Day 14 - A weekend away with my children

My children live with their mother in the Midlands, I usually visit them once a month and in the past every visit has revolved around me turning up with several cans of strong cider, watching some films with them and eventually falling asleep.

I usually wake up the next day feeling awful, don't feel like playing with them because of my hangover and generally look forward to the evening when I can buy more cider, watch a film...follow the same pattern.

This is the first time I've spent the weekend with them Sober and it's great. Whilst travelling to see them yesterday I felt like saying "Hi, I'm your real dad, I don't think you've ever met the real me before.

I feel like I'm seeing life from a better perspective, seeing the sunshine for the first time, realising how much I love the people close to me and am looking forward to carrying this journey of self development and exploration onwards.

I want to help people like me, to share the good feelings that are permeating into my life. Address the problems at the root of my Alcoholism and depression, be positive and happy.

It's hard to see the good things in life when you're drunk and in pain and that cycle just revolves around and around, until you're ready to step off into the unknown.

When I return to Wales after this weekend I'll be happy knowing I've spent several more days away from alcohol and have spent some quality time with my children, hopefully time they'' have really enjoyed sharing with a sober Dad.

Rob ;)