Friday, Aug. 26, 2022
Today’s Gift from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is:
Having Each Other’s Backs
If someone in my recovery family is struggling, we immediately connect to form a circle of support. For example, when a friend — also a veteran — was suicidal, her therapist contacted all of us, asking if we would come in to be her support system. Our friend was able to see how much we loved and cared about her. We assured her we weren’t there to “fix” her; we wanted her to know we had her back. It was truly deep.
We learn and grow together. We’re doing a book study on nonviolent communication. Three of us veterans went on a retreat called “horse sense.” We also walk by the river where I live and have campfires. During COVID, I started a women’s meeting by the river. There’s solid sobriety in the group. I have thirty-one years; some have even more. There’s always someone to talk to about feelings — always someone to have my back.
We have traditions like carving pumpkins and making Christmas wreaths. We can be real with each other without having to fix each other. We can just be together and share how we’re doing, and it’s enough. It’s everything.
Today I am secure in the knowledge that no matter what happens, my sisters in recovery will have my back.
— Deb L., U.S. Army, 1981–1996
Hazelden Foundation
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