Recovery Day - Victoria, BC

My knees have stopped shaking. I’m no longer nervous but I still feel a strange anxiety leftover from this afternoon's adventure. I was pleased to be asked to participate in this celebration for the removal of stigma ~ the purpose of Recovery Day. I was one of several speakers at Recovery Day here in Victoria BC. Held in Centennial Square, hundreds of folks filled this lovely community space in downtown Victoria. Booths displaying many community supports, and some from out of Victoria wrapped around the square. A lemonade stand, doughnut cart and a Mexican food cart offered tasty wares to the hungry and thirsty crowd. 

Before I started writing this I realized I had not taken a picture of this busy fair-like scene and my brain seemed to freeze sometime today despite an amazing hot afternoon. Several speakers were ahead of me - thankfully. When it was my turn, I opened my short speech with a reading of re-post from last year. This 'letter' is very representative of many situations in addiction. Reviewing my nursing interests in withdrawal management or detox, I then concluded with the reminder that more and more senior citizens are needing addictions care that is more complex.

Here is my repost from July of last year:

Hi Cheyenne,

You may not remember me. I was your nurse when you were only thirty-four and in a treatment center for the first time. I think of you often and finally decided to write.

How are you? I guess you would about 57 years old now! I remember you today  as distinctly as I did then. How are all those kids? Grown and off on their own I’m sure. A soccer mom with six kids and a loving husband. Ashamed and crying because of the mess that you said that you had made of your life.

You told me your addiction all started with the pain pills your doctor prescribed after some major, and very necessary, surgery. You described how your life slowly unravelled and ultimately spiraled out of control. Out of control for you meant draining the family’s bank accounts and lying to the family about so very many things, while trying to keep the ‘good mom’ cover from slipping. You did get yourself and your family in a pretty rocky place!

I remember so clearly how you cried and, almost, wanted to die. You told me that what you really wanted was to get control of your life again. The crying slowed and your green eyes met mine when I asked, if had you known your fate, would you have taken that first pill. “Of course not.” was your adamant and firm reply. From then on, you worked hard at righting the mess of your life.

Because of how hard you worked, and how clear you were in your intention to move forward, I can’t help but think that you are maybe even a grandmother now, gathering all of your grandchildren to you. You told me how the power of addiction stripped you of your maternal instinct to love, protect and instruct. All the staff watched as you pushed the power of addiction away and took your own power back - for you and for your family.

Hope all continues well with you and yours,
Take good care, 
Susan

“No one is immune from addiction; it afflicts people

of all ages, races, classes and professions.”

~ Patrick J. Kennedy