeper into a soul search.
- I now have a better understanding of my ability to love unconditionally.
Maybe you can look at someone struggling with addiction with a fresh perspective. When you separate yourself from the numbness, you might even feel a bit of gratitude, for all that’ve you’ve learned from their addiction.
Life’s circumstances are not always easy to navigate but when we choose to use them as an opportunity to grow, amazing discoveries can happen.
