Writing deadlines are looming, and a death in my extended family put Tornado Boy in my care for the weekend. I didn’t have time to pull together a halfway coherent post for today. Yet, somehow the serendipitous universe understood. Andrew Joyce, author of The Swamp, which I posted about 10 days ago, asked me to share this story from his youth. It’s gritty – a story of a man’s life spiraling out of control, and the bravery and determination necessary to fight his way back.
***
Compared to some, I’ve lived an exciting life. At least parts of it were. However, compared to others, my life has been humdrum. The only thing I’m satisfied about is that all the drama took place when I was young and able to handle it. That would not be the reality today for I have grown old.
It’s confession time. I’m not looking for absolution. My only intent is to show some of you out there that there is hope. Nothing is forever. Perhaps my story might help you get to the next stage of your life. Maybe not, but I had help getting there, and I’ll tell you about it in a minute. First, a little background. And please, feel free to judge me. You cannot condemn me any more than I have already condemned myself.
When I was kid, I always had a wanderlust. I would see a freight train sitting on a siding, waiting to go on its way, and I would try to imagine its ultimate destination. Those open boxcars called to me. If I could only get into one of those cars, then I would be transported into a new life. Finally, I would see where the rails ended—that magical place. Then, and only then, would I know the secrets of the road. The secrets of the universe…
Source: Thirty Years a Junkie
So sorry to hear about your loss, may her soul rest in peace. Sending out lots of love.
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Thank you for the kind words. I’m a better person for having known her. All is well. ❤
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Take care!
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I’m sorry to hear of your loss, Diana. You must have enjoyed having your grandson with you, though. Andrew’s story is amazing. It’s a wonder he survived to write about it. —- Suzanne
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Thanks for the visit, Suzanne. We’re all back into our routines now. Yes, Andrew’s story is intense and his recovery took grit! Have a great week, my friend.
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Sorry for your loss, Diana. She must be a good woman. My daughter’s grandmother never bothered to say hello.
Andrew had a fair share of tests and trials, and I respect the sufferings he has come through. I have read the swamp story, and I thought it was fiction.
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I thought it was fiction too, but I never know with his stories. Intense stuff that makes me feel like a goodie-two-shoes. Thanks for the kind words regarding my ex-MIL. She was a great lady ❤
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Reblogged this on Truth Troubles: Why people hate the truths' of the real world.
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I just found your wonderful reblog comment in my spam folder. Ugh. Thanks for sharing and sorry I’m so late in replying. I’m glad you enjoyed Andrew’s story. It’s an intense one. 🙂
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Oops, meant to say this was a harrowing real life story by Andrew. Always good to know someone makes it to the “other side” and back!
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I agree. A riveting story and quite an inspiring journey.
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I am saddened that someone in your family died, Diana. Your Tornado boy drinking cocoa tipped me off, but I was washing clothes and packing up. One weekend but coming back to work, so need to be ready for Sunday night resting up.
You will get right back to work, once normal routine resumes. 🙂 Peace be with you. ❤
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Thanks, Robin. My ex-mother in law. She was a wonderful woman and my daughter’s grandmother. She passed peacefully and will be remembered for her kindness. ❤
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Condolences on the loss of your family member, Diana. Wishing the best for you and your family. Grandchildren are precious!
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Thanks Lana. My daughter’s grandmother (my ex-mother in law) passed away. She was a lovely woman and my daughter flew east for the funeral. Thus, my weekend with Tornado Boy. All is well. Thanks for your kind wishes ❤
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Oh my. I’m so sad for everyone involved. Even after the fact (and because I believe time is fungible, not in a straight line), I wish you best luck in handling these horrid occurrences.
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Thanks, Jacqui. I didn’t mean to usurp Andrew’s post with the news of the death in my extended family. We are all shifting back into our routines. I also believe time is fungible, yet, Andrews story is certainly a journey! Thanks so much for the visit and comment. 🙂
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Diana, I am very sorry for your loss and you’re in my thoughts.❤️ I hope having your grandson to care for helped a bit, although 20 hours lego can be 15 too many! I read Andrew Joyce’s piece, absolutely incredible life experiences. Read like the best of fiction.
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Thanks, Annika. Yes, more lego time than I could handle and keep my sanity! But it passed the time and we are fine. Andrew’s story is something – I felt like I was reading a movie script!
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Such sad news, Diana. Sorry for your loss. Your comforting role so important for old & young family members. I’ve read & commented on Andrew’s post. Believe he had a “flock” of angels protecting him along the way. Also his rearranged brain made him into a successful writer. Some drug related stories end well. Good thoughts for you! 🎶 Christine
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Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Christine. All is well. Yes, Andrew’s story is intense, but a happy ending ❤
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So sorry for your loss, Diana. I always think it’s so interesting when people who have left our immediate family for whatever reason (divorce, widow/er) remain in it despite the lack of actual blood relation. Hope you enjoyed your time with Tornado Boy 🙂
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I was part of her wonderful family for about 8 years, and since she was my daughter’s grandmother, we kept in touch. She was a great lady. Thanks for the visit and thoughts, Julie. ❤
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What a comfort children are at a time of grief. So glad you have your grandson with you to help lift your spirits.
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My daughter flew to the funeral, Bernadette, and I played Legos with Tornado Boy for about 20 hours with a short break for sleep. I’m Legoed out. 🙂 Things are getting back into the normal routine, now. Thanks for the kind comment. ❤
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The Lego mania goes on and on. Lucas, who will be 8 in April, still is in the full throes of love with legos. Maya, who will be 4 in May, is completely enamored with Playdough.
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So fun. We are in the instruction-following stage of legos. Heaven forbid we can’t find a piece! Ha ha. Playdough is further down on the list over here. 😀
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So sorry for your loss, Diana. And thank you for sharing this remarkable story.
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Thanks, Steven. We’re doing fine and getting back to the normal routine. Thanks for reading too. Quite a story and journey to recovery. Makes me feel like a goodie-two-shoes. 😀
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I know what you mean. I’m quite content with my quiet little life. 🙂
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And thank you for sharing Andrew’s story.
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Your welcome. It’s quite intense and his journey to recovery is admirable. Thanks for reading. 🙂
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Hi, Diana, I’m thinking of you and your family today, and sending condolences for your loss.
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Thanks, Mary. We’re doing fine. These events, even when expected, create a certain amount of stress. Back to normal soon. ❤
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I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother-in-law Diana. I think taking some time to spend with Tornado Boy is a good decision. You know we’ll still be here when you get back AND that we are also here for you for support at any time. xoxo
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And I just read Andrew’s story. Just wow. Thank you for sharing such an eye-opener.
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I know. Pretty intense and quite a personal journey! Makes me feel like Pollyanna with my sheltered life.
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Thanks, Kathryn. She was my ex-mother-in-law, a lovely person. My daughter was very close to her and flew to the funeral, thus Tornado Boy’s visit. Thanks for the kind thoughts ❤
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So sorry for your loss, D.
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Thanks, Marietta. My daughter is a little overwhelmed, but we’re doing fine over all. ❤
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I’m so sorry to read about your loss. Even when it is “expected” it is always a shock when it actually happens – and a loss to be grieved. My condolences, especially to the grandchildren – sometimes I think death hits them hardest, since it is often their first experience with it.
Do what you need to do to take care of yourself and your loved ones — and Tornado Boy, of course.
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMore dot com)
ADD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
“It takes a village to transform a world!”
PS. Had already read Andrew’s post – INCREDIBLE – and inspiring.
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Thanks, Madelyn. You’re right that it’s hitting the grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the hardest. Thanks for your kind thoughts and encouragement. ❤
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Sad to hear – and sadder to watch, I’m sure, knowing that there is nothing you can really do but be there for them.
Sending healing thoughts your way.
xx,
mgh
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So sorry for your loss dear xx
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Thanks, Lynn. We’re doing fine. The loss is sad but expected. ❤
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xxx
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Very sorry for your loss, Diana.
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Thanks, Terri. My ex-mother in law quietly passed away, my daughter’s beloved grandmother. She was a wonderful woman and will be missed. ❤
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So sorry for your loss, Diana. You’re in my thoughts and prayers ❤
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Thanks, Dorinda. My ex-mother in law passed quietly away. A wonderful woman. Thanks for the lovely comment.
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His story…left me without words.
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Intense, right? I had the same reaction, Van. What a recovery. Thanks for reading 🙂
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So sorry dear Diana.
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Thank you for stopping by and for the kind message. ❤
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Welcome Diana. Stay blessed dear.
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Oh best wishes D. X
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Thanks, Phil. Much appreciated ❤
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So sorry to hear about your loss, you are in my thoughts.
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Thanks for the visit and the kind comment, Jan. ❤
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The important thing is that you have support around you at this time and also private time for yourself.
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❤
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So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
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Thank you, Sandra. I appreciate the kind thoughts and comment. ❤
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I’m somehow feeling a connection this morning between death, addiction, recovery, having less time … and Tornado Boy. Can I make sense of it? Not so sure.
That little boy has every BIG choice still ahead of him — a whole life of possibilities yet to unfold. What an important role you are playing in his life — another person to help him understand, by voice and by example, what a good choice looks like, how to be honest when you’re faced with (or make) a bad choice, and how to recover in the short run, while the boat is still aright.
I’m also aware in this moment of the importance of the little choices we all make in between the big ones, and how much they matter. You’re choosing well today, my friend, giving precedence to family and to Tornado Boy at a time of need, over insisting that a writing schedule be kept.
It seems the death may be in your in-law-extended family, but my heart goes out to those who are saying goodbye right now. And if it’s been your own loss as well, I’m so sorry.
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Perceptive, Erik. Yes, my ex-mother in law passed peacefully away. She was a wonderful woman and the matriarch of her family. Tornado Boy doesn’t quite understand it, but we’re chatting while we play with Legos. 🙂 Thanks for your thoughts.
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My condolences to you and your family. My thoughts are with you xx
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Thanks, Joanne. My ex-mother in law passed away. She was an amazing woman. Lots of sadness, but lots of joy for her long loving life ❤
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I’m glad to hear there’s celebration for a long life well lived. Saying good-bye is always difficult, but when the memories are heartwarming and, as you say, full of joy and love, it makes it just a little easier ❤
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Very sorry for your loss, Diana.
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Thanks, Richard. A long productive life full of love is something to celebrate. ❤
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Yes, that’s true.
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I, too, am sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
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Thanks, Marjorie. My ex-mother in law passed quietly away. Expected, but sad. Thanks for the prayers.
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I am sorry for your loss. I am thinking about you.
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My ex-mother in law passed away. She was a special woman, and her transition was peaceful. My daughter flew to the funeral to be with her dad’s family, so Tornado Boy stayed here and wore me out. 🙂 Thanks for the thoughts. ❤
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