From You, To Me
A letter I had hoped for.37 total reviews
Comment from GARY MACLEAN
Alcohol is so threatening. One never knows how they will react to it, whether they will get "hooked" or not and whether they will be a "good" drunk or not. I lived through an alcoholic marriage. My first two kids and I went through hell just trying to keep her home and with us. There was always an excuse and always an "I'll never do it again."
Today, I have zero tolerance for alcoholics. I know it may sound heartless, but I too agree, it is not a disease, it is a choice. Just say no. Walk away or run away if you have to. No good can ever come of it.
I think sometimes I would love an ice-cold beer on a hot August day, but I won't even give it a try, not after my experience and the stories I have heard, much like this one.
There simply is no room for alcohol in a civilized relationship, none. I am so sorry you had to go through that with your father. I can empathize because I have been there. Hopefully most of your wounds have healed.
Nice mind jolting warning of a poem. I hope others read your author's comments and take note nad be wise.
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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Alcohol is so threatening. One never knows how they will react to it, whether they will get "hooked" or not and whether they will be a "good" drunk or not. I lived through an alcoholic marriage. My first two kids and I went through hell just trying to keep her home and with us. There was always an excuse and always an "I'll never do it again."
Today, I have zero tolerance for alcoholics. I know it may sound heartless, but I too agree, it is not a disease, it is a choice. Just say no. Walk away or run away if you have to. No good can ever come of it.
I think sometimes I would love an ice-cold beer on a hot August day, but I won't even give it a try, not after my experience and the stories I have heard, much like this one.
There simply is no room for alcohol in a civilized relationship, none. I am so sorry you had to go through that with your father. I can empathize because I have been there. Hopefully most of your wounds have healed.
Nice mind jolting warning of a poem. I hope others read your author's comments and take note nad be wise.
Comment Written 12-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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Thank you for the wonderful review and understanding comments, Gary. This was one of the hardest things I have ever written and I have dished out quite a lot. Because of the devestation this caused our family, I have never had a drink of alcohol. A vow to God I intend to keep.
Sending you my best today as always,
Sal :))
Comment from Cindy Decker 2
Sally,
Your poignant poem is so beautifully written and very sad. I'm sorry you did not get to know your dad very much. I'm sure writing this poem was a healing experience for you.
God bless you always.
Good luck with this one, Sally.
Love, AFA,
Cindy
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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Sally,
Your poignant poem is so beautifully written and very sad. I'm sorry you did not get to know your dad very much. I'm sure writing this poem was a healing experience for you.
God bless you always.
Good luck with this one, Sally.
Love, AFA,
Cindy
Comment Written 12-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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Thank you for the sweet and tender review, dear Cindy. Blessings to you always,
Sal xoxo's
Comment from Tina Crute
Ugh...I am so sorry for your childhood memories that included alcoholism. That must've been oh so painful! I hope it was cathartic for you to write what you hoped your Dad would. My Nana was an alcoholic, also my brother. It's a family destroyer. Your poem tugs at the heartstrings, but also shows your coming to terms with what never happened. All in all, from the picture, to the letter to yourself to the author's notes, this is a complete composition. Sometimes poems sit by themselves, but this one is complete and fits into your life.
I am a bit wordy tonight, but I appreciate you putting your story and heart on the line, literally:)
hugs!
Tina
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2022
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Ugh...I am so sorry for your childhood memories that included alcoholism. That must've been oh so painful! I hope it was cathartic for you to write what you hoped your Dad would. My Nana was an alcoholic, also my brother. It's a family destroyer. Your poem tugs at the heartstrings, but also shows your coming to terms with what never happened. All in all, from the picture, to the letter to yourself to the author's notes, this is a complete composition. Sometimes poems sit by themselves, but this one is complete and fits into your life.
I am a bit wordy tonight, but I appreciate you putting your story and heart on the line, literally:)
hugs!
Tina
Comment Written 12-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2022
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Thank you for the tender and long review and comments, dear Tina. I left out the unpleasant details, as it was a rough ride, especially for my sweet mom. I was the oldest girl and saw and experienced more than a little girl should. My last conversation with was about the book I sent in the poem. It was the Bible. I shared the gospel with him and he's said he'd think about it. I hope he did.
Sending you my best today as always,
Sal XOs
Comment from Carlos' girl
I have to admit I was more compelled to read the authors Notes than the poem, to learn the story or background.
Alcoholism is one of the most devastating diseases around. The loss of really everything that matters. It strips a person of everything. Just terrible.
Im glad you survived and thrived
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2022
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I have to admit I was more compelled to read the authors Notes than the poem, to learn the story or background.
Alcoholism is one of the most devastating diseases around. The loss of really everything that matters. It strips a person of everything. Just terrible.
Im glad you survived and thrived
Comment Written 12-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2022
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Being a part of Alcoholic's Anonymous, it a day to day thing and a new choice every day. My dad dried out many times and went right back to it. He always told me what I wanted to hear, except for taking any responsibility in making things right. A family torn apart needs this kind of stuff. It's what healthy relationships are made of. This is my story and my loss. I hope you can respect it.
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Of course i respect it sally! My dad's best friend was an alcoholic. He lost his wife and son. He came to our house alot. It was really sad. Even as a child i could see all the pain it caused. Alcoholics seem adverse to responsibility, causing their loved ones great pain.
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Thank you.
Comment from Shirley McLain
That is a sad story, but unfortunately I understand it well because I to had an alcoholic father. My mother stayed with my dad, and he made life hell at times. I do think it is a disease, because every male in my dad's family including his father and three uncles were alcoholic. You did a great job as usual. Shirley
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2022
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That is a sad story, but unfortunately I understand it well because I to had an alcoholic father. My mother stayed with my dad, and he made life hell at times. I do think it is a disease, because every male in my dad's family including his father and three uncles were alcoholic. You did a great job as usual. Shirley
Comment Written 12-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2022
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Thank you for the tender review and personal notes. I am so sorry for your situation too, and I have many relatives that are alcoholics, and many have died because of it. I pray things are doing better for you and yours.
I've never had an alcoholic drink, my vow to God since a child.
Sending you my best today as always,.Sal XOs
Comment from lyenochka
Such a moving poem, Sally! And of course, we can all understand. We all desire to have that right relationship with our parents. It would have been so much better to know he accepted the Lord's forgiveness and restored his relationship with you. But you kept growing in grace despite your father's absence in your life. You kept forgiving and caring and that's a beautiful thing! Hope this does well in the contest!
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reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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Such a moving poem, Sally! And of course, we can all understand. We all desire to have that right relationship with our parents. It would have been so much better to know he accepted the Lord's forgiveness and restored his relationship with you. But you kept growing in grace despite your father's absence in your life. You kept forgiving and caring and that's a beautiful thing! Hope this does well in the contest!
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Comment Written 12-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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Thank you for the excellent review and tender comments. Yes, I have grown in grace and forgave my dad long ago. I will never get those years back and don't understand everything fully. The book I sent as mentioned here was a Bible, and several books to help him recover. My mother never forgave him and they never spoke after 1964. My siblings and I bought his headstone because his parents had ran out money and left him with nothing. The good that has come of of this is my salvation, and knowing my Heavenly Father. He's the best father! Sending you my best today as always,
Sal xoxo's
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It will somehow all make sense in Heaven. For now, we know God can even use these hard things in our lives to make us who we are. And you've gained so many spiritual gifts through this relationship with your father. And praise God for giving us our husbands who are good fathers!
Comment from royowen
That's so sad, I wanted to be part of my daughters growing up, and blossoming into the beautiful women they've become, as great mums and wives,, honouring God in the best possible ways they can. Beautifully written dear Sally, you probably feel robbed and I don't blame you, love this poem. Blessings Roy
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reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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That's so sad, I wanted to be part of my daughters growing up, and blossoming into the beautiful women they've become, as great mums and wives,, honouring God in the best possible ways they can. Beautifully written dear Sally, you probably feel robbed and I don't blame you, love this poem. Blessings Roy
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Comment Written 12-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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Thank you, dear Roy. Your kind review and understanding is so appreciated. Sending you my best today as always,
Sal XOs
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Well done
