My dad struggled with alcoholism for many years, but has managed to stay sober for well over 20 years now and I’m very proud of him so I share this poem, not to remember the bad times, but so others struggling know that there is a way out. Always….

You fought with the devil
And played a sinner’s tune;
Caught up in things-that lead to things-
A life of destruction and ruin.
I watched you from a distance
Not knowing you all too well;
A young angel looking through innocent eyes of heaven
Straight to the devil’s hell.
I got to know you on days you were sober,
You’d sing songs to me;
I prayed then, that those days would last longer
And that Satan would just let you be.
Though I know that deep down,
Your heart really cared- you were not there to show;
But through choices you made and prices you paid,
You’re much different than that now, you know.
Now you’re songs, they linger
And your humor- it shines through;
And the demons that once lived within,
Are no longer part of you.
I’ve watched you become a better dad to me
And a loving ‘papa’ to my kids;
The past is just that- the past
You’re freedom is what lives.
I can tell now- who you are
And who you were meant to be;
My sense of humor and love for music
Came from you to me.
When people say that they can’t change
I’ll never believe that’s true;
Because I’ve witnessed that change is a choice-
A great example of that-is you!

~carla reams
2/13/2016