Christmas is supposed to be a very tough time for recovering alcoholics. I must admit that I am extremely proud that I am now 42 months in my life-long recovery. It’s difficult, but waking up on the top floor of the Royal Free NHS Hospital having been in a coma for six weeks in 2007 had a lot to do with it. I think of my father being told the news that I was going to live, and that I had come round from my coma. At the time, he had no idea that I would have stopped drinking alcohol for good. He stood by me by thick and thin, including my Bachelors and Masters of Law between 2008 and 2010. I feel that by the end he was proud of me, but I felt dead myself thinking about his sudden death on 10th November 2010 due to a heart attack. I think of all the people and institutions who have disgusted me, but I think of the integrity and power of my father who were strong until the end, despite his own suffering. So – I didn’t think once about having a drink, although this is supposed to be the party season, but my mum and I (we live together in a small flat in Primrose Hill) think though about my father every single second. I hope you had a very nice christmas, and I wish you personally every success for a demanding 2011.

Best wishes,

Shibley

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