A Warrior’s Honor
Updated: Jan 14, 2021
I have several friends and family that I have lost over the years due to addiction. I have learned that the greatest thing I can do to honor their passing from this horrific disease is to live my life sober. I have their pictures in my house. On my dresser. On the wall. On the refrigerator. I walk around my home and they are always there to remind me what a gift I have been given to have a life of sobriety. When I am getting ready for my day, they inspire me to make a difference in this world.
I understand that we can’t get sober for someone else, but our lost brothers and sisters should not be lost in vain. They want to see us overcome our demons and addiction. Live freely. Enjoy our friends, families and work. We must fight for our recovery. Every day that we stay sober following our Higher Power, and win the battle against our addiction, can be a direct blow to the addiction that steals our loved ones from us.
This is what I do. It gets me out of bed in the morning and keeps me going. I have used it through difficult times. There is dignity and worth in all of us and our lives as people who live with addiction. Whether we have suffered, died, found sobriety, or don’t understand, each one of us is a delicate flash in time. Each day that I live sober and remember those I have lost, I can lay my head down and say that I did it for all of us. Not just me, but everyone. The moms and dads. The children. The friends and lovers. The coaches, teachers and counselors. I can find a piece of gratitude. There is a purpose. Somehow, it makes more sense and gives me hope that I am doing my best and that maybe those souls that left too soon and I can agree with each other that this disease can never and WILL NEVER WIN!
Action: Who’s life and memory can you honor today by doing the right thing? Ask your Higher Power to give you the strength and courage you need to win today’s battles.