God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Yet another morning that Sylvia recites The Serenity Prayer to herself hoping it will actually lift her spirits so that she can tackle another day of guilt, frustration and the never ending desire to bang her head against the wall hoping in some magical way she can have a do-over.
Sylvia isn't an alcoholic. Actually she's only had but a few drinks her entire adult life. Her husband, Paul, however is a recovering alcoholic. One might say a struggling recovering alcoholic. Drink of choice, originally, was beer. Since he has fallen off the wagon a few times, Paul has turned to whiskey. And without fail, he has gotten sick every time. Praying to the toilet, something Paul calls his porcelain god, making promises that he survives and that he will give up drinking for good. Of course empty promises at that. Sylvia decided any promise Paul makes is a false promise. Because alcoholics are liars, right?
Sylvia, slowly, approaching Bethany's room to wake her up so she could get ready for school, is always such a chore. "C'mon, I'm not going to fight with you this morning. I don't have time." Sylvia exclaims refraining from using curse words. "Five more minutes," Bethany grumbles. "No, and if this is going to be a problem, I will just start getting you up earlier," Sylvia snaps back. "Ok, ok, whatever, " says Bethany as she sits up.
Running an inventory of the list of things Sylvia has to get done today, she heads to the kitchen putting together Paul's lunch and gets him his breakfast. Just wishing the morning would fly by.
As Paul eats his cereal, Sylvia checks on Bethany, which now has become habit since Bethany has missed the bus a few times and Sylvia having to take her to school. Noticing that Bethany tends to sleep long hours seems to disturb Sylvia. Avoiding the obvious question. Is Bethany doing drugs and just how bad is it?
Much to Sylvia's surprise, not only was Bethany dressed, but the bed was made too. Smiling at Bethany and asking, "What would you like for breakfast?" "I'm good, they are serving french toast sticks this morning" says Bethany. "Ok then, make it a good day and I'll see you later," says Sylvia. Bethany then approaches Sylvia and gives her a big hug. Suspiciously, Sylvia reciprocates.
Paul finishes his breakfast and says, "I'm ready, let's go." Sylvia has been driving Paul to work since his car has been out of commission. Transmission went out. "Ok, Bethany, we're leaving now, please, please don't miss the bus!" "I know, I know. I have to get to school on time today anyway and stop by the library," explains Bethany.
On that note, Sylvia and Paul head out. So far a fairly smooth morning.
Sylvia, slowly, approaching Bethany's room to wake her up so she could get ready for school, is always such a chore. "C'mon, I'm not going to fight with you this morning. I don't have time." Sylvia exclaims refraining from using curse words. "Five more minutes," Bethany grumbles. "No, and if this is going to be a problem, I will just start getting you up earlier," Sylvia snaps back. "Ok, ok, whatever, " says Bethany as she sits up.
Running an inventory of the list of things Sylvia has to get done today, she heads to the kitchen putting together Paul's lunch and gets him his breakfast. Just wishing the morning would fly by.
As Paul eats his cereal, Sylvia checks on Bethany, which now has become habit since Bethany has missed the bus a few times and Sylvia having to take her to school. Noticing that Bethany tends to sleep long hours seems to disturb Sylvia. Avoiding the obvious question. Is Bethany doing drugs and just how bad is it?
Much to Sylvia's surprise, not only was Bethany dressed, but the bed was made too. Smiling at Bethany and asking, "What would you like for breakfast?" "I'm good, they are serving french toast sticks this morning" says Bethany. "Ok then, make it a good day and I'll see you later," says Sylvia. Bethany then approaches Sylvia and gives her a big hug. Suspiciously, Sylvia reciprocates.
Paul finishes his breakfast and says, "I'm ready, let's go." Sylvia has been driving Paul to work since his car has been out of commission. Transmission went out. "Ok, Bethany, we're leaving now, please, please don't miss the bus!" "I know, I know. I have to get to school on time today anyway and stop by the library," explains Bethany.
On that note, Sylvia and Paul head out. So far a fairly smooth morning.
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