My son celebrates 6yrs as a person in recovery today

Since he's my son and all, I think I can say some things other's can't, or, won't. Whatever the case, some things need to be said about this kid. 

The last year hasn't been what he would say has been his best year. He has walked through a divorce and lost a job all in the same short period of time.  I have been on the phone with him countless times and made a few trips to just be with him during his most stressful times.  Let's just say there have been days where I have been worried about him..... a lot.  

In my own walk in life I went through some similar shit and it didn't go well.  Thus, as his dad, and knowing our life trajectories have some eery similarities, internally, without him knowing, I was freaking out a bit. I kept my personal feelings at bay and just kept being there for him.  Some talks on the phone it was just me listening.  Some visits to his place, I would just be there.  Others I would give my thoughts and be super real, and others I wouldn't.  I just did what I thought best to support him through it. I would reach out to those I know he loves and listens too, and, ask them to reach out to him.  I just kept trying different things to keep him sane as much as possible in the most stressful times.  

Tyler, through it all; just kept moving forward. Over the last few months he has risen above and is now taking care of himself in some amazing ways. He stays connected with his support always.  He is trying new things to take care of his mental health. He didn't let the loss of the job keep him down and near immediately was re-employed and is thriving. Through it all, he stayed in school knowing doing this would help him down the road. He has been continuing re-discovering himself through getting his own place and creating positive habits in his world. 

I have seriously been in awe of him over the last six months. He, while in the face of massive stress and emotional pain, just kept going. He used the skills he has learned in recovery and never made the choice to return to use.  He has said it was never even a thought for him. I gotta tell you, that my friends, is a pretty awesome thing. 

I am one proud daddy to have him as my son.  Congrats on your six years son!!  Don't ever stop being you.