From Sharon (day 365 today):
“So, I’ve been thinking about what to say to you. I get tears in my eyes every time I start to write, speak, think about what ma belle amie, Belle, has done for me. I don’t have words. I wish I could squeeze you in a tight hug … You helped breathe new life back into me. Helped me find Sharon again. I was drowning and you pulled me ashore. I was on the ledge and you talked me back in, I was so very lost and you helped me find my way. I will never drink alcohol again because you helped me see how it had ruined my life, how much better it could be without it. My only regret is that I didn’t find you sooner, but I know I had to be ready to fight the fight. And fight I did and I felt like you were along side me every step of the way. I know we don’t talk as much now that my legs aren’t wobbly, but I will never forget the countless mornings I sat here, a thousand miles away, emailing you and you would respond almost immediately, we were online at the same time. … I know people thank you all the time. I hope you know how sincere I am when I say you absolutely saved my life (tears falling on iPad).
So, onward to 18 months … lots to look forward to in the next six months, I’m sure it won’t be all happy, there will be sad, mad, happy, glad things. But I will not drink to celebrate or grieve. And you’ll be right there along side me. Wanda’s not the only one that plays “what would Belle say” or “what would Belle do”. We’ve been doing that in this house for quite some time. Your presence seems to hang around me, I think about things from blog posts or podcasts to get through. My husband loves you, you gave him back his wife.
Give Mr. Belle a big hug from me too, it’s so nice that he shares you with the world. I hope he too, can appreciate all you do for people like me. My words are not terribly eloquent but I can say honestly I will carry you in my heart always.”
~
if that’s not enough to brighten my day, then nothing else would work 🙂 thanks for this. really. your words mean a lot. i’m just a regular girl on the other side of the screen. i’m not special in any particular way. well, i do have nice hair. but i have a fat ass. so they equal out. There you go. happy day to you. you’ve done all the hard work. you deserve cake and then some.
~
Happy Day 50 to Suzanne Irene!
Happy Day 50 to Hoolia!
Happy Day 50 to Nedy!
Happy Day 50 to Whisper!
Happy Day 300 to Mo!
Happy Day 365 to Sharon!
Happy Day 365 to Jennifer!
My exact sentiments as well! Congratulations Sharon! Where would we be without Belle? Drowning in a bottle..she is the Lighthouse in every harbor 🙂
Sharon I am so happy for you. I truly believe it is a miracle to have BELLE!
Congrats Sharon–great post.
And Belle–you make me laugh. every. single. time.
You took the words right out of my mouth. I have been thinking about how to honor Belle as I rounded the corner on my 1 year soberversary (something I never thought possible) and I am still thinking. Congratulations…it is a renewed life and that’s an amazing gift.
LD
A huge well done, that is one hell of an achievement 🙂 A whole year . Hope I can reach that too .
Congratulations Sharon!! It is so perfectly stated. Belle has saved so many lives!
Great post Sharon! Belle stepped into our lives at just the right time!
Super congratulations Sharon. Well done to you – I can’t wait to get to 365 days just like you. And I absolutely could not do it without Belle, my lifeline
Lovely post, Sharon, congrats on 365 days!
Congrats Sharon on a year of sobriety. What a wonderful accomplishment. Nope, we don’t need to drink in order to celebrate; there lots of other ways. I’m reminded of that every time I see my cats frolicking in the backyard. They exhibit joy and the only thing they need in order to do it is food, water and a sunny day.
Beautiful post! I’m getting a little teary, too, because I completely relate to what Sharon so eloquently said. And congratulations, Sharon!! 🙂 Your words confirm that I’ve made the right decision. Onward and upward! Thanks for sharing this, Belle.