Monday, August 20, 2007

Ever Changing Prodigals

I went with my son down to a ceremony in Colorado Springs yesterday. It was very nice. Of course, I wasn't the one who had to stand in a hot stadium in a uniform for over an hour. My heart broke for my son and our family because his father chose not to attend this event. My son has gotten to be quite a truth-teller and it seems he doesn't really care for his dad's drunkenness... they had some words over this. We just can't see what we do to our families, can we?

My daughter who is not a drinker or drug user left on a backpacking trip for the weekend. By herself. Hiking and staying out in the mountains for 2 nights - by herself. Did I mention she went alone? Please dear God she will call me today and tell me she is home.

The daughter who was clean and sober for over 90 days has not been seen nor heard from for nearly a week and that cannot be good news.

I have decided to focus on my son. He has been gone for over a year. He has been fighting a war. He has been in danger every day. He has served his country and protected our rights to be jackasses whenever the hell we feel like it. All of my children are adults. I want the best for each of them because I am their mother and I love them. But I REFUSE to let this shining moment in our family's history (my son's return from Iraq) be overshadowed by these other events.

I am heading out of here to my 6:30 a.m. meeting. I hope to sit next to my dear friend Larry. I have been thinking an awful lot lately about the friendships we make in AA and I need to write a post about that - very soon. But I have already written enough to test your attention span for today. Thanks for reading.

"We have come to believe He would like us to keep our heads in the clouds with Him, but that our feet ought to be firmly planted on earth. That is where our fellow travelers are, and that is where our work must be done." -- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 130

10 comments:

Scott W said...

Joy, fear and heartbreak all in one post. I am so glad your strength came back so you can take care of business.

dAAve said...

Thanks for writing.

Pammie said...

I have to agree with you, this is your sons time. He deserves his Mamas full attention....he has earned it.

Trudging said...

Wow, never a dull moment with kids is it? Did your you say that your daughter went backpacking by herself? (-: My prayers are with you.

Mary Christine said...

#1 daughter called. She is back from her backpacking trip - safe and sound.
And I got to sit next to Larry this morning at the meeting.

Anonymous said...

Hi MC,

Thank you for sharing this, your life, and your braveness. May God be with you and your children.

Glad your daughter is safe after her trip and you got to sit next to Larry.

Shannon said...

I am so glad she is back too.
a lot of stuff. I am praying for your daughter who is MIA right now. I pray that she will call you soon.
I love that with all these other things going on, that you will not let it overshadow this important event in your family's history, because you son is home.
Thank you for always sharing yourself.
I am glad you got to sit next to Larry and have a good rest of your day

Redhead Gal said...

Thanks for sharing, MC. I'm so happy your son is home safely. I will pray for you and your daughters' safety.

lushgurl said...

Hmmm, I do think your son deserves to be in the spotlight after bravely serving for his country- such an honourable man!
I also wish your MIA daughter will find her way soon...
Prayers and love for you Mary Christine.

Anonymous said...

wow - God bless you and your time with your son. I dig his truth-teller quality.