Let's don't have a drink for Claudette
 

She faced three fatal diseases in her life: cancer, depression, and addiction.

Cancer was the easiest one to beat. Fuck cancer, but fuck depression and addiction harder.

The most appropriate thing I can think of, then, is that we don't have a drink in her memory. Remember her as we do not have a drink to her this week.

This will be of different levels of difficulty for everyone, and I don't mean to set your agenda, but for me, I will raise an empty glass every night this week.

And to every dwellar, for all time, if you have depression or alcoholism, get treatment. For fuck's sake, if you can't do it for yourself, do it for us. We will be here for you.

Amen to that.

Amen brother.

What a great idea!

Amen from this corner.

We would all do well to learn what we can from Claudette's experience. Addiction has its hooks in a lot of us. We all need to look honestly at ourselves and determine what we are capable of and not capable of. We need to accept help when offered and just try. I'm going to make a stress reducing pro-sanity change in my life so I can see more clearly how blessed I am.

Thank you for this thread, Tony. It's good to have a way to channel one's energies when we're too far away to be helpful.

I'm with you Tony. However, since drinking was never my biggest rival, I will reaffirm that I will never smoke again in honor of her.

For me to withdraw from my addiction would mean leaving not only the cellar and the internet, but the computer as well.

It is an awful curse.

It will be easy to not have a drink for Claudette, addiction and depression truly suck, and from what I've seen, cancer is definitely a pass.

She was and is an inspiration.

I'm in. My glass will remain empty tonight.

I don't know about the whole week...

Too late for me. Had a drink. Well, four.
Limey and Mr Limey are being kind enough to take me in for a stay, so it will limit the damage I'm doing to myself. And in deference to Limey's sensible words I haven't gone all-out and got steaming.

I know Bri would far rather that I hadn't had a drink. But she would have understood. Addiction is not only complex and insidious, but in many ways it is learned behaviour and a coping mechanism.

Tomorrow and Monday I have to get this place spotless (the 'rents are away) and Tuesday I head on up to Arran. So there is no risk of this turning into a bender. I can't try any harder to beat my demons than I have been doing. But in a place with fresh air, the sea and absolutely no access to alcohol I can make sure I am back on track.

And no doubt I will cry again thinking that we used to say we would go there together one day.

*hugs*

I'll raise an empty glass on your behalf mate.

Glad you're going to Arran. I think the break and the company will do you a power of good.

^wss^
I'm mostly at a loss for words today. But wishing you the best, Sundae.

It's a grand idea, but I already blew it last night with some Bulleit Bourbon. However, I didn't take my sleep meds or anti-anxiety. Too scared to mix things now