Survivors

I was sitting here catching up on the news of the week when I read the stories of devastation that took place on the east coast after power storms blew through the area. Six people died as a result of this storm and the tornadoes left a path of destruction from state to state. The reporters interviewed the survivors and told their stories of close calls or of total losses. The pictures showed rest of the world the destructive path of the storm or where the tornado seemingly left selected homes untouched.

An addict is like the tornado. She brings havoc and destruction to her family. Everywhere the addict goes the chance to destroy is there. Every person whose life the addict touches may be changed forever. Just like the tornado the addict doesn't realize their own power, and rarely sticks around to witness the results. On occassion there are even those selected few that the addict will step around to avoid bringing them harm, but it doesn't usually last. Eventually the storm-like powers that the addict wields will be out of her control, when that day comes it will be difficult to recognize the survivors.

But we are survivors. We may carry the scars for many years, but we survive. The addict will destroy relationships, homes, bank accounts and even their family in order to satisfy their addiction. Some losses may one day be rebuilt, others are gone forever.

Dear addict, how do you give back the years of youth you robbed from your children? They were forced to grow up so fast because only someone with advanced years could lie to cover up your behavior. Do you remember they stood by your side even when the shame was overwhelming, or did you even realize they were there? How do you mend a relationship that was filled with deceit? Do you really believe that you could ever be trusted again? You battle your addiction with the help of other addicts, where does the survivor turn for healing? You relapse, believing that you can once again stop, you've quit so many times before.

I am a survivor. My strength comes from God, your determination comes from a "higher power". My hope comes from Christ, where does yours come from? A weekly meeting? A big blue book?

How I wish the addict could just get a small glimpse of the havoc the cause before it happens. Maybe that would be enough to make them stop.

Part 1 of a 3 part series.