What a Difference a Year Makes

We celebrated by having Andy's parents over for dinner one night and going to my parents another.  We also celebrated by having our own little dinner at home with Andy's favorite taco casserole.  Everyone who knows me knows there is only one scent of candle that I like and Andy likes them all.  So, everyone got Andy some candles this year for his birthday and Christmas.  Haha, very funny!  We also celebrated my brother, Pete's, birthday since they are so close together. 

Another reason to celebrate?  My Dad's one year of sobriety.  I am so proud of him for this incredible accomplishment.  He went through a lot during his drinking days, and I know it's not all behind him.  We have since learned he has a lot more to go through to be completely healthy. But, he has a remarkable attitude and is trying every day.  Fighting a disease, because that is what it is plain and simple, in any form is not easy.  It's a disease because it is ugly and difficult and seemingly never ending.  But, my Dad made a choice about a year ago and hasn't seemed to look back.  Unfortunately, the drinking road he was on may have been a little too long and now there are things he needs in order to live. Things, put simply, means a new liver.  I have since learned about the benefits of organ donation and am ever aware of the need for and importance of organ donation.  I have also learned about the good will of people and how generous people can be.  I learned about a cousin who went through the whole interview and screening process in an attempt to donate part of her liver to my Dad. She didn't qualify because of the size of her liver, but she tried.  People are good and when I am having a bad day or extremely sad about the state of my Dad's health, I try to remember the good in people and that miracles can happen.  Looking back over a year ago, I never thought the day would come when my Dad would be 100% sober and he's here.  I'm proud of him. I love him.

If you are interested in learning more about my Dad and his story, you can follow him on his CaringBridge website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/timjohnson4