Tyler Shane.........my baby boy

Today is your four year anniversary as a person in recovery.   Four years ago today you started the process of turning your life from despair to what it is today, an amazing life that is full of hope and promise.

To say that you are someone I admire is not putting it how it should be.    You are much more than that.  You are my son and that adds a different level to this whole thing.    I watch you in your life and am in awe at seeing the massive change that has taken place for you over the last four years. 

I believe you carry your Grandpa Jones in you everyday of your life.    You are able to bring others into your world and help them when probably know one else can.   I see how you and Ashley are able to let others, who are in need of help, live with you.   You wrap  your arms around them and say "I am here when no else will be".   This is who your Grandpa Jones was, and now, this is who you are.    Someone who is willing to help that one person who know one else will.

The above is an example of the power of a person in recovery.   You, someone who I was scared to death nearly every day, that I was going to get that call......the one saying you were dead, who now is four years away from the craziness.  Someone who has a positive effect on so many mens lives on a daily basis through your professional work and your impact in the lives of your friends.    I watch you sometimes when I am with you and think......I want to be like him......I want to be like my son.   

With your family, you are steadfast in your commitment to everyone in your home.    With Ashley you are her mainstay, the one she can count one for support in every way.  With five boys, three who you have taken on as your own.   I am not kidding one bit when I say I have always been floored by your commitment to those boys from nearly day one of you and Ashley dating.     With Anthony I watch how you, Ashley, Shantel, and Wayne co parent and am in awe.     Why does this all happen?  Because four years ago you said enough......and you made changes to bring you where you are today.

I get to watch, in amazement, at how you have walked through your life over the last four years, making monumental changes to improve the lives of the people around you and yourself.   I have witnessed you walk through pain with courage and dignity. I had the honor of being the one to marry you and Ashley on your wedding day, seeing how you two smiled when you said your vows.....the happiness and joy that your lives in recovery bring each other as a married couple.

Recovery is not for the faint of heart and you understand this.    I see you take steps to continue to improve your life in all areas that are vital.     In your marriage, in your work, and in your personal life, you are doing the deal!   You take the action necessary to be a whole person.

I couldn't be prouder to be your Dad.   I well up in tears ending this writing to my son....Tyler Shane Douglas.....my baby boy who is an amazing man.






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