Dear one,
Today I celebrate 27 years in recovery from cocaine use. I woke up this morning remembering the man I was 27 years ago. 9,862 days ago I was unmoored, uncertain, and chaotic, doing my best to manage a childhood of trauma and navigating the military as a queer man in active addiction serving under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue.
Though I will never be everything I want to be, I love the man I have become. I love and honor the broken child who lives inside me for helping to make me a fierce and loyal protector for all who need it.
Happy birthday to me.
Never forget that I love you, and that excludes no one – including myself.
Love,
