by Mary Beth

Created on: September 22, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

I am just the neighbor living down the road, but I have been touched by the ravages of alcoholism. I feel for my friend who is living with the effects of "devil juice".

She wasn't going to tell me why her husband was gone for awhile but she did. She kept saying that he was sick. Finally, after four years, she told me that she was battling a drinking husband. I felt at a loss for words because at the moment I had no clue. Every time I was visiting everything seemed so happy. The truth came out.

Losing his job should have been a clue for me. She said his anger lost him his job, but know I know. The boss wanted to help but there is so much bosses can do when someone gets addicted.
Now I know why he was going from job to job and then sitting on his porch on other days during the week. He lost another job.

I told my friend that I wanted to help her. I prayed with her. I said to call me any time to talk. Little did I know how much I was needed. My family was just on our way home after a long day when the call came. We turned around and went to pick up some help. Her husband was sitting in the car and wouldn't get out. He was drunk, but now only that, he was a diabetic and needed help medically. He is on a pump that regulates his sugar. When he pushes buttons on the pump things can go crazy. Alcohol and diabetes doesn't go together at all.

We talked and talked and hours went by. Finally we got him out of the car and into the house. Force didn't work in this case. He was as strong as a bear. Funny the next day when he was sober he was very sorry for his words and actions and said over and over that he wanted to quit. It's didn't happen though. A week later I got another phone call.

This man needs professional help. The family is falling apart. The wife is working trying to overcome a mountain of debt that his is inflicting on her from ambulances and hospital bills. Her nerves are shot. There has also been some fighting so who knows how much she has put up with. Problem is the state facilities only keep you for a week and then you are not suppose to come back for another month. What good is that?

Our Pastor is looking into a rescue mission where you have to stay a month. At the mission there will be professionals and other people that can help spiritually. I must say this man needs the Lord and His power in his life. I heard the man's drunken babbling the night he was in the car...that the devil had a hold on him and would let him go. Well, the Lord is much stronger that the devil. This man needs to listen and learn about God. By hearing they will know Him. If he isn't in a place to hear, how can he know? This mission could be that place to change totally.

I just want to see a family where there is peace. I want to see a little first grader going to bed on time instead of having to see his mommy deal with these troubles. I want to see a husband and wife loving one another. I want to see trust and faithfulness.

Alcoholism doesn't lead to any of these precious things that make a family a strong unit.

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