Welcome back! Gosh, it's been a long time and I was thinking about you last week after watching all of the weather coming across the country and hitting your area.
You sound strong and much more confident and independent these days. As for Smokey...all I can say is keep those expectations very, very low. You know how addicts/alcoholics are. You know how recovery works, i.e., it's one step at a time, one minute at a time and if they are not strong, they tend to take one step forward two steps back. It's disappointing to all of you when he comes forward and connects and then goes dark for a while. The girls are fed up and it rocks their world when he does this stuff.
Heather, read the detachment thread and print it off as a guide. It will help all of you figure out a way to get off that roller coaster he continues to put y'all on.
I am so glad that all of you are okay and doing well. The new place has done wonders for all of you. Please keep in touch either here or via email (I hope you still have my email address).
Step back as far as you can and just let him go figure things out. He may be one of those who can't stay strong once he's up on his feet. He may have to really keep his focus on him and what he needs to do to remain sober.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
