Thanks, Michelle for opening up and sharing; I felt a bit selfish asking this question - thinking I'm taking up a "space and story" for what you want to write/need...thanks for taking time, you are so loving.

My boys too had the drinks/weed in high school - as much as I tried to prevent it, it's SO pervasive where we lived. One would think suburbs make you immune, but it's almost worst...as many have witnessed around the country. They tested and tell me mostly everything; boys are quite different than girls as teenagers (so keep in mind, "everything" is quite relative😞😑). I loved what you said about: openness and constant communication. I felt those were my only and strongest tools.

I'm happy they talk to me about the cases of addiction they see around them; it's opened up a lot of good conversations...ugh, it's so hard. I genuinely was curious how you handled it all - and it's so impressive what you did Michele. I hope you often stop and celebrate who you are...I think there's a fine balance between this self-love and thinking we are boasting, but truly - I celebrate what you accomplished because it's just so hard. They are beautiful men and women out there still with grown children out of the home and they still can't get it under control. I think of them, and it's so hard...

Last night I started a writing class - and while it's small, I was "surprised" but I think half of them talked about sobriety. It got me thinking about so much about what you write and wanted to encourage you -- it's needed. Even if we are not battling with addiction, it's in our homes and friends' lives...it's everywhere.

Thanks for writing this...thanks for such a kind compliment -- too generous. Warmest hug!!