The Glass House Retreat
Follow
  • TGHR Blog

Be There

2/4/2014

4 Comments

 
Picture
When I first started talking about TGHR, one of the main reasons I wanted to name it "The Glass House Retreat" is because, I am, in general, a non judgmental person.

My own closet is full of glorious skeletons. I fear with the smallest push they could easily come crashing down on some poor unsuspecting closet cleaner.

Do I still bang my head against the wall now and again? Have I been known to toss around choice words? Do I roll my eyes? Why yes, yes, I do. 

That's the human experience in all it's infinite wonder and glory.

I watched a few FB meltdowns regarding addiction over the weekend. This came on the heels of Phillip Seymour Hoffman's death from laptops across America. Suddenly, people who know a little bit about addiction were touting words of wisdom across the airwaves, in turn, pissing off the people who know more than a little something about addiction. I read at least 5 different articles about the subject and came away with just one conclusion.

Addiction is a disease.

Now, you may or may not agree with my conclusion, and that's fine.
I read THIS PIECE, written by Russell Brand. It really explained it all to me in a language I could understand.
It is 10 years since I used drugs or drank alcohol and my life has improved immeasurably. I have a job, a house, a cat, good friendships and generally a bright outlook.

The price of this is constant vigilance because the disease of addiction is not rational. 

Right now, there is a lot of public discussion about addiction. It will stay in the forefront for a little while and then something else will make the front pages.

A young man from my small town will be laid to rest this morning. His mama looked at me last night and said, "Just hold your babies tight, Maggie. Hold. Them. Tight."

In front of us, behind us, in the room next door, people were wiped out from sadness. The kids were hollow eyed through their tears. The parents unbelieving. There was a strong sense of numbness.

A friend said to me, "We can't do anything but BE here."

THAT is a tremendous friend.
THAT is love.
THAT is compassion.

xo
If you ever need someone to hold you
I will be there
Standing by your side

http://youtu.be/IHZ0Oq24Hd8
4 Comments
Robin Kidder
2/4/2014 03:12:50 am

I am sorry for their loss Maggie. These dear, sweet parents ...my heart aches for them. Anyone can categorize and generalize but to me all I ever hear is this: the name of the one we lost. Addiction has a name, the name of the one caught in it. I see them as a soul. I am sad they are no longer here with us. All creation cries out against that tragedy. Praying for your family. Thankful for great, loving friends like you who are there to walk this road with the family or families affected. Thank you for sharing this.

Reply
Maggie ~ TGHR
2/4/2014 07:55:04 am

xo Robin, xo

Reply
annemarie
2/4/2014 03:49:36 am

thank you for a great post! You are and always will be one of my heroes <3

Reply
Maggie ~ TGHR
2/4/2014 07:55:32 am

Aw Am, thanks!
And you mine.
xo

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Maggie Pinque

    Believer in making dreams come true.
    Intuitive Card Reader.
    Author.  
    Inspirational Speaker. 
    ​Beacon of Optimism.

    Picture

    Archives

    January 2021
    February 2020
    September 2019
    June 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    October 2018
    July 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012

Picture



Maggie Pinque

Feel free to email me
[email protected]
Picture