'S Good

We've just entered week 4, clean. Deo gratias!

This image of pain captures the sense of the spoken and unspoken pain shared by many who are seeking solace in the parent's support group at Fairbanks. The pain may be worse for those with nowhere to turn for support.

Recently we celebrated one family's joy for a child 4 years clean. We share both the joy and the concern that will long linger for any recovering addict. All of us know the fragility of recovery while trust is rebuilt. A lot of pain precedes the gain.

Six adults, new to the group, each with a story, each seeking a safe harbor, graced the meeting. Some pain was masked, some was striking. The context for all of us on this journey is "what next" in our corner of addiction. What will happen to my child? When will this nightmare end? Can I stand the pain?

Hear this! Know that you are not alone. I have witnessed this group offer helpful resources, extend the comfort of being understood, and a build a conviction that you are not alone. You didn't cause it, you can't control it, and you cannot cure addiction. By joining this support group (or similar) you can learn to take care of yourself, you can clear your head, you can find peace on the road to your own recovery, and you can be stronger. Hope grows here.

Find serenity.

Thanks to the founders and leaders of the group, thanks to those who've shared stories and pain, thanks to those who've reached out, reached up, and kept coming back. One by one, we can experience healing no matter how difficult the pain is or has been.

Thanks group!