death in my family

[tina]

Hi everyone,

I got news over the weekend that my brother (44 years old) got hit by a car and died. It is speculated that he was drunk at the time and decided to cross a highway on foot.

He has been in jails and institutions for most of his life (due to mental health problems and largely alcoholism), so I have not had contact with him for about 14 years.

It would have been his 44th birthday today.


And also- I lost 6.8 pounds (give or take a pound or two for clothes and shoes) doing weight watchers. His death has made me realize (even more) how precious life, health and family is.

I am going to continue to take care of myself.

Have a good day all.

Tina

[pamela]

hello tina
I'm so sorry to hear about your brother's death
I also have problems with alcohol and maybe deep down he was sad and like everybody else looking for the way out
I send you a big hug.

[sunshinefunk]

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. Death is all around us, but it's easy to forget. My deepest sympathies/
-sunshine-

[tina]

Thank you Pamela and Sunshinefunk for your condolences.

Pamela, I am one of four alcoholic siblings. My brother has passed on now and my two sisters are in total denial. I am the lucky 25% to have gotten sober through Alcoholics Anonymous. I am saving a seat for my sisters in AA too. If you ever need someone to talk to about your struggle with alcohol, please by all means, you can talk to me.

Sunshinefunk, thank you very much. You are very sweet. I appreciate your kindness from the bottom of my heart.

Thanks everyone.

[myperfectgnome]

I am so sorry to hear about your brother! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Also, congrats on the weight loss! I have been thinking about going back to weight watchers.

[pamela]

Dear,dear dearest Tina,
I'm sorry I just read your reply today,I would really like your advice because I come from a a family of alcoholics,all my aunts and my grandfather from my father's side,I just think it is getting more than an habit because I just can't stop drinking not even for one single day and the amount of course increases as well.
Thanks so much

[moratorium]

Hi tina,

I just wanted to send you my condolences for your loss. It sounds like he endured a lot in his life and I hope he has found peace.

Congratulations on your 6.8 pound weight loss also, I hope this solemn time proves to asseverate the value of your own plight and propel you to looking out for yourself as you cross the many highways of life.

Kind regards,

Mora.

[tina]

Thank you myperfectgnome, pamela and moratorium for your support.

I am coping one day at time.

It stirs up a bunch of family crap and I just want to grieve in peace. This seems selfish, but I can't help how I feel.

Thanks again for all your condolences.

[Spring Angel]

Tina,

I am sorry for the loss of your brother. It sounds like you really lost him a long time ago to alcoholism? Also that is great news about your accomplishment in weight watchers. I have been doing a food and exercise plan as well and have lost 30 pounds. So I'm with you in spirit, in your efforts. I do recall we talked about AA as well at one time, and I am so proud of you for sticking with it. I am in my 11th year now, and the program has given me soo sooo much.

Pamela, I am also here for you if you want to talk about your drinking, and can be available to support you there. Alcoholism is a two part disease, the obsession to drink like a normal person, coupled with the "Phenomenon of Craving" which is activated each time an alcoholic ingests even a tiny bit of alcohol. Normal people do not have these two things.

AA is a great program. I hope you reach the place where you are desperate to quit, or can achieve the desire before you reach the desperation point.

Your life will never be the same after you walk into the doors of AA.

Saying a prayer for you both, and to those who also responded.

luv,

Spring

[tina]

Thank you so much Spring Angel,

yes my brother was lost a long, long time ago due to alcoholism. It's so sad. My inclination, is to believe that he is in a better place. He was sick and suffering. He is at peace now.

This disease ravages and destroys. Like you, Spring Angel, I found AA and after several years of trying to get sober, I finally have had some success. I will get my two year medallion (God willing) this June.

My life has changed so much. Although I have good and bad days, my life is unbelievable.

Yes this disease is one that afflicts us spiritually, physically and mentally. I am so grateful to have found AA, and it is my honor to pass the message to those alcoholics who still suffer.

Thanks everyone for your kindness, love and support.

Tina