A day of mixed emotions

[Mark K 2]

This is my mom's birthday. She died 14 months ago. Today, it seems like it was yesterday that she died.



It's also my nephew's first Veteran's Day as a veteran. I'm so proud of him and so happy that he's home safe and sound. He's in University of Wisconsin's Engineering program right now. This is he and his wonderful wife.



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[EddieS'04]

Mark, I know how you feel. My dad passed 30 months ago, at 84.

Sometimes I tell people he passed last year. Time slips by. My dad was with me until I turned 60. Sometimes I think of something to ask him. But he is not there. Blessings for you, in your sorrow.



Congrats to your nefhew...

 

[Mark K 2]

To end this rough day, my pet starling stopped eating and singing and spent much of the evening on the floor of his cage. That's not good at all. That's what they do when they are ready to die. I prayed like never before. This morning, he awakened me with a song and begging for food. Thank you, Lord. Although he's 13 years old, I'm not ready to lose him.



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[EddieS'04]

Although he's 13 years old, I'm not ready to lose him.

I can imagine the unique repore you have with a starling. Normaly being a wild bird. What is their normal life span?

 

[Mark K 2]

Wild ones live to 4 or 5 years old. Domesticated ones can live to 22 years old. He's so special to me. He's gotten me through loss of a career, PTSD, alcohol treatment and ten years of sobriety, death of two parents, and return of a career. He makes me smile no matter how bad things are.

 

[Andy Chase]

Mark, it's amazing how pets can lift your spirits no matter what is going on. No matter what happens and if they get in trouble, they're always there for you the moment you walk through the door. Congrats and thank you to your nephew. My grandpa, who I was very close with, died 5 years ago and we still get together as a family for a burger at his favorite bar on his birthday every year. I still miss him and think about him everyday.

 

[Mark K 2]

Sometimes I think of something to ask him. But he is not there.

I just hate the moments when a thought pops into my mind and I start heading off to go to my parents to share with them. Then, a split second later, I stop and realize I can't do that anymore.

 

[EddieS'04]

alcohol treatment and ten years of sobriety

A big congrats on that..:supercool:...Im waiting until feb 22. I will have 25yrs, that is a 1/4 of a century. I find it awsome to beleive. I was strung out very bad. Alchohol was not my only addiction. One day at a time my friend.

Even to this day I still find myself taking personal inventory. Even for things I say on this board...LOL

 

[Mark K 2]

The sobriety thing is a piece of cake for me. No more triggers, urges, or cravings. Haven't had those for years. Living the steps makes working the program second nature for me. It makes "continued to take personal inventory" thing easy. As for making ongoing amends, I just never get myself into a situation where I have to.



Thanks, Eddie, and congrats on 25 years.

 

[Bob McDonald]

I'm with you, Mark. Kind of melancholy myself right now. My mom passed away 13 years ago on Halloween morning at age 83. I will be putting flowers of her headstone on her birthday this month on the 22nd, which happens to be Thanksgiving this year.

 

[EddieS'04]

Mark,

I dont have the cravings anymore. Im able to pass the trigers, I just reset my mind elsewhere. Start or finnish a project. I find some of the old triggers strange nowdays. You know the kind where you say, what was I thinking...LOL

Taking inventory is easy, but I find myself having to make amends alot. Might just be my nature...LOL

Actualy, the more I have put my faith in God. Is where I recognize when Im not acting right.

It is nice to hear from people, that have known me then and now. When they say something like, that used to set you off, and you would use that much more...I like you now.