Justin's Birthday
Hi guys,
Tomorrow is Justin's birthday and of course I have been thinking about it a lot. He would have been 34. Jeremy and I are going out to one of his favorite places tomorrow and we are going camping this weekend to honor his birthday. My thoughts are with my sweet boy I miss so much. I'm amazed at how time rolls on. The memory of his voice has faded a bit but my love for him grows stronger everyday.
Unfortunately Summer is not doing well. She is pregnant and struggling with her addiction. At this point I don't think she is able to be a good mother as she refuses to go into a program and keeps insisting that she can do it on her own. I'm using my Al-Anon support daily and I have a friend in AA who texts me a reading every morning. Her daughter got sober when she got pregnant. We are not sure what to do. It's very scarey as she is almost 6 months pregnant. If she tests positive when the baby is born, the baby will be taken from her. Larry's (Summer's husband) mom and I are discussing what to do if anything. We've cried, pleaded, threatened and also sought legal advice to no avail. We have also called some government agencies to get advice.
So prayers are appreciated for Summer and baby. I will keep you updated.
Love,
Deanie
Replies
Dearest Deanie, Oh, I am with you on this day of Justin's birth and our sons are the same age this year, wow, our beautiful boys thirty-four. I remember how much you love to camp as did we when we lived in Utah and what a fitting way to honor your Justin. Happy Birthday to him today and the tightest of heart (((hugs)) to ALL of you who love him so.
The disease of addiction is such an insidious beast and I'm so immensely sorry that Summer is immersed in it. Often carrying a child become the reason to get sober and free, yet at times the disease takes over. I worked in a hospital setting for ten years and I can tell you that to witness the birth of a drug addicted baby breaks one in half and maybe Summer needs to look at some videos that I'm sure are out there of this. I do not mean for a moment to sound cruel, yet it's a major wake up call for many and a strategy that we used at the hospital for those admitted early on that we knew were using. The other thought is to have a professional intervention done as that has been very successful for many.
I'm sure you are all trying to figure this out for Summer, yet as you know this is up to her and she CAN'T do it on her own, no one can and millions have tried and have to get to the point of admitting that they are powerless over the disease and seek help.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and I'm so grateful to know that you are working your Al-Anon program as it saved me through many dark nights of the soul. Please continue to nurture yourself and do everything that you can for you as this kind of thing just depletes one on so many levels.
With you, Deanie, and caring SO very, very much.
Hand in hand, Heart to heart,
XO Joanie
Oh Deanie...it is always a tender time...so please be gentle with yourself. Go with the emotions whereever they take you. Please know that I am praying that today and this weekend bring you special connections with Justin (we know how well he shows up!).
Big sigh...Summer. Sounds like you are doing all you can...I hope with all my heart that she finds her way out of this addiction. I hate addiction.
Enjoy your time with Jeremy...love and gentle hugs...Karen
Deanie, I am sorry to have missed Justin's birthday, I am just not able to get on this site as well as the last one. I hope you have had a hug from your boy.
I will be praying for Summer and hope some ray of peace will enter her so she can see the light of a free life.
Hoping you too can have some calm. Hugs, Kathy