Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The Code

As Dexter was trained to the code on how to not get caught, I was also trained by a similar code. My father was a pro at keeping his drinking problems under control. He never missed work. Never missed any special engagement. Visited his aunt every single Wednesday, played the organ for the church and volunteered to take care of an elderly woman who had no family.


He always kept count of what he drank, rarely going over 4 cocktails.

In a social setting.

In private, he allowed himself any number that gave him absolute oblivion. He'd numbly sit in front of the television with a glass of Scotch and a beer chaser. The TV was turned on only so he could appear engaged and engrossed. But it could have been turned off and unplugged for he wasn't listening or watching anything.

He was a good father. A great friend. And the best mentor. And he taught me well. I ever so rarely take in more than 4 drinks - that anybody can witness to. In a party situation I'm the responsible one. When my friends are all losing their minds wanting to jump off buildings and see how long fuel will burn in a field - I'm the one holding the extinguisher and looking for ladders. Always on stand-by ready for any emergencies.

Nobody could really point a finger in my face and tell ME I have a drinking problem. Thing is, I am also my mother's daughter. My mother taught me to count drinks others are having and keep tabs to use as future weapons. The day after I can always relay exactly how many toddies I had as opposed to how many the Captain had. And although it's not a competition, he always wins the count.

Yes. I have a problem. I control my drinking just enough to not be pointed out, but have my mother's alcoholic accounting skills to know... And I know. I always know.

Knowing there is a problem makes it half solved. Right? Wrong. Knowing a mountain lies ahead doesn't mean I'm halfway over it. The mountain is still there waiting and will keep waiting until I take my first step towards it.

p.s. He quit drinking when I was 18. 'Til the day he died, he gave me credit for it - saying it was because I tried to find him hobbies, something to make his life more interesting.

8 comments:

  1. so now you just need your own advice you did for him?

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    1. Yup. I made a paper mâché fish and painted him today! It was fun. Next week (I hope) is an intensive private Spanish class... ツ

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  2. How many of us know our obstacles but continue in the same path? We all have our "thing" that thing we know is no good for us but because of familiarity, fear, indifference or whatever it may be, just can't let go. Knowing doesn't necessarily make it easier and you'll face it head on when you're ready. Do I hope it's sooner rather than later? Yes but that's not up to me. I may not know you well but what I do know about you is that you are a strong person and coming thru this will only make you stronger. Best of luck and lots of prayers! <3

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    1. Hmmm, Idk why it says unknown but this is April Ortiz =)

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  3. If anyone can get over that mountain, I know you can. Yes you did see your father drink, but you also saw him quit. Always remember that.

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  4. This post makes me so grateful that I never had to deal with any alcoholism in my family growing up. My parents drank on social occasions but that was few and far between. Your Dad sounded like a great man with a great daughter. He was lucky to have your love. I hope you are finding those hobbies and enjoying them as he did all those years. Hugs my friend!! Thank you for your honesty too.

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  5. Ooof, that is tough. It's in my family too, so I'm totally there with you.

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  6. It took me waking up in the gutter one morning, on a busy street, passed out in my own puke to learn moderation.
    I don't wish that on anyone.
    In your case, at least your counting and it seems to work.

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