Posted by Doug Showalter on December 14, 1997 at 04:14:12:
In Reply to: I still don't understand.......... posted by Robin McGregor on December 13, 1997 at 06:16:28:
Dear Robin,
I'm sorry for your pain. I hope there are people around you who can be of help to you and to your mother. I don't really know your situation, but I would venture the following thoughts.
I don't believe that our lives are fully controlled by God. God walks with us and supports us through difficult times, but we still have human freedom as to how we will conduct our lives. Drug addiction and the negative behaviors that go with it are often considered to be an illness today. Apparently, some people are better at coping with this illness in themselves, than others are.
You say your mother was in "remission" for 15 years. I would give her credit for that, and encourage her to strive for that again. I would encourage you, in the meantime, to keep the love you have built up for her over those 15 years, but also set certain boundaries in your dealings with her, which safeguard your own well-being and integrity. To that end, I would encourage you to go to Narc-Anon (sp?) or Al-Anon meetings, which can help people understand the value and practice of "detaching with love," when they are dealing with loved ones who are suffering from addictions.
May God walk with you and your mother in this difficult time.
Doug Showalter