After 10 years of drug use my son celebrated 10 months of sobriety. It doesn’t sound like a long time but to a heroin addict I can imagine that it is. Every day is a challenge to remain clean and sober.
I am a member of a Facebook group called Mothers of Addicts. My heart breaks when I read some of the posts from Moms who have lost their sons and daughters to drugs. Most find it so hard to separate themselves from their drug addicted child. It took me a long time to use tough love on my son. I was in therapy for 1 1/2 years because I couldn’t let go.
This is my son today. He has his own place, a beautiful, wonderful girlfriend, a job and a family who has accepted him back into the fold.
To see him smile and be happy, well, there aren’t words for how that makes me feel. He and I both know how fragile sobriety is so we both take one day at a time. For today I have my son back.
Whatever I think 
May 30, 2012 @ 21:09:46
This is the best news I’ve had in ages. Way to go Damon. Joan, I can imagine your happiness. YAY.
May 30, 2012 @ 21:11:40
Thanks Joy. It’s been a hard road for him but he seems to be finding his way.
May 30, 2012 @ 21:36:48
What a wonderful post. I can see that you are so proud of Damon, and rightly so! I think 10 months sober is a fantastic achievement, and I’m sure that the first 10 months are probably the hardest? I’m so glad to hear that he is doing so well. Great stories like these are what the world needs to hear, instead of just the sad and depressing ones. I hope this story gives hope to somebody else out there who is struggling with addiction (of any kind). Damon’s courage is inspiring, and his mother’s love is truly heartwarming.
May 30, 2012 @ 23:40:08
Thanks Hannah. It’s all thanks to AA. He couldn’t have done it without his AA friends. He totally embraced AA and found a spiritualism that he never had before. .
May 30, 2012 @ 23:14:04
I’m so happy for you, Joan! Way to go, Damon! I can’t say any better than what Hannah said.
May 30, 2012 @ 23:41:26
Thanks, my friend. It’s nice to go to bed at night and not have to worry about him.
May 31, 2012 @ 01:30:06
Just the picture of Damon alone brings a smile to my face. I’m so happy for his progress and success! Here’s to a whole lifetime of happiness, for overcoming such a hardship, blazing a new path, and let it be a great one filled with a life of love and happiness. xoxoxo
May 31, 2012 @ 01:40:02
Thanks Anne, It’s so nice to see the sparkle in his eyes. He is genuinely happy for the first time in a long long time. I finally can go to sleep without worrying about him.
May 31, 2012 @ 09:01:06
Congratulations Damon! That is fantastic! That’s a whole lot of One Day at a times. I wish for you so much good in your new life. Well Done!
Jun 02, 2012 @ 17:08:29
I am so happy for Damon! He has worked hard for this happiness and I know he will continue to work at it each and every day.
Jun 03, 2012 @ 23:56:50
(((((HUGS))))) I’m so happy for you both. (((((HUGS)))))
😀 Congratulations Damon!
Jun 10, 2012 @ 00:13:20
awww….this made me teary eyed. I can feel you pure motherly love Joan. 🙂
I am so happy for your you and your son. 🙂
Jun 14, 2012 @ 07:15:27
Congratulations to your son and to you. Life is a tough road. I’m so glad that he was able to take advantage of the help that AA offers and that you got some help and support too! I lost a very young cousin to drugs and she left behind two babies. It is so sad that they will grow up never having known their mom and that she had some amazing talents. Enjoy every good day and every good moment!!! I hope they are long and lasting for you both!
Jun 15, 2012 @ 23:13:57
I have read your tough life before, and things are getting settled now. I remember how hard it has been for you, letting go of your son and directing him on the right path, but now, it has paved way for a brighter future for him, Kudos to you, and I hope he remains clean from now on.
Jun 16, 2012 @ 01:04:22
Thanks for stopping by Sheng. I am so happy to have my son be part of my life again. And yes, he does have a bright future in front of him.
Jul 05, 2012 @ 12:57:37
I just found your blog and this was the first post I read and wow, all I can say is well done! Respect for him and for you!
Jan 04, 2013 @ 16:28:59
Massive love and respect.
Di xx