Lorri (alias UMC tour guide),

(((hugs))) to you - I'm sure that was so hard to do with Katy but she is an adult. Hopefully she will get the help she needs and can turn her life around. It's never too late - well, it can reach that point but let's pray it doesn't. She reached out for help - which is a good indicator. Important for her is also going to be to learn lifestyle changes, ie who her friends are.

That's super that Joey's feeding tube was removed and that the doc is addressing the pain management issues. Joey has enough to deal with let alone coping with a prescription addiction.

lorri,

i was pleased to hear joey's feeding tube was removed - more progress! i admire the strength and courage that you are drawing on to meet each day and each challenge

you are faced with. kathy

So glad to hear of Joey's progress, sorry about the ulcer.. and I am so Glad you found a Dr to work with his pain... I KNOW there are good Dr's out there.. I'm glad Katy went to rehab and that you are there for her. Don't forget to pat yourself on the back.. ( I can't reach to give it to you.. but heres a virtual hug (( )))))) You are getting through this with Joey and Katy wth dignity and strenght, you r keeping your own sobriety. You are going through times that would make anyone cringe. BUT We are so proud of you also.I really hope this is "the time" for Katy and I am sure seeing you will help her. Keep that chin up.... I know some days it's hard, but let us know and we will send virtual hugs, cheerleading whatever.. know you are not alone.

I was a telephone counsellor for eight years and met a lot of brave people who had had a rough life but had reached out for help and were re-building. Like you some of them had to stand four sqaure in front of professionals and tell it like it was. One lady told me she felt like every time she did it she reclaimed something she had lost - the right to be her true self.

Glad Joey has passed another step back to wholeness. I agree with Bonnie, you are dealing with all this with such dignity so here is a (((((HUG))) from me too. Katy may come closer to sobriety herself this time if she sticks with the program.

Hang in there. There is a lot of hope building up here.

Sue.

Lorri:

I am so happy for Joey, things are getting closer in feeling normal again. I too am amazed with your strength in dealing with all this, and being pillar of support for yur own children. I guess for Katy you could be her great rolemodel. soberity could be achieved and is valuable.

Asha