I had forgotten about Mateus wine from my college days. I love the blunt honesty of your writing and the cost of alcoholism which my father had as well. My parents divorced when I was four and he left my mother to raise 4 boys by herself. I never knew him, but I realize it is a disease and a difficult addiction to overcome. Thanks for the share since it is very real to me.
Alcoholism is a beast with which many families struggle. As is addiction in general. I am lucky I still have so many good memories in spite of the nightmare moments.
As you know, my mother was an amazing woman. There were difficult times, but she always held us together and we thrived. In many ways, I was glad my father was not around to create bad memories for me. When he would call and I picked up the phone he would say "Is that you son?" My mother knew instantly to take the phone away and with long black cord she would walk to her bedroom and talk to him and then she would cry. I wrapped myself around her legs and say"It will be okay."
As always, great writing about a difficult subject. I have had relationships with two wonderful peeps with drinking problems and didn’t realize it at first because similarly, neither one was a mean drunk. It’s difficult all around and in the end, up to them to stop the addiction. Sigh
One of them many years after quitting and then taking it up again, died of a fall
Ann, Your parents , like mine, enjoyed the socially condoned custom of cocktails. I loved seeing the photos of them . How admirable really the way your Dad "recovered". Funny thing, I asked my Mom that same question once, she replied with irritation: "Of course not", which did surprised me.
As the child of two alcoholics it was many years before the label became easy to me. And if you drink after 5 pm you aren't an alcoholic...before that hour it was just what everyone did in that time. Martinis for lunch...a cocktail before dinner. My dad finally faced it. My mother never did. Different brain chemistry and different life experiences. I still miss them so much...just not that part. Thanks for your kind hearted "rendition" of their life. There wasn't anything more that you could have done.
Ann, thank you for this essay. I love your frank and candid honesty in all of your writings. Especially this one.
Dare I say….? Cheers!
such good writing
so skillfully engaging
I had forgotten about Mateus wine from my college days. I love the blunt honesty of your writing and the cost of alcoholism which my father had as well. My parents divorced when I was four and he left my mother to raise 4 boys by herself. I never knew him, but I realize it is a disease and a difficult addiction to overcome. Thanks for the share since it is very real to me.
Alcoholism is a beast with which many families struggle. As is addiction in general. I am lucky I still have so many good memories in spite of the nightmare moments.
As you know, my mother was an amazing woman. There were difficult times, but she always held us together and we thrived. In many ways, I was glad my father was not around to create bad memories for me. When he would call and I picked up the phone he would say "Is that you son?" My mother knew instantly to take the phone away and with long black cord she would walk to her bedroom and talk to him and then she would cry. I wrapped myself around her legs and say"It will be okay."
As always, great writing about a difficult subject. I have had relationships with two wonderful peeps with drinking problems and didn’t realize it at first because similarly, neither one was a mean drunk. It’s difficult all around and in the end, up to them to stop the addiction. Sigh
One of them many years after quitting and then taking it up again, died of a fall
A beautiful, human story. Forgiveness all around.
Ann, Your parents , like mine, enjoyed the socially condoned custom of cocktails. I loved seeing the photos of them . How admirable really the way your Dad "recovered". Funny thing, I asked my Mom that same question once, she replied with irritation: "Of course not", which did surprised me.
Please forgive yourself Ann. You could not have prevented nor stopped his drinking. It has to be self motivated to work.
Bascha Mon
Honest and loving. Beautifully written. I love getting these every Sunday afternoon 🥰
Thanks, Peyton!
As the child of two alcoholics it was many years before the label became easy to me. And if you drink after 5 pm you aren't an alcoholic...before that hour it was just what everyone did in that time. Martinis for lunch...a cocktail before dinner. My dad finally faced it. My mother never did. Different brain chemistry and different life experiences. I still miss them so much...just not that part. Thanks for your kind hearted "rendition" of their life. There wasn't anything more that you could have done.