Thank you to the HAL members willing to share their Experience, Strength and Hope.
For information on how to submit an essay, email the HAL Publications Committee at: .
Guidelines can be found HERE.
Note: These essays and shares are solely the opinion of the author. Take what you need and leave the rest. They are NOT World Service Conference approved. They are for the personal use of our members only.
“After many years in the Nar-Anon program, when a loved one died, I hesitated to share during Nar-Anon meetings. I believed I could not share my grief with newcomers and others who could not face hearing that some addicts do die. In Hope After Loss, I can freely share, knowing members can hold the reality of my loss. This helps me focus on living, one day at a time.” Wendy A.
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Your Wings Were Ready, My Heart Was Not
I remember dad’s call like yesterday
Telling me that you had passed away
I rushed to the hospital faster than I’ve ever driven
There was no way, this could not be true, it was way too soon
I don’t want you to go, you’re someone I just cannot lose…
You had finally found your recovery
You had taken back your life again
I was so proud that my brother was no longer just existing in this battle with addiction,
You were happy, thriving, and finally living
No more talks of suicide, you were on a natural high
Making amends with those you impacted along the way…
All of your mistakes were forgiven, everything was okay
I held your hand one last time as you lay peacefully in the hospital bed,
You went in your sleep…that’s all they initially said
Then I learned that after one more round of partying, one last line with that same crowd
Knowing what caused your heart to stop beating suddenly made the silence seem so loud
We never got to say goodbye, so for now, I’ll see you later
There is no time limit on grief, but I’m hoping that this pain will get better
I still feel you near, so your story I’ll continue to share in hope that others who are struggling
Realize there is no reason to go back to old ways from back in the days of addiction
There is nothing new to see there, where the same crowd who don’t intend on quitting
I hope that they can find the strength, courage, and wisdom they also need to heal and walk away.
Nar-Anon is helping me to “Let Go and Let God” day after day. In this “we” program, I have met others who also have addicted loved ones they mourn…
So even though I no longer have you, I can gladly say now that I truly know that I am not alone.
Shelly B.
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