Friday, May 01, 2009

The Thing Is...It IS My Brother

Really...that's what this crazy week has been about.

Mom and Julia (Bob's girl for those of you who don't know) and I were in the car yesterday talking about Grandma Petty (Mz Virginia) and her ability to send prayer straight to the big guy's ears.

We were apprehensive about letting everyone know exactly what was going on. Wanting to protect him, not embarrass him...respect his privacy.

But the thing is...he's sick. He's really sick and he has been for a very long time.

Monday his sickness almost killed him. It's not the kind of sickness he needs medication for...as a matter of fact...medication is his sickness.

If he were physically ill with a regular, see a physician kind of illness...we'd alert the troops. Everyone would pray...send him good vibes. Love him, support him.

He still needs that. Maybe more than if he were physically ill.

This cannot be a secret. Secrets are what almost killed him. That and the many, many pills he took to numb the pain that he feels from demons we can't even imagine.

Bob is an addict. He has had an addiction to prescription medication for many, many, many years. Before that he was addicted to illegal drugs.

Yesterday he said it out loud. "I'm addicted to prescription medication".

Pray for him. Pray that he has the courage to do the work to learn how to cope with his demons. Pray that he has the strength to make a choice, everyday for the rest of his life. A choice to live.

He will spend the next several weeks with people who can help him.

And he needs to spend the rest of his life with his friends and family who love him and will support him.

Mz Virginia...start those prayers.

11 comments:

MUD said...

The last time I saw Asa Bob I thought he sure looked rough. I attributed it to the weird schedule he was working. The whole damned Petty family has addictive personalities. Those who poo-poo that, think how many of the family are still smokers in spite of the plain, "they'll kill you" message on the package. I am currently what I consider myself a drunk. I maintain sobriety by myself and don't go to meetings but the deamon of alcohol is still out there crying "Drink Me". Thank god I never smoked weed or did coke or meth. The first step in his getting better is the awareness that he is addicted. At least he has hit that leg of the journey. If there is anything I can personally do let me know. I'll call, visit, write or hold his hand. Dennis

Anonymous said...

It is important that he has finally admited that he is sick. I love him and wish him to be happy and well.
Aunt Sue

carrie said...

I will pray for Bob. I know boys that have gone to this same facility and I hope the results are good for Bob. I am glad that he is ready to face this with honesty and grit. It won't be easy but we will all be there to help him now that he wants help.

Kathy said...

I'll say some prayers. This is the same struggle John's mother is dealing with. Everybody "pussyfoots" around the issue.

So I know exactly where you're coming from.

Strength!

Amy said...

I know he can find the strength to fight this. Us Petty's may be more susceptible to addiction but we are also very strong, and we all fight together. He is not alone.

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing. Lots of courage all around - his admission and his family's support. I don't have the hotline Ms. Virginia has, but you have my thoughts and prayers too.

Anonymous said...

As you know, Kristy has been in the Psych Ward this week too after planning to committ suicide. Thank God that she came to her senses and told her mom about it. Ann, God bless her, took her to the hospital. They have diagnosed her with bipolar disorder, which I do not think that she accepts. However,they are letting her go home this evening. Ann is going to help her as much as she can if Kristy will let her. Ms. Virginia will be praying for both of them.

Rebecca said...

The above comment was from my dad, Rick. This has been hell week for all of us too. We don't know what to do. Pray, I guess?

Anonymous said...

Bipolar runs in the faily and there is excellent medicine for it. Dad suffered for years and it was hard on the whole family. I hope Kristy can accept the fact that she must follow Dr.'s orders to feel well.There are support groups and a whole family that loves her.
Aunt Sue

MUD said...

Jenn's at the lake. Saw her and the team yesterday. We talked and hugged. MUD

Lorrie Ward Jackson said...

My prayers are with all of you.