One day at a time. I haven’t had a drink in 27 years.
Thank God for the 12 Step programs out there, that is how I accomplished this goal, which is indeed, one day at a time. I remember the details like it was yesterday. I started trying to get sober in July, 1989, and finally got a sobriety date that stuck on December 15th. It was all about taking suggestions. I was not fully ready at first, and did not take enough of the suggestions to get and stay sober for the long haul. I am grateful for the lessons of those five months.
One day at a time means nothing is guaranteed. I still have to recommit on a daily basis not to drink. Sobriety is not guaranteed to anyone who has it, it is something that needs to be continually worked on. And I am grateful that I am around to work on it.
And my dreams came true. My first dream was a gorgeous boyfriend, and in-laws! Well, Peter was that and much more. I wanted to have a relationship just like heterosexuals, which meant a relationship not just with a significant other, but also with their family. I am a very proud Uncle on that side of the family seven times! And three times on my side of the family. all part of my dream come true. Peter and I are together 24 years and I am reminded of that old adage, Be Careful What You Wish For!
And I always wanted to be a dad.
Which brings us to the second dream come true. Paul. Adopted by Peter and I at birth. I started the blog to write down the story of his adoption which was written by God, better than I could have hoped for. I was in the room when he was born, and treated like his dad from that minute on. And now I have a teenager! And I still don’t drink!
This year another dream came true. I converted my son to Judaism, and after attending Hebrew School of eight years, he was Bar Mitzvahed. That was something that was beyond a dream, I would never have dared to think that could be something in my life. Additionally, the Synagogue we attend is so fantastic that our son is still involved through volunteering and a youth group. He makes us proud every minute of every day (when he does his homework on time!).
Lastly, there is no happily ever after. Or rather there is, but you have to work day and night, because it does not happen by itself. We all have our ups and downs, like I said, married 24 years and raising a teenager, it is not a cake walk! But it is the journey I prayed for my whole life and I would not trade it, or my sobriety for anything!
So let’s raise a glass of seltzer, and eat extra chocolate this evening, to celebrate daddy Mitch’s 27 years of sobriety, one day at a time!
Congrats, man. No small feat.
Congrats on being sober and also on the wonderdul husband and father and blogger you have become.
Hero!
That is fantastic, Mitch! Perseverance pays off and you have achieved a great accomplishment! Big congrats to you 🙂
Congratulations!! 🎈
This is mega accomplishment – big congrats!
Gillette blades last longer so end up being more economical & better quality!
This was totally posted in the wrong place – I was copying & pasting & not paying attention!
THIS is why you are my favorite blogger – you are human and honest!
(and you probably thought it was because of your giveaways.)
It sounds like a sometimes bumpy but wonderful journey
Congrats, Mitch!
What a wonderful accomplishment, congratulations!
Happy Sober Anniversary!
Your hard work and dedication are inspiring and you deserve this wonderful life that you have with your family.
Congrats Mitch on all your accomplishments!!
You should be so proud of yourself for striving for (and reaching) your dreams and so much more! Never stop dreaming. And a big congratulations for every day that you continue sober and are truly able to enjoy the life you’ve made!
Congratulations!🎉
What a huge accomplishment! A life well lived!
Oh Mitch what a wonderful story of sobriety and life as it is to be lived with joys and struggles side by side. I wish we lived closer as I would love to hang out now and then with someone who is so openly honest and real.
Having a teenager is no small challenge it is truly one day at a time.
Much good luck and thanks for sharing your story! Lorette
That is so awesome! I have nowhere near as many years as you, but I will! Congratulations!
That’s awesome, Mitch!!! Congratulations!!
Your words are beautiful keep it up