It has always been my belief that if we provide our children a safe and sturdy foundation, no matter how much they flit, fly and at times flop around, they will always land on that foundation.
I've seen soaring angels and bore witness to many belly flops as my kids have flown from the cuckoos nest. However, fly as hard and as high as they might, they have always landed safely right back in my arms.
A few weeks ago, I watched a graceful, dynamic landing by a dear friend of mine.
Jordan has been a friend of my boys for many years. In fact, it was so long ago that I don't even remember the how, when or why to their friendship. He was always one of "my" kids. Always has been. Always will be.
Jordan dabbled in alcohol and drugs. Jordan became addicted. He did things that were "out of character" for him. He went in and out of jail. Periodically Jordan would land at our house and I would see the fear mixed with self-loathing in his eyes.
Jordan wanted to do better. Jordan longed for a life complete with happiness, but he could never quite pull it off.
In November, I sat with the Brown family and cheered wildly as Jordan graduated from drug court.
I'm awed at the strength shown by my friend. I know this has been a tiring, difficult journey for Jordan as well as his friends and family.
I know people don't understand addiction. I'm not an addictive personality. Lucky me. I'm surrounded by friends and family that are enslaved by substance and have made a stand to spit in the eyes of their fears.
I'm proud of those that find the strength to overcome addiction. I applaud the friends and family that allow change. Addiction touches everyone in one way or another. Thank you to the addicts that have shown us that belief and love are a stronger force than substance.
So...build foundations. Stand on those foundations with arms wide open so that those that fly in the face of a storm know right where to land.
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