As kids, we often say what we want to be when we grow up, a doctor, teacher, etc., but no one ever says they want to be an addict or an alcoholic. Nevertheless, thousands upon thousands of people suffer from addiction every day. Granted, we don't know the hands we are dealt with in this life; all we can do is hold on when the losing hand shows up so that we can weather the storm. My storm came in the form of addiction. We all have different storms, and I was able, by the grace of God, to weather mine. Let me be clear; the only part I played in the storm was to fight for change, and I didn't have another relapse. I feared my next relapse would place me six feet under, so in addition to holding on, I found strength and endurance in my Heavenly Father. Along with the support of family and friends, I was able to beat my addiction and live a full life of recovery GRACED by the love of the Father.