Just When You Think....

Lately it has been a whirlwind of life. Darlene is doing well but in three weeks she has her last surgery, final implants in the reconstruction. Not to be out done I needed a little sympathy, you know us men everything is a competition, I had knee surgery last week and we got to switch roles, Darlene became the caregiver.

Work has been crazy and we are trying to fit in as much time as possible at the lake before cold settles in over the midwest. Of course, trying to see those grandkids takes priority over all, even the surgeries and work. With all of this going on time is a premium.

Last post I wondered, "Where To From Here?" It doesn't take long to get answers to those questions we ask out loud.

Since that time I have been scheduled to speak at two Kansas City area high schools. Anyone that wants to hear my school talks, your are free to join me. Send me an e-mail and I will get you added as my guest. Of course, I always encourage the schools to invite parents to hear my talks to their students.

In addition, I have been ask to speak at the "Johnson County Resort", the same place Alex spent so much time incarcerated while he was actively dancing with the monster. I have been ask to convey a message of hope and that success does and can happen. Another positive is I am being allowed to recruit candidates within the residential program for employment at my work. In my view a solid job with a good steady salary is a must for any recovery program. I am able to offer that component. If we employers, succumb to the stigma of addiction we risk throwing away an entire generation of workers. Generalizations hurt us all.

It was hard, I went to the Johnson County Resort for the first time since we would visit or pick up Alex. Went for a meeting and I had to go to four different doors to get inside. The only door I knew to go to was inmate release door. Who knew, that's not how you get to the administrative offices, LOL. Guess maybe it was PTSD or something. It was hard at times speaking with the administrative staff. More than a couple times my voice cracked and I choked while I talked to the seven administrators.

It's been over five years since the monster actively stalked my family. I hate it that the monster is still destroying families all around me. I have come to realize that I am, and I want to continue to be a warrior in this battle.

Everyone, tell the monster I am not giving up the fight. I am the forever warrior. I will continue the fight any time I am called. This is a battle I must fight, this is a war WE will win.