Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Omnishambles (05/01/14)
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TITLE: Bottom of a Bottle | Previous Challenge Entry
By lynn gipson
05/05/14 -
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I had been able to keep my alcoholism a secret from my employer. Somehow I managed to do my work with a minimal amount of mistakes, and to this day I don't know how. Sometimes I was shaking so bad inside I was sure I would fly into pieces any minute because I had enough of a work ethic not to drink while I was working.
I drank at home every night, alone, and had no friends to speak of. Only associates at work who thought I was this great person with a shy personality. They would have never guessed that my time away from work was spent in a total drunken state of mind. I worked the second shift, so after midnight I could drink till four in the morning, sleep all day, and get up and go to work in the afternoon.
One day I decided to stop drinking, and I did for a full week. With the help of a sleeping aid, I was able to leave the vodka alone. However, come Friday night, things were slow at work, and my boss told me I could leave early if I wanted to. I jumped at the offer, and on the way home stopped and bought a six pack of beer. Surely that wouldn't hurt me, would it?
I drank that six pack within two hours, jumped in the car, and headed for the liquor store. I bought a half gallon of vodka, and that weekend I consumed the whole bottle. I would pass out, come to, and drink more. I couldn't stop.
When I tried to get out of bed the following Monday, I could barely move. My arms and legs wouldn't work, and my heart was beating so fast and hard I feared I was dying. My breath was short, and my eyes wouldn't focus. I had hit rock solid bottom
I stayed in bed for five days. I called in sick every day, claiming I had the flu. No one questioned me. On the third day, I made my way to the kitchen for some badly needed water. Fortunately, there was no alcohol in my home, and I was physically unable to go buy any at that time. The rest of the week I lay staring at the ceiling, praying to die.
I called telephone information and got the number for an alcoholism hotline and spoke to a very nice man who talked me through some of my fears. I called every night, and what he said to me resonated in my fried brain.
I remember his words distinctly. "Whatever you're looking for you won't find in the bottom of a bottle."
Friday morning I was able to walk across the street to a neighborhood store ( it had been most convenient for my drinking habit) and buy a six pack of beer. I drank two cans for courage, and then I called a rehab center. They told me to pack a bag and come on down. I did.
God was with me, even though at that time I was not a Christian. I remember walking through the doors of that rehab center thinking that something or someone was doing that walking for me. I was the last person in the world ever to ask for help.
I spent thirty days there. That month of rehabilitation and education saved my life. I learned so much about the disease of alcoholism and what perpetuated my need to drink. I made real friends. I actually hated to leave the center when my time came.
My boss welcomed me back with open arms and was very kind of understanding of my illness. A co-worker entered rehab several weeks later. He told me I had given him the courage to do so.
By the grace of God, I haven't had to drink for twenty-five years.
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This was a personal account that fit the topic in unique way. I can see how that tough period in your life fit the topic perfectly.
Well written and completely inspirational story of how we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.
Your candor and words touched my heart. Congratulations on your twenty-five year mark.
May God continue to inspire and uphold you through all things.
Keep shining His light my friend.
God bless you~
God Bless!
God BLess!!
Great job! Thanks for sharing it with us.
For red ink, which is very little, I recommend a more careful proof read.
I know it's the second last paragraph, and it is at the end of stories that I often make my slip ups in proof reading. You wrote:
"...and was very kind of understanding...
Just a little more careful proof reading would have turned excellent into perfect.
You are a brilliant writer, an awesome winner and a great reflection of our Lord.
Blessings.