(I hope when I send this it gets to you.)
Thank you very much for writing your book Dear Dad. Even though a lot of it differed from my circumstances, a lot was the same.
I am an adult child of two alcoholic parents. I never knew this until after I was married (and yes, I married an alcoholic who is now recovering). My mother is recovering, too (or so she always leads me to believe anyway, but sometimes I doubt it), and my dad is very much in denial. My husband has had one relapse in a year.
I really want to tell you about the relapse. It’s the kind of morbid-funny humor you might like. I came home from work to find my husband almost drunk and having a mild Antabuse reaction. (Antabuse is a drug they sometimes use to help alcoholics stay sober; it makes you sick if you drink while you’re using it.) Actually it was more of a moderate reaction. He was bright red, but still breathing. Anyway, I grabbed my baby, packed, and headed to a phone where I called my parents to tell them all. When I got to their house (they told me to come stay with them), I went to their refrigerator, found a glass of something, and took a big swig of … VODKA LEMONADE! Either Mom or Dad had been on the phone with their hysterical daughter with drink in hand! I couldn’t believe it. I felt like I had nowhere to go and nobody but a bunch of damn drunks to turn to.
Another thing about your book that was ringing close to home was the weight. Although I am not really overweight, I am bulimic and have been so for almost eight years. I’ve been in treatment and everything—it’s all really laughable! I do okay now but have my moments. The big thing that I am not getting over is the guilt and self-esteem thing. I can’t think of myself as worthwhile although I’m ready to. I have had enough of this life.
By the way, I’m twenty-one, have a baby son, and sell shoes at Sears. If you’re ever in the neighborhood and need some new shoes, come visit me at the mall.
Sincerely,
A shoe salesman