Thursday, August 13, 2009

Dangerous Rum...

George came by about the time I was eating breakfast.  A strawberry Poptart and a glass of milk.

"What is in the flask?" I asked him as he kept imbibing. 

"Rum," George said with a big toothy grin.  "Want some?"

It was the closest I had come to drinking in the past few years.  In my mind I could feel the warmness of the alcohol coursing through my veins.  The numbness in my hands and the urge to sleep away the day.  Alcohol is the great escape. 

George was also the bringer of mixed news.  Mixed in that I didn't know what to make of it.

"That ex-girlfriend of yours has moved to Atlanta to live with her daughter," George told me. "Ferret told me this morning."

A pang of longing for Rosa shot out through my heart.  I miss her much of the time.  Can't cry over spilt milk, though. 

11 comments:

Leann said...

Andrew,

You are making wonderfully healthy choices for yourself and I am so very proud of you. Every day I see the meter on the side that states how long you have been sober and my heart swells with pride.

Keep up the good work my friend.

Golden To Silver Val said...

Keep up the good work, Andrew! George should be ashamed of himself...he knows you've done so well and yet he keeps trying to tempt you with a drink. If you look closely, George may have horns and a tail! Actually though....its more like "misery loves company". He's a drunk and wants his drinkin' buddy back. I'm proud of you for having the strength to say NO.

An Irish Friend of Bill said...

good for you andrew. its human nature to miss those we are separated from. just make sure to do what makes you comfortable TODAY. seek out the friendship and support you need instead of trying to handle it all on your own. and keep telling us about it, ! as we never tire of hearing of your fantastic progress. :)

Kathy said...

I'm glad you're making healthy choices for yourself. I'm surprised and disappointed that George so freely offers you alcohol -- not very loving, is it?

justLacey said...

Im so proud of your progress. I know you must miss Rosa, but who knows what life has in store for you next? Maybe something even better.

This IS The Fun Part! said...

Wonderful, Andrew - absolutely wonderful!

Grannie

The Hyperlexian Aspie said...

rum was my dark, sweet mistress too...

i actually tried drinking again after 15 years sober, and i luckily had a bad reaction to it. i won't be going back now.

PipeTobacco said...

Sir:

I do not believe George is behaving badly (as another commenter suggested). He is simply being himself. Life is all about choices, and a person who chooses to stay as a teetotaler just accepts that some others may drink. In the same vein, a person who drinks just accepts that there are others who do not drink. Both perspectives are simply choices and both has pros and cons.

As for Rosa, I can understand the longing and the missing you may experience for her. However, I suspect it is for the best. I believe you will eventually find the right person for you, and when you do, there will be no worry or questions.

I wish you many adventures, fun, and activities sir!

PipeTobacco
http://frumpyprofessor.blogspot.com

Lena said...

Just checking in.. Good night, Andrew. Glad you were not tempted by George.

Cheryl said...

I'm hearing some old and familiar names here again. Like in the beginning. Aren't you so glad you're the sober one? You are a strong man and I'm proud of you. I like your writing these days. A lot is left out, but what you do say is meaningful.

Sophie said...

I am so proud of you that you have remained strong in maintaining your sobriety! It isn't easy, there will always be temptations. However, it is my belief that a good friend does not try to lead one down the path of destruction. Misery loves company. Sometimes the people we love and care about are not necessarily good for us. Only you can decide if the risk is worth the benefit. Only you know the extent of your inner strength.