December 28

December 28 – AM          Page 43, More About Alcoholism, Chapter 3

Many doctors and psychiatrists agree with our conclusions.  One of these men, staff member of a world-renowned hospital, recently made this statement to some of us: “What you say about the general hopelessness of the average alcoholic’s plight is, in my opinion, correct.  As to two of you men, whose stories I have heard, there is no doubt in my mind that you were 100% hopeless, apart from divine help.  Had you offered yourselves as patients at this hospital, I would not have taken you, if I had been able to avoid it.  People like you are too heartbreaking.  Though not a religious person, I have profound respect for the spiritual approach in such cases as yours.  For most cases, there is virtually no other solution.”

December 28 – PM          Page 123, The Family Afterward, Chapter 9

Suppose we tell you some of the obstacles a family will meet; suppose we suggest how they may be avoided—even converted to good use for others.  The family of an alcoholic longs for the return of happiness and security.  They remember when father was romantic, thoughtful and successful.  Today’s life is measured against that of other years and, when it falls short, the family may be unhappy.
Family confidence in dad is rising high.  The good old days will soon be back, they think.  Sometimes they demand that dad bring them back instantly!  God, they believe, almost owes this recompense on a long overdue account.  But the head of the house has spent years in pulling down the structures of business, romance, friendship, health—these things are now ruined or damaged.  It will take time to clear away the wreck.  Though old buildings will eventually be replaced by finer ones, the new structures will take years to complete.
Father knows he is to blame; it may take him many seasons of hard work to be restored financially, but he shouldn’t be reproached.  Perhaps he will never have much money again.  But the wise family will admire him for what he is trying to be, rather than for what he is trying to get.