30 days

It's been 30 days since my son moved into his new sober living house. And 30 days later, things are still good. He's working the program and working daily for the owner of the house, doing painting and various odd jobs. He's paying his own rent. Buying his own necessities. And becoming more independent.

Yesterday he came by for a visit. It was nice to have him hang out with his brother and me for a bit (my wife is out of town visiting her parents). I even cooked the two of them lunch. I can't remember the last time I cooked both my boys lunch. It was nice.

When I took my son back to his house, he showed me his house "financial statement." This is something the owner gives to the residents on a regular basis, to show them how much rent they've paid, how much money they've earned by working, what money has been paid out to them, etc. My son was very proud to show me that he was $72.00 in the black. That in and of itself is a huge step in the right direction. He's paying his own way and earning his own spending money. This is a first, and I think it's giving him a great confidence boost.

After more than seven years, this is the most optimistic I've been about my son's recovery. I pray every day that things continue to go well.

"It's never too late to be what you might have been." --George Eliot