Pamela, it is great that you and DB had such a good talk.

This is not about me but a while ago I had to do the same thing as he has decided to do (a much-loved uncle of mine in NZ was in the final stages of Parkinson's and he wanted to see me).

It was hard for me and it may be for DB as well but he has good supports (you, of course! and his pysch) ready to help. If you want to, please pass on my thoughts of support and care to DB.

Pam,

Thoughts and prayers are with DB for a successful sober Christmas family reunion.

I think your support, and the fact that the psych has given him her mobile to call if he is at risk, will help DB feel he is not alone in his struggle to remain sober.


Gerry

After 2 plane rides, 2 train rides & 2 brief car journeys DB 24 hours later arrived home in Wales 3S, safe, sound & sober. Tired & weary, emotionally wrought but well chuffed he got through the plane trip. Says he was mightily tempted but put all that he has learned in the last 12 months from his psych & MKP to practice. He says the money he spent this past year on them was worth every penny. Bracing for seeing dad, who is quite poorly but we are hoping 3 weeks with his eldest son will help perk him up.

Pamela, it is great that DB arrived safe and sound.

I hope that he and his Dad can talk together.

Pam,

How are things working out with DB's family visit ???

Pray all is going well.


Gerry

DB has logged his 1st sober Christmas dinner spent at his sisters despite the many challenges. He was relieved to have Christmas tea at his brothers. He is drawing strength from his learnings and resorted to Valium while his sister & niece went to war (alcohol fuelled) & drove the niece home after her father banished her from the house. In all, the time home has been an eye opener with witnessing first hand what drama alcohol is causing his family. Dad is as good as he can be, fortunately he has a wonderful lady friend who looks after him as much as he will allow. The medication is playing havoc with his digestive system and his mind, but he is definitely loving having his son home. The next challenge is NYE. DB brother & sister in law been very supportive, SIL making cups of tea & or coffee for the first time ever. SIL went out & bought a coffee machine especially for him <3.

Pamela, that is great to read .

Thanks for the update.

How are you doing???


Gerry

Thank you for asking Gerry, all is good I'm keeping busy with various things. Had a lovely Christmas with my family, played jenga in the afternoon and in general a good time was had by all. Hoping everyone on NT had as good a Christmas as their health allows.

It's tough going but support has come from an unexpected quarter. DB brother googled his campral medication and last night when DB wondered aloud if he should try a shandy (beer n lemonade) brother said, nah I don't think so bro, I've been waiting for you to tell me in your own time but seeing as we are here now, I'm not stupid, I googled campral n know you have problems like our sister. You've come this far and your not falling on my watch. One family member on her way out is enough.
So there you go, the cats out of the bag over there, they all know now and it must be a relief for him. We Skype every few days and message back n forth throughout the days. NYE I think he will stay in or at his brothers so I feel a little better about him.
He is explaining how hard it is for him to the sister this morning as she is complaining he not up there much since Xmas day. I think she has forgotten DB told her last year he is an alcoholic. She starts the day off with a can of lager for breakfast ... she had another seizure recently & since been told not to stop completely until she goes into rehab and they will manage her withdrawals there. Rehab is in 2 weeks so she is doing the drink all I can while I can.