Thursday, October 29, 2009

This makes me happy....and hopeful

I finally heard from my son Ryan last night. It had been 7 weeks since I last spoke with him. At that time his father was in the hospital for alcohol DTs/seizures. It scared him to death because he witnessed the entire thing. He had called me for help and all I could do was tell him to call 911. Finally his grandparents called on the other line and came right over to take his father to the hospital.

He spent 3 days there and was very very sick. He has been an alcoholic as long as I have known him but never would get any help for it. Ryan told me last night that the dr said he should have died he was just that bad. His liver enzymes were 200+. Thank The Lord he didn't.

The good news is that Ryan and his dad have been sober ever since. Ryan has been staying with Kevin (his dad) and they have been helping each other. At the time Ryan called Kevin had just left for an AA meeting. I asked Ryan if he had been yet and he said no, that he had thought of it. I encouraged him yet again to go. He said he thought it was a good idea. I just left it at that. After all, it is his decision. As much as I would love to, I can't make him. No one can. I am hopeful that seeing what his father has been through will encourage him more and more. As usual I turn it over to God.

He did tell me that he plans on joining the Navy in the near future. I actually never thought I would say this but I think it would be good for him. He has always been the kind of kid (man) that took well to discipline and structured environment. He said he didn't know if he would be able to come back to Paducah. I understand this for many reasons. For the past 5 years there has been nothing here for him. Well, his mama and daddy are here but that is about it.

He told me that he has wanted to call me several times over the last few weeks but he knew that I was upset with him and he just couldn't bring himself to. I am glad he wanted until he had a bit of sobriety under his belt before he did. The last thing I wanted to hear from him was "I'm gonna quit, etc etc etc." It is time for action, not words.

He doesn't know how long his father has to live. He contracted Hepatitis C in 1976 due to a blood transfusion so his liver is in bad bad shape. Kevin is a good man. I hate to see him go through what he is going through. I know it is very hard on his family too. He is fortunate to still have his parents very much a part of his life. That is definitely something to be grateful for.

I am hopeful for my son for the first time in a long time. Time will tell but maybe, just maybe he's got it this time. I pray he has.

11 comments:

Syd said...

I hope so too. I hope that Ryan sees that there is another way to live.

Karen said...

It's good to hear that you're in touch with Ryan again. I think the service is a good plan for a lot of kids. My nephew has really grown up and found direction for his life since joining a year ago.

Dusty Devoe said...

Good news to hear from Ryan. Know your heart still aches for him. I think the navy would be a good thing. too. HUGS!

Lou said...

I agree the military would be a good choice. Gets him out of that environment & lots of structure. Many people grow up in the military. My husband did.

Dan and Betty said...

TB, Ryan will learn some day that it's "one day at a time." His family has to learn that too. Be grateful for each day that he's sober, but don't look past today. As you said, leave that to God.

You're doing good.

Dan

Scott W said...

There are AA meetings on board those big ships. A friend of mine just got back from visiting with his brother-in-law on the USS Reagan. Structure would be good for Ryan, but if he is going to join he should check out just how much information he should give the recruiters.

There is always hope.

Bill said...

Sending out prayers!

Zanejabbers said...

So glad you heard from a sober Ryan. We'll pray for it to continue. Cute puppy pictures.

Paint Girl said...

So happy to hear that you talked to Ryan. I will keep you and Ryan in my thoughts and prayers!!!

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Good news about Ryan and I hope that he and his father ,have some healthy quality time."give it to God" is something my minister that baptised me always says ,good advise . Keeping you in my prayers

Chef said...

It's good news that Ryan is trying to get sober. Best of luck to him. Sorry to hear about Kevin and I wish him the best too. Ryan may be a grown man but I'm sure it's doing him good to be in touch with you. You'll always be his mom.

xox
Linda/Chef

P.S. I've been so behind with my blogging and I'm so not up on the news ... working my way backwards with your posts. I see pictures of another Boxer and can't wait to read more about her!!