May 22

”Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them.” Richard L. Evans

Certainly one of the areas where I need to make amends is to my children. They have been victims as much as anyone else in the aftermath of my acting out. None of it was directed at them, but they suffer the consequences nonetheless. Many of my decisions have had repercussions that they will only understand later in life, yet must live through now. Separation of their parents, moving, loss of friends, these are but a few of the things that they have had to deal with because of my behaviours. I am so very grateful to be in recovery to have an opportunity to make things different. I now have the chance to be a better role model, to help break any bad habits or other behaviours that could lead my own children into addiction or some sort of dependency that I can pass on what I am learning through the steps to them much earlier. I know I shall not protect them from all harm, but hope that I can at least help build better defenses, and be more aware of danger signs than those who were closest to me in my youth. Most of all, I can simply spend all the time I have to cherish and love them, to help them grow and guide them into being the wonderful people I know they will become. This is such a gift that my Higher Power has offered me and I am truly thankful for it.

Affirmation I will not squander my second chance to leave a better legacy for my children, to raise them and help them overcome the damage I have caused.