It's taken nearly 53 years, but I'm seeing drinking in a different light.
This week we buried a 44 year old friend.
His liver quit doing what it needs to do.
He left behind a wife, 4 children, brothers and parents.
We all (myself included) equate drinking and having a good time, like they go hand in hand automatically. This is a taught perception, taught so well that it has become instinctual.
I'm not advocating giving up drinking. I certainly will not, I do enjoy it. But it would be nice if we could be more willing to recognize the difference between recreational drinking and problematic drinking.
And more importantly, mentor our youth to realize that drinking responsibly is ok, but there's a pattern to avoid if they want to keep control of their drinking instead of alcohol controlling them.
I realize this is a fools errand, as most of the youth "know it will not happen to them". You couldn't tell me anything when I was young and "bulletproof".
But if even one person reads this and thinks twice, that's progress.
Please keep in mind, horrible things don't always only happen to someone else. Sometimes tragedy strikes those close to you. And seeing friends bury their children gives you a sick feeling that doesn't leave you.
Okay, off my soapbox now.
This week we buried a 44 year old friend.
His liver quit doing what it needs to do.
He left behind a wife, 4 children, brothers and parents.
We all (myself included) equate drinking and having a good time, like they go hand in hand automatically. This is a taught perception, taught so well that it has become instinctual.
I'm not advocating giving up drinking. I certainly will not, I do enjoy it. But it would be nice if we could be more willing to recognize the difference between recreational drinking and problematic drinking.
And more importantly, mentor our youth to realize that drinking responsibly is ok, but there's a pattern to avoid if they want to keep control of their drinking instead of alcohol controlling them.
I realize this is a fools errand, as most of the youth "know it will not happen to them". You couldn't tell me anything when I was young and "bulletproof".
But if even one person reads this and thinks twice, that's progress.
Please keep in mind, horrible things don't always only happen to someone else. Sometimes tragedy strikes those close to you. And seeing friends bury their children gives you a sick feeling that doesn't leave you.
Okay, off my soapbox now.