The support that I receive from people who read my blog and tweets is simply amazing. I am always humbled when people who I’ve never met in real life take the time to read my blog and offer suggestions to me when I clearly need help. I am grateful beyond words for the support that pours in when I open my heart and share my struggles here.

I was very nervous about the meeting with my son’s principal today for a number of reasons. What was I going to do if things didn’t go well? What would we do if the school told us they were unwilling to help? (Since it is a private school they do not have the same legal obligations as a public school). What would we do if they told us that we were being unreasonable? What if my temper came out as if had last week with the guidance counselor?

I was living in the wreckage of my future all weekend and even up until the meeting. I did my best to carry on and have some fun this past weekend, but truthfully I harbored concerns that things would not go well today.

And so, I was pleasantly surprised when the meeting went well. We have a plan. We have a path forward with the school. I was able to express my concerns and my frustrations without losing my temper and most importantly I am fairly sure that the principal understood where I was coming from.

Tonight, rather than feeling dread, I feel relief and hope.

Hope goes a long way.

There were days in early sobriety when hope that things could get better was all I had to keep me from picking up a drink.

Tonight I was reminded of just how powerful hope can be as I watched a young woman celebrate a year of sobriety. I can remember how down-trodden she seemed when she first started coming around. I saw her struggle. She stumbled several times, but somehow she kept hope alive in her heart. And that hope kept her alive. Today she is a bright light in the rooms, smiling, laughing, and staying sober one day at a time.

I’m hopeful for brighter days ahead for my son and my family. I know they are coming. We just have to keep working toward them. The path may be long and winding. We may not always be able to see through the dense forest or past the horizon. But with a little hope and faith, I am confident we can reach our destination.