Another beginning…

In anticipation of today, I searched for the right words to demonstrate my support for Swenny on his first day of outpatient therapy.  When google came up short, I searched within myself.  Here are some of my words:

Dear Swenny,

When we met nearly 30 years ago, we couldn’t have imagined where life would take us.  I certainly never would have predicted the challenges of alcoholism, but I also couldn’t have possibly envisioned the joy we have found through our kids and each other.

We’ve said goodbye to friends not interested in being a part of our lives beyond a night out, but also found a smaller circle of people who really matter.  In the end, our happiness depends only on us and how we choose to handle the challenges we encounter and celebrate the good fortunes we enjoy.

We are more lucky than not, and today – like every day – is another beginning.  Keep facing this with courage and don’t ever give up.  I love you…

Just then, I found the perfect quote:

“We gain the strength of the temptation we resist.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson