5 years sober and my kids finally know their real dad

6d ago1 min read

I'm sitting here watching my 12 year old play baseball and he's not worried that I'm going to embarrass him or show up late or smelling like a bar. That's huge. The first two years after I quit drinking I thought the damage was permanent. My son wouldn't even look at me. But consistency beats everything. Five years of showing up, being present, admitting I was wrong. Now he wants me at his games. My wife looks at me different too. Like she trusts me again. Miss the escape? Some days yeah. But I don't miss the man I was becoming.

4 comments142 views

Comments(4)

KKyleNew Dad6d ago

This is everything right here. Congrats on five years. Your son being able to just be a kid at his baseball game without that stress hanging over him, that's huge.

CCodyNew Dad5d ago

Five years sober is incredible. I can only imagine what your kids see now that they didn't see before. They get their real dad at the ballpark.

MMiguel R.Regular5d ago

That moment right there is worth more than anything. When your kids stop holding their breath around you. Proud of you for doing the work.

BBrandonNew Dad5d ago

This is the kind of stuff that actually matters. Not the wins and losses at the game but having a dad present and solid in the stands. Keep going.