Hello Everyone

It has been close to a year now since I first began the hard work of tapering off Oxycodone and then Xanax. It was physically hard and emotionally tough, but it is finally accomplished and I am feeling whole again. whole and ready to move on in my life.

A year ago, I was desperately locked in the grips of deep, deep depression. I did not believe at that time that I would, or even could, ever feel normal and a part of life again. Today I do feel normal and am participating in life fully. I am enjoying my friends and family and things are going well for me. I once again have much to look forward to happily. There is joy for me again. It waits for all of us just on the other side of drug use and abuse.

I have been working at home tutoring. Next week I will also start a four day a week job and I feel really good about it. I had tried and tried for a few different jobs, and suddenly, when I wasn't looking, a wonderful job found me. I feel a huge sense of being productive again.

I knew that at some point my involvement with this board would reach a natural point of fading. It has come for me. I am a bit sad because much of my balance in the past year has been through posting with all of you. However, the time has come for my balance to come more from interaction with my family, friends and work. It is a balance that I need and feels right for me.

I want to thank each of you. It has been a journey where I have been held up and allowed to help hold up others through this intense struggle we share. Oh, I am sure I will check in still, but the time for posting so constantly has passed. I wish every single person here peace and hope in the battle to overcome addiction. I had many, many doubts in the beginning, but know now that it can be done. I am not unique.. the hope is there, and the ability, for each of us when we reach deep inside and make the committment. We need support... this can never be done alone!

Thank you for the support that was so freely given to me.
Love
reach

Reach,

YOU ARE AWESOME! We will never forget you. You guided so many of us. You are being rewarded. Good luck and God Bless.

Loop

Reach, you were the first that responded to me when I needed help, I will never forget that. You are wise and empathic.

I wish you the best life has to offer you, God bless.

Reach,

I'm crying 'happy tears' for you right now...
Your reference to a certain book changed my entire life ;)
I will be eternally grateful.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you,
Bless you, jkm1201

Keep on keeping on Reach , you have helped me in some ruff time and I appreciated it.. Time to start living your life again .

Congrats

Shawley

I wish you the best of luck. You have come a long way and it is very inspirational to hear your story.

I understand the need to regain a life in "real time" as opposed to the internet. A couple of years ago I was dealing with severe anemia and going through all kinds of tests and scary diagnoses and I found a home on the anemia boards. After about a year of being very active on the boards, my anemia was finally resolved and I remained on the boards for a little while afterwards to help others but there came a point where I got my old life back and I just didn't spend that much time on the internet. It's a natural progression, and a VERY healthy one too.

I wish you well in life :)

Dear Reach,

I am so happy for you. May you be blessed beyond measure. Your heart is good. I will always remember your "goat" story; it will help keep me grounded when I need it most. Remember it is the little things in life that touch us the most, i.e. a kind word, a smile, encouragement, no judgement, etc. You have helped us all.

God Bless

Faith

reach,

I am so happy you wrote that post. Thank you for such encouraging words and inspiration. You really are a Godsend on this board, and I hope you continue to do SO well in your recovery.

I went to my second N/A meeting last night (first was on Monday) and I've felt so much support so far.

Having this board, and N/A meetings is helping more than I could have ever imagined.

Good luck and God Bless,
emsmom

Reach,

First off congrats on your victory over your demons. Second thank you for the many life lines you have thrown my son and I during the last few months.
I am a firm believer that paths in life cross for a purpose.

I know it is sometimes hard for others to see themselves in the same light that others do but you are a wonderful inspiration for countless wounded souls. Your gift with words is wonderful. You paint with them.

Here's sending you a very big hug for your attained goals this past year.
Health and happiness to you
Eric's ma

Reach,

God Bless You. You have been a great inspiration and help to me since I fist found the board when i relapsed in May.
I wish you many many years of happiness and Sobriety.
Go take care of the wonderful family of yours !!!

Love and Hugs,

Michelle

Reach,
God Bless you and keep you always. You were such a great "friend" to me and offered such wisdom. I know you have helped countless others on these boards. Thank you.

I wish you all the best and I'm proud of you:)

Even though we did not get the chance to meet, I wanted to wish you the best of luck and congratulate you on getting your life in order! Reading your post was an inspiration, exactly what I needed to read right now:)

Reach, im not good with goodbyes..i avoid them every chance i get...i know you will be back and will look forward to every post...you are an angel:angel: