If you have heard me tell my story at a meeting, then you know that the above expression is my first experience with the second step (Came to believe a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity). For those of you who don’t know the story, I’ll briefly recap.
At the end of my using, I wound up in a room at Peachford Hospital with my father sitting across from me. He told me that he would do anything at all to help me as long as I helped myself. He told me that if I did not follow the program completely, he would not help me at all. I was in unimaginable withdrawal at the time. I just KNEW there was no recovering from the physical, mental, emotional place I was in. I said, “Daddy, I don’t think I can do this”. He looked me dead in the eye and with all the conviction in the world said, “You can and you will do this”. And I believed that he believed. I believed him every day until I believed it for myself. I believed it until I KNEW I could and would recover. I believe it today when I am recovered.
Lately, I have been talking to my father almost daily either via telephone or email. More than once, he has told me that I will overcome this cancer and that I will live a long and happy life. And when I don’t believe that, I believe that he believes. This time I have a track record proving that when my father knows I can do something I think I cannot do, he is correct. I can and I will beat cancer. I can and I will live a long, happy life.
Thank you, Daddy.
Well, as I sit here in tears at work, (thank you very much!) after reading your blog for today – I think to myself – look at where your relationship has come with your father. How amazing, and miraculous, and you did not quit then on you, your God, your Dad or your recovery. And those things still hold true and steadfast in your life today. Love you so much.
Wow Andrea. Your post brought me to tears. What an amazing and beautiful relationship you have with your dad. He is truly a Daddy! How wonderful to have such a special and trusting relationship with him. I believe him as well… you ARE going to beat this and you ARE going to live a long and happy life. I look forward to being a part of it for a long, long time! I love you and hope you are having a nice day wrapping things up at work for awhile! Have a great day! Robin
Wow…what a powerful beautiful message today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts,fears and hope with us as you continue your journey. You are truly amazing Andrea. I agree with your Dad of course…you can and you will beat cancer and you will marry the man of your dreams. I am blessed beyond measure to have you as a part of my life. I love you madly!!!!
Thoughts and prayers. xoxo
I’m touched by the love that you and your daddy shares.
This one brought me to tears. How blessed you are to be so loved by your father. I’m going to remember this…if I don’t think I can find someone who believes I can and hold on to that until I believe myself. It brings “not doing in on your own” to a whole new level.
I’m just now reading all your entries and they are each inspiring, funny, true, from the heart and I can so relate to the “girly” part. I want to be pretty too. You’re incredible Andrea. I love thinking of you and Trent and your love for each other. It’s so inspiring. I’m going to believe that that is possible for me too. You will beat cancer. I believe you already have! 🙂