It has been a while since I shared with all of you here on the blog. Most of you know that Mr. Shabby had some addiction issues for years and went to a 12-month in-house Christian-based treatment center in Priceville, Al. I am grateful for those 12 months, they were a huge part of his recovery today. I am once again faced with this but this time it is my only sibling, my 7 years younger brother. He has struggled with addiction issues for 3/4 of his life but was like Mr. Shabby what they call a functioning addict. But, he also suffers from depression as well as anxiety. He and I grew up in a very dysfunctional home, that’s what they call it today. Our dad was a drinker but always worked. He was abusive at times in many ways. I was the oldest and I took the brunt of it for my brother and Mother. I guess you could say I was the stronger of the three of us, sad but true.
My brother would get so upset and hide from our dad when he was abusing our Mother, I would go stop him by any means I could, to get him away from my Mother. Why in the name of my heavenly Father I thought that was my job, I’ll never know. But, it molded me into the woman I am today, that’s a given. I am strong but, it is Christ Jesus that I draw my strength from. I turned to drugs in my early teen years and God quickly put a stop to that, another story, for a later time.
My youngest son called me last Friday to tell me my brother was in trouble, his addiction has caused him to hit ROCK bottom. My brother and I had been estranged for a couple of years because of this issue. I had come to a point in my life I was tired of taking care of addicts, and people in need all of the time. I had to STOP and get off. If you have ever been in my shoes and surrounded by these types of people you’ll understand. If you have not you’re blessed.
Last Saturday on my way home from the office I decided to stop by the home that once belonged to my parents, now my brother and just see what was going on. It was a bittersweet reunion, to say the least. I love my brother with all my heart, I just had to let go a couple of years back not for selfish reasons but for my own mental health. I had let him stay here with me, bailed him out, Mr. Shabby out, etc., etc., off and on for years, and like I said my days of helping, (enabling) were over. It was time for them to stay high or get sober their choice.
My brother and I had a long talk Saturday, he was not high, and he decided that it was time for him to get help, he was ready. So, in a week, my 2 sons and myself, my brother had no children, my children were like his own growing up. We are working together to get his home sold, one of my oldest son’s friends is an inverter and bought his home. My oldest always has taken on a huge part in helping my brother, his Uncle to get some legal things done before he leaves and will be his POA while he is away. My youngest has taken on selling all the things my brother will not need and getting the home cleaned out and storing what my brother also his Uncle will want to keep. While I get him detoxed and help to get him placed in a 12 to an 18-month in-house program that should take place by Thursday of next week, good Lord willing.
I tell you this when God wants things done He opens doors, and fast! In less than one week. My brother is sober, his home has sold, it’s being cleaned out, his car which was wrecked is in the shop being repaired for when he returns home, and a rebab awaits for his complete detox. He has to test clean to all drugs and alcohol before he can enter the facility.
So, if you have been wondering where I have been for the last 7 days it was lala land. It has been one thing after another, but, God has truly opened doors, and even some of our closest cousins have stepped in and offered help to me and my brother in any way they could and we thank them so much, too.
I ask you to please keep my brother and my immediate family in your prayers at this time. We need them that is for sure, we have a long way to go but, Praise The Lord, He is our ROCK!
Much Love,
Debbie
God Bless you
Praying for you and your family.
Bless you Debbie. My husband and I have walked a similar path with his brother. Praying with you during this time.
Thank you, so much!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Debbie, you and your sons are so kind and loving ❤ God really is active in our lives; it is so humbling. I pray this time in recovery is a wonderful lifelong blessing for your brother.
Love, Vonnie
May God bless you and your family! Prayers 🙏
wonderful post! Things can and do turn around….we have to have faith!
May God keep blessing you and your family 🙏 You have a huge heart sweet friend! Prayers 🙏
Prayers for you and your family, Debbie. You all have a long road ahead. 🙏🙏💕💕
🙏🙏🙏
🙏🙏🙏
God bless Debbie. You & your family are in my prayers. Much love, Kathleen
Prayers for you and your family 🙏
Praying for your family
Debbie, you did what was best for you and ultimately for your brother, when you stepped away from him 2 yrs ago. It’s hard to be in that situation, loving them, wanting to help them, and they can’t help themselves. I’ve been there. Praise God your brother is ready for help!! I’m praying for him, you and your family. I know it’s a long road. ❤ Terri Monse
Praying for all of you! Big hugs
Prayers for all of you.
Your such a good person . Everyone needs you.. prayers for you all. And you are so right when God want’s it done it gets done.
Praying for you and your brother.
Prayers for your brother, you & your sons.
Oh Debbie, you have a huge heart. Your brother is truly blessed and you will be rewarded for all you’ve done for him. Thank God you stopped by and had the conversation with him. I pray for him that he will be true to himself and his family and do everything possible to beat his addiction. I pray for you and your family as you continue to pray and support him. I love you my sweet and dear friend. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️
Sharing is Caring..Maybe your Story will Help some one else We never know what others Are going through.. prayers for All of you may God guide And Bless you. Healing Hugs..
I am praying for you and your family. Remember to take care of YOU!
I do understand, Debbie. That is all I will say. I’m like you, in that, I don’t know how anyone gets through this situation without Jesus Christ in their life. I will be praying daily. God is faithful.
Prayers for you you and your family! Yes, have been through hard times myself too. Sending love and hugs, sweet friend ❤🙏
Prayers and blessings on this difficult road you have traveled – may the light at the end be near
Sending lots of prayers and strength to you and your family.
God bless you and give you peace my precious friend and of course I shall be in prayer for all of you. God opens doors that no man can shut and shuts doors that no man can open, yes, God is in control. I love you all <3
Prayers for strength and courage
Wonderful news that he has taken the steps to beat his addiction!!PTL!! I have been in your shoes. Prayers fir your brother and all your family.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Debbie, I’m praying for you, your brother and your family, I’m sorry you’re going through such a difficult time. I’m praying that God will give you strength and that He will help your brother to stay sober and clean.
Praying 🙏🏼 XXX 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💕💕💕💕💕💕