So, if any of you have read here or in relationships and communication you know that both me and my boyfriend battle with alcohol and he recently relapsed (about 2.5 weeks ago). You may have heard me say that this automotive shop has a real hold on him - especially this one guy in particular that he used to drink with a lot named Walt. We've both joined AA and are trying to clean things up for him while I hold onto my sobriety for dear life. (By the way - today is my 96th day of sobriety!!!! GO ME!)

Yesterday afternoon, I called him to find out if he had moved his race car and all his things from this shop as we agreed upon after his last lapse (yes, the lapse took place at the shop with this guy Walt - go figure). I told him after this lapse that the only thing I ask is that he breaks all ties from this shop because obviously it's a trigger. Just think of a place .... that always has beer in the fridge and people are always drinking. BIG TRIGGER.

So, it's Thursday and to no avail - nothing has been moved from this shop. I kinda went off on him. I told him I thought it was a small thing to ask since the car is getting sold anyway and I told him he was welcome to keep it at my house. I have 2.5 acres and a truck to pull it there. I also told him the next time he lapsed (if ever) that would be it and I didn't care if I had to go to therapy to separate myself from him - I would go everyday if that is what it took. I told him I refuse to let myself spiral downwards, I've come this far and I'm happy with my life.

With that said here's the kicker. We've been learning in AA about a higher power, "God as we see him - meaning whatever higher power you draw strength from". In my eyes.

Last night at about 9:30 I was going over the business books and I called him to let him know there were unauthorized charges coming out of the account. He did not answer. Now on a normal day that would throw up a red flag for me thinking he was at that shop drinking. For some reason, I was not alarmed at all and very with peace and just figured he was sleeping.

About 10 minutes later he calls me back and tells me there was someone at the door knocking and his mom (yes, he lives with mom and has lost everything due to alcohol) came and asked him to get up and answer the door. He was almost asleep.

LOW AND BEHOLD WHO WAS AT THE DOOR? The alcoholic trigger! Walt! And as he answers the door the trigger says, "Well, I just stopped by to pick you up so we could go have a beer!" And my boyfriend says, "I don't drink, I can't drink." And the trigger says, "Oh, yeah you do sometimes." And he says, "No, I'm done, I can't drink, and I know you know I am in AA.". I am so proud.

So the trigger still wanted to talk. So he let him in and they went to the back porch to smoke a cigarette. And the trigger just kept talking and Mark just stayed adamant that he did not drink . That he couldn't - he is an alcoholic and he cannot. ***I am so proud*** Mark has always had a very, very hard time saying NO. Especially to this trigger for some strange reason. And the trigger was telling him how good he looked and Mark said, "Yeah, I'm sober, I'm not dehydrated, and I feel just as good." And the trigger said, "Well, don't hold anything against me for drinking." Mark said, "I don't - it's your life and you have to live it and I have to live mine." So at that point the trigger starts asking Mark about the race car. I think at that point he realized that it's got to be moved. And that moving everything is imperative to breaking that tie.

He told me when the trigger left that he was headed to the bar. And he told me that I must have a sixth sense and that someone above was watching out for us (which I am hoping he is starting to see the higher power!). He expressed to me his fear of the trigger drinking and driving (by the way the trigger has no driver's license due to a second DUI and should not even be on the ROAD!). He was worried of who he may kill after he left the bar and admitted that he had done the same stupid things. Mind you, this guy is coming from the same shop where just a couple of months ago - another drunk leaving that shop turned out on the highway and KILLED someone. HELLO!

After that he decided that we would go get the car and all his stuff out of that shop Sunday together. I am so proud. And I hope so much that this is leading in the right direction.

Sobriety brings clarity. At least I know it has for me. And I hope so much that he's seeing it too. I just had to let you all know. In the midst of our lapses and battles. Good things do happen.

I hope this gives strength to all. Happy Friday!