Thankfully DB does not need surgery. but WOW; there have been some pretty high price expenses. Didn't realize hearing aids are so costly. Also, adding to that are the flight bookings .I hope you will be able continuing working. I know it's not easy with all the pain you deal with. As I mentioned before; I am very impressed with your drive and accomplishments.

As far as the expenses with teeth; I can attest to that. Every tooth in my mouth is either crowned or caped; along with two permanent partials.
(I was 10 years old when I had my first cap put in my front tooth. It came in decayed and fillings kept falling out; eventually the dentist drilled the entire tooth to the root and put in a screw where a cap was placed. (Kids can be cruel; at school while I was waiting for the cap to be put completed; I was being as teased about being toothless and 4 eyed (eyeglasses).

How many days for DB??? Who's counting; right?? Really good for him to be all fixed and ready for his visit with his dad.

Continued prayers for both of you.


Gerry

424 since a bender Gerry. Both counts are important to him particularly in the lead up to going home where he has an alcoholic sister who has lapsed and a family who don't really understand alcoholism as a problem. The village where they come from is rife with it. I totally get his worries, but, seeing his dad is so important in more ways than I can explain. There is a good chance he will learn many sorry truths when home this time. Sobriety will make them hard to hear - if he has the courage to go there. I have mixed feelings about it all, he wants/needs to know the truth, I'm just not sure this time home is the time to learn it. His dad is not the best and digging up stuff 40 to 50 years old may hurt them both. Learning the truth may help heal old wounds and allow him to move on, or it could trigger an unwanted lapse encouraged by his siblings. Either way, I will be here when he gets home and we will deal with what ever comes as we always do.

Pamela, I respect you far too much to even think about sugar-coating this.

DB's time with his family will not be easy for him - lots of possible triggers there.

From what you have shared here I reckon that he has made a lot of progress so probably he will cope well.

One thing that I am sure about is that you will be there for him no matter how it turns out - I admire both of you.

Pam,
I remember when my daughter was going thru treatment; the doctor running the program at the nearby hospital drew a picture on the blackboard of a tree and branches; then saying the "apple" does not fall far from the tree. It will be a real test for DB. Definitely he will not be in a good environment. Knowing his dad's health issues might help him overlook some of the things he says; especially when bringing up hurtful things from the past. it would be good for him to avoid his siblings as much as possible.

You went thru the long period when DB was in treatment. This might bring up memories of the waiting. Tho there have been difficult times for both of you, knowing you are there and have been there will certainly be very helpful for him.


Gerry

Well the weekend away has arrived. They seem well organised, each participant takes a meal big enough for 3 (DB made lasagne for at least 5) coordinated the travel with 4 of them leaving from here at 4pm, will be back Sunday evening and they have a graduation ceremony Monday night. No alcohol or drugs permitted on site. He has been teamed up with a "sponsor" who has been in contact twice this week - sharing advice on prep, clothing, bedding etc. where they are going is a fantastic location, very popular for camping / glamping weekends with loads of activities on and off the water. They don't tell them what is involved in advance so as to not ruin the experience. Will update next week. DB feeling excited, nervous and resolute!

Pam,

This is great experience for him. How wonderful and so rewarding. Looking forward to

updates.


Gerry

It went well, it's been a draining week and I don't have the energy to post much. Will do on the weekend. ITMT He's home safe, well and in a good place from what I can see and hear.

Pamela, that is good to read .

Thanks for the update Pam,
Looking forward to more details when you are up to it.


Gerry

DB has come back from his weekend much calmer & seemingly focussed on the positives. It sounds like they have a huge input of support workers to assist in the program delivery almost 2 to every 1 plus Doctors, OT, Psych and Social workers.

The final night is an award night, 23 of the 30 participants were present, 7 gave their apologies. Each participant gives thanks and if willing, partners get up and say a few words. I did, it was quite overwhelming as there would have been at least 100 friends, loved ones & family members in the room. Our 2 nephews accompanied me (both in their 30's) I thanked the men for their openness and willingness to share brief moments. I then thanked DB and explained I was once asked in a similar open forum who my hero was - at that time I said DB and nothing has changed, he always has been and always will be. I closed with it's been a tough 10 years but together we can still laugh and cherish the good times.