Hi

"My name is Ray* and I'm an alcoholic." My head dropped and tears began streaming down my face. I could not control my body as it seized with emotions. "Hi, Ray", the group boomed in response. "Hi, my name is Marie* and I chose to break the cycle." The group let out a chuckle and the man across the room from me grinned at my response. I waited my entire life to hear a statement like that. Not necessarily from him, more so from anyone. I never got to hear it from her. While I thought it didn't matter as much, since she did change, hearing those sweet words really did have an impact. It takes stones to look inside and not only see, but also admit that you have a problem.

That small child inside finally feels vindicated. She is still there curled up in a ball. She cries all the time. She hurts all the time. She slowly rises from under the bottles of Crown and the boxes of Franzia. As she stands she begins to break the chains one by one.

*Names changed to protect the wicked