Sobriety has been a wonderful journey for me with many highlights. One of the most significant  is having God back in my life. Without that it is unlikely that I would be sober today. Beautiful things have happened , like the birth of my three grandchildren and by the grace of God they have never had to see me take a drink. I have been able to make amends to many people, by working the 12 steps of AA, and it goes further than just. I not only said i was sorry but I also took ownership for my behavior and how it affected everyone.  I believe many of my family members accepted my amends as we have a good relationships now. However there are some that did not. I understand and still wish those people well. For those who i have not had an opportunity  to make an amend for various reasons like geographics or just harm or it may bring, I pray that I may one day make a direct amend or at least promise myself to not make the mistakes and exhibit behaviors of my past.  In addition, after living as a single adult for 24 years, I met a wonderful woman and have been happily married for 5 years now.

Now as much good has occurred for me but  there have been many hardships as life has gone on in sobriety. During this time i lost my father, grandmother and a dear friend. Newly released from Rehab in 2003 I found myself without my own home,  I was forced to sell my car to cover daily expenses and the lost my job. The most important lesson I learned is that no matter what good or bad comes along in life , I did not have to take a drink over it. Now I know many  more good and bad experiences lie ahead but with God close to my side, I pray everyday to be able to get by happy and trying times without having to drink.