Ego Out Of Control

Today is my birthday and I know that all over the world there are celebrations and parties planned for this evening. To many this may feel this is a great reason for celebration but all I want for my birthday is for everyone to be wise and safe for today.

Please do not overindulge on my behalf.  Above all, please do not drink and drive.

Not to stress anyone out with those resolutions, that none of us intend to keep anyway; today let's look back on last year. Tomorrow we can look forward to a new year. Today think of something you are grateful for this past year and share it with two people. We should all end this year on a positive.

I am grateful my son has found recovery and maintained his recovery but that is stating the obvious.

I am grateful that I have happy and healthy children and grandchildren.

I am grateful for people that help others because none of us should be alone.

My Family

Santa has been very good to me.

The Magic of Christmas

This is the time of year that brings much joy to some and unspeakable heartache for others. There is not much I can say on here that can help many but what I say here does help me.

There are many different beliefs around Christmas and this holiday season but there are a few things I believe:

I believe there is nothing like seeing a small children and grandchildren tear into presents on Christmas morning.

I believe no person has scared more 2 year old children than Santa Claus, any doubt in this, there is photographic evidence.

I believe it is possible to put aside anger or hurt for one day.

I believe Christmas has become too big of a production with not enough love and support.

I believe if I lived someplace warm it wouldn't be the same holiday without 10 degrees and wind.

I believe that forgiveness is the most wonderful gift you can give yourself.

I believe a fire in the fireplace on Christmas makes everyone feel warmer and nicer.

I believe Christmas wishes do come true.

I believe for each of our suffering children there is recovery for them to take.

And most of all,

I believe for each of us life goes on and where there is life there is hope. Look around you and see all the the life. Try to tell me then there is no hope.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday's to all no matter what your beliefs........Ron Grover

You Never Know The Impact

Susan Mayberry is a teacher that has had me speak to her students for 4 years. She just forwarded me an article published in The Basehor Linwood High School Express, the newspaper.

I remember this student very well during my talk.

You never know how you help someone when you share your story. Attached is the article for you to read.

"The Story Behind the Story" by Liz Morris

Thank you Zack for sharing. Thank you Liz for writing about it.

A Holiday Tradition (sic)

Twas the Night Before Christmas

at a Drug House

by A Very Sick and Twisted Person

(with a morbid, sick sense of humor, yours truly; it doesn’t rhyme)

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse,

it got in our stash and overdosed.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

cause I was running around in the snow in my socks in hopes that

Nick soon would be there, cause he was holding.

My buds were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of oxy danced in their heads.
And Mama in her sweats, and I in my t-shirt,
had just settled our brains with some really good smoke.

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Cops and a SWAT team, it’s a raid.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
tore open the shutter, and threw out the stash.

Staring at a .45 and tazer.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

and me cuffed on the ground

gave the lustre of midday to objects below,
when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a sleigh and eight reindeer, that smoke was laced.

A little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be Nick with a delivery.
More rapid than eagles, he drove by,
and he whistled and shouted and waved to the cops by name:

"Now Dasher! Now Dancer!
Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid!
On, Donner and Blitzen!

On came the lights and out came the stop sticks.

Nick joins me cuffed on the ground.

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky
so up to the house-top the helicopters flew,
with the cabin full of SWAT.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
the prancing and pawing of every one of those SOB’s.
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
down the chimney a fat man came with a bound.

He was dressed in black kevlar, from his head to his foot,
and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of weapons he had flung on his back,
and he looked like a mercenary just opening his pack.

His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were rosey, his nose red as a cherry, 

same as an alcoholic!

His droll little mouth was drawn up with a sinister grin,
and the beard on his chin was full of something white as snow.
A one hitter he held tight in his teeth,
and familiar smoke encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly; 

too many Oreo's and Taco Bell,

that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself,

tweakers can spot each other.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
and filled bags with evidence, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose, 

leaned down to the table and giving a snort,

backup the chimney he rose.

He sprang into the chopper, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he flew out of sight,

Got us some good shit tonight.

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

For all my new readers here are links to my past holiday posts:

2012 - I Didn't Know This Program Existed

2011 - Santa Is A Fat Man

2010 - The Spirit Of The Holidays 

Cheating My Blog

I want to apologize to all of you. I've had a lot to say and wish I would have written but you know how it is for all of us. Lately I've been busier that a cat covering up you know what. Pretty poor excuse but that's the best I've got.

Everything is wonderful at home. The construction on the house is nearly done, new siding, driveway and I've got all the new wood flooring installed. Just in time for the holidays. Now Darlene is a slave driver on her punch list.

Alex and all the kids are fine. Another year where we anxiously await our holiday season. Unlike a few other years that seem so long ago now.

Now I am cheating. I am wimping out on writing all my thoughts. Today I am going to post a couple links and I would very much appreciate you all watch the short video and read through the 20 Minute Guide.

So much is evolving in the treatment of addition, particularly in the treatment of young adults that start as teens, where 90% of addicts begin. If you're struggling with a young adult, please, please, please I beg you to read the 20 Minute Guide and begin shedding the thoughts and actions that haven't worked for you or your loved one in the past.

The video link is of Tom Hedrick a wonderful man that has devoted most of his career in helping parents of addicts. Tom will soon be retiring from his position in New York with The Partnership. But I am sure this a man that will never give up the fight and as many thousands of parents that unknowingly owe him a huge thank you today there will be thousands more in the future that will benefit from his work.

Tom Hedrick

Tom is the one on the right in the red shirt.

Be sure to watch the link!!!!!!! 

After listening to Tom please go to The Center for Motivation and Change and download the Parents 20 Minute Guide. Forewarned, it takes a lot more than 20 minutes to digest it but it is time well spent by any parent. (just click on the subjects on the left side of the page)

CMC: Parents 20 Minute Guide

I know this might be a lot to ask in the holiday season but the video is only 2 minutes.

ps.: I told my story to 150 more students 2 weeks ago at a high school where I have not been before. A representative from another new high school called me last week trying to get me into his school to speak.