u/Sharkie_M

Hey unsub degenerates.
Today I share a timelapse of my sobriety journey.
From violatioing my federal probation and spending 6 months in a private prison to managing my dad’s bussiness after his death.
If it wasn’t for my support group,
Great online communities like this one, and being honest with my emotions I probably would be drinking.
After walking into a room and Chaplin telling me my dad passed away.
That’s the moment where I truly wanted to go to a gas station and throw it all away
I gave my keys to a cousin (she was working in the hospital that day)
And I just cried my eyes out..
I still have cravings, but today I help out with a cat rescue in the Philippines, managing dad’s business and staying plugged in the ministry that help me find my sobriety

So if you can indulge in alcohol responsibly.
crack a cold one for me, as I’m not responsible nor mature enough to know when to stop.

Six years sober from alcohol—what a journey it has been. This year has been a tough one for me. I’m truly blessed to have an amazing support system, and without my village, I think I would be lost somewhere in a bottle.

I sounded the alarm after watching my dad die in front of me back in October. Years of therapy, being in a regeneration program, and my friendships were tested, and I’m very proud to say I’m still sober. One day at a time.

My dad’s boat business is under my management now. At first, I didn’t feel worthy because my dad worked so hard to get to this position. So I reflect back on past versions of myself, and I’m astounded by the growth. I’m living the life I used to dream of, but some things have changed.

Change is definitely possible. Grief hits at the weirdest times, and I’ve grown comfortable expressing my emotions and riding the wave. I still see a professional to this day, and I don’t think I’ll ever phase that out of my life.

I’m still plugged in with the ministry I attended for a regeneration drug program, and I share my stories with the men in the program. My dog has been a huge source of support for me and the men in the program. I try not to be idle. I love taking her to the ministry so she can give furry therapy to the men.

I’m very proud of the person I’m becoming, and I know all my friends who have passed are definitely proud of the life I’m living. From hitting rock bottom, detoxing from alcohol in a private prison, to living the life I dreamed of—

I can’t responsibly indulge in drinking, and I’ve accepted that. I’ve traded my ability to drink alcohol to be a business owner, mentor, and silent supporter of a cat foundation.

I know my old man is watching me, and he celebrates every victory. He’s there for my failures, and I can’t afford to go back down that destructive path. The grass is definitely greener on the other side; it just took going up a hill to reach this amazing view.
I never got to enjoy a cold one with my pops, so one of the snow days we had I decided to walk to his gravesite and pay him a visit.

Let’s see what the sixth year brings! For me, it’s a privilege to work in the shop, to feel stressed about the work I have. I will thrive in this environment.

‘03 Yukon xl & ‘02 Burb.
Work vehicles for my fiberglass/gelcoat shop.
Don’t tow anything bigger than a 24 footer with these

My mom’s single cab ‘95 hardbody had to go to the shop for some coolant issues.
It’s one of the last paint jobs my pops did before his unexpected death.
Bought it over to the shop for a quick hand polish and wax before my mom daily’s it again,
Picture was back in 2021 when my buddy owned the truck Regal LS2
Now this truck lives a pampered life.

Hey crew! After a few months of neglect and mourning, I finally got my mom’s d21 back on the road.
Picked it up from my friend who did the mechanical work, and I gave it a polish and quick wax before I deliver it back to my mom.

I picked this truck up a couple of years ago and it became a father/son project.
Pops finished it and gifted it to my mom on her birthday.
A month later he died suddenly and I had overheating issues shortly afterwards.
Called my friend and explained the situation.
And now she’s back on the road.
170k miles 2wd

Hey Daddit,

It’s been 195 days since my dad passed.

In that time, I’ve had some great days and some really tough ones. What I wouldn’t give to talk to him again and pick his brain about the industry. He’s probably forgotten more than I’ll ever know in my short time.

Anyway, I decided to keep his shop going. I’ve got about half the original crew—my brother, my dad’s best friend, and myself. I feel really blessed to have the opportunity to prove myself to the lake community. My dad’s landlord has been teaching me a lot.

I’m still involved with my rehab ministry and using my story as a testimony. I’m five years sober from alcohol now. I had two DUIs in less than six months… I never got to enjoy a cold one with my dad.

Backstory:

One Saturday afternoon, my dad came home from work and said, “Let’s cut down a tree—it’s going to kill somebody.” He rigged up a pulley system using metal tension cables and loading straps and had me pulling with the tractor.

When the line snapped, I watched it whip back into his face.

I felt my dad’s broken jaw as I tried to get his tongue out of the back of his mouth. CPR… the defibrillator… hearing one of the EMTs say “TBI.”

In a sad, twisted way, I’m grateful he didn’t have to go through a long recovery. It’s a hard thing to admit, but the health issues from fiberglass exposure were already catching up to him. I couldn’t imagine watching the strongest man in my life fade away slowly.

In less than two hours, my father was gone.

We ate pizza that night, and a week later I was back at the shop.

I’ve been working seven days a week in some capacity, and I don’t plan on slowing down. Just burning the midnight oil.

He was an organ donor, and someone out there now has the gift of sight because of him.

pls hire a professional if possible.