A mother, in recovery at TLC for some time, came to my office yesterday with tears of joy. She shows me a letter from her daughter - a child she'd lost touch with years earlier because of heroin.
Included in the envelope is a picture of a smiling preteen girl.
And of course it's a loving letter. She gives her mom updates about her life. She still loves her. She forgives her. She says she understands what happened. And there's more personal stuff I won't share here.
But this letter is an example of what goes on in our life once we get some time in recovery.
People start hearing that we're doing better and get in touch. They're happy we're doing well. They reopen the door to a possible reunion and reestablishment of a relationship.
We often tell newcomers that if they stick around for a year they won't know their life. And I've seen it happen over and over. And it's different for everyone.
Families sometimes reunite. Former employers might hire them back. Others go on to finish their education. Some start a new career or a new relationship. Positive things happen.
But the one common factor among those who stay sober is that recovery brings rewards.
And I saw one of them today when this happy mother came to my office.
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