The Joys of Being a Sober Father
The best day of my life was August 9th, 2016, the day my daughter was born. That day I made a promise that I would be the best father that I could be. Unfortunately, I began using the stress and mounting responsibilities as a reason to continue drinking and using. In my head at the time, it was justified. Before long, my drinking became out of control, everything I did had to include a drink first. Eventually, I realized that this time I spent using substances was robbing my daughter of precious moments with her dad, because I was rarely there mentally.
That is when I decided to reach out for help and go to Narconon Suncoast. It took me a little while to get my body and mind back to what I consider normal, but it was the best thing that I ever did for myself and my family. I know now that my daughter sees me as a different person, I can feel that she feels secure. Being sober every day and watching her grow into this amazing young lady is such a fulfilling experience and gives me the confidence to continue living my drug-free life.
My daughter loves to go fishing with her daddy, she has to do everything just as I do it. She loves to cast her lure right next to mine so we can try and catch a fish together. If I use a certain lure, she has to use the same one. When she catches a fish and reels it in, the smile on her face is priceless, even though she counts on daddy to take the slimy fish off and get her set up again.
My daughter loves to go to the park with me and always insists that I am right by her side. She asks me to squeeze myself into the smallest spaces on the playground, and even though I cannot help but oblige it is rough! But it makes her happy and that is all that matters. A few weeks ago, we went to a water park. She was so excited on the way there. We went in and went straight to the kiddie slides. When we got to the top, she was so scared, but I gave her a big hug and we did it together. Later we went on the Lazy River with her mom. This was her spot. Watching her smile and play in that river made the day worth it alone. We would float for hours racing her mom, and every time her mom would start to catch us, she would get a rush of energy and scream “daddy let’s go!” It was one of the best days imaginable and we had so much fun.
Today, even sitting around the house watching cartoons and playing baby dolls is awesome. I sit there watching her imitate the things she has learned from me. It makes me so proud to see that I am raising a thoughtful, loving, kind little girl. Now she is getting ready to start kindergarten, she is so excited to learn and meet new friends. I am also excited for her. Watching her put so much effort into getting ready for school 3 months ahead of time shows me that she is going to do great. I know by setting the example I should as a sober father will help her achieve anything she sets her mind to.
“These moments are all made possible because I made the decision to get help and become a sober father.”
These moments are all made possible because I made the decision to get help and become a sober father. I can now be present for all her ups and downs in life and help her through everything and anything she needs. She counts on me for everything right now, and I would not have it any other way!
David H.—Narconon Suncoast Graduate
