Last night, I was asked to attend a community meeting. The meeting was held to help educate the public on sober living, and to give people an opportunity to ask questions.
I sat with people that I love and consider to be my family. Some I work with, some are my dearest friends, and some have gone through Rob’s house and are now living their best lives. The rest of the room was filled with community members.
I have never witnessed so much insensitivity, stigma and hate. The community meeting that was being held to help educate and unite, quickly became an opportunity for shaming and highlighting the stigma surrounding addiction.
I had to walk out of the meeting. I cried all the way home. I was so hurt for my beautiful son. I was so hurt for my dear friends probably feeling like they were being punched over and over again. I felt so protective of each and every one of them. They all walked out of the meeting feeling defeated.
To Rob, and to all of my beautiful recovery family…
Your lights will always shine so much more brightly than their hate. I am proud to call you my people. We will continue to fight to break the ugly stigma, I will continue to be a voice for all of you, and I will always stand up and speak up when it comes to the people that I love.
After my sadness, protectiveness and anger faded, I was immediately aware of the most precious gifts in my life. My feelings quickly turned to gratitude. I thank Rob every day for the love, the lessons, and the strength he has given to me. I am even thankful for the pain, because it makes me dig the deepest to find the love.
