Thank you, Sallie. It was nice to be reminded of that miracle. It's much easier to remember the pain sadly. Having had the pleasure of getting to know you this last year, it's clear to me that you also have made wonder of your experiences.
LOVED reading this just now. I don't think it was until this month that I learned we both grew up with boats. I too have some memories of heavily drinking parents at home or during boating trips to Lake Powell. There were more than a few bad things that happened (injuries and a few other dangerous things that I'll save for HH) but thankfully they quit for good, probably because they realized the influence it was having and probably because of the realization that they were alcoholics.
I enjoyed learning more about your teen years. Serenity is a great name for a boat. I lived on Bethel Island for several years. There was often a misty fog in the early mornings.
Sue, this is an extraordinary essay. My parents were also alcoholics, and I remember nothing - absolutely nothing - life-affirming from my mother. My father was a functioning alcoholic, a doctor who once said he could sober up in five minutes if a patient was in trouble and needed him. I don't see how that can be true, and he certainly never sobered up to help me. Those four years your sad parents gave you are a miracle! And you have made such a wonder of it now. Blessings!
The three areas that I remember visiting were Bethel Island, Rio Vista and Isleton. My memory is poor but we likely spent time at each of those locations. And I agree, Serenity is a perfect name for their boat!
Thank you, Sallie. It was nice to be reminded of that miracle. It's much easier to remember the pain sadly. Having had the pleasure of getting to know you this last year, it's clear to me that you also have made wonder of your experiences.
LOVED reading this just now. I don't think it was until this month that I learned we both grew up with boats. I too have some memories of heavily drinking parents at home or during boating trips to Lake Powell. There were more than a few bad things that happened (injuries and a few other dangerous things that I'll save for HH) but thankfully they quit for good, probably because they realized the influence it was having and probably because of the realization that they were alcoholics.
Lucky for you they quit! Hey, that's what we can do one day, a boating trip!
It is incredibly sad how substance abuse effects a family. Thank you for once again for sharing you journey.
I consider it a privilege to share my journey and a blessing to have friends and readers like you.
I enjoyed learning more about your teen years. Serenity is a great name for a boat. I lived on Bethel Island for several years. There was often a misty fog in the early mornings.
Wow, I just learned more about you my dear friend. Thank you for sharing your memories on the Serenity.
Sue, this is an extraordinary essay. My parents were also alcoholics, and I remember nothing - absolutely nothing - life-affirming from my mother. My father was a functioning alcoholic, a doctor who once said he could sober up in five minutes if a patient was in trouble and needed him. I don't see how that can be true, and he certainly never sobered up to help me. Those four years your sad parents gave you are a miracle! And you have made such a wonder of it now. Blessings!
The three areas that I remember visiting were Bethel Island, Rio Vista and Isleton. My memory is poor but we likely spent time at each of those locations. And I agree, Serenity is a perfect name for their boat!
I learned a bit as well, ha! I might have all but forgotten those years had I not had the blessing of being invited on Dave and Jen's yacht.