Since beginning my journey on the path of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the transformation in my life has been nothing short of extraordinary. The most beautiful change has been in how I am now completely present for my children. Before AA, I often found myself physically there but emotionally absent, distracted by my struggles with alcohol. Today, I am able to cherish every moment I spend with them, fully engaged in their lives and activities. This morning, I had the privilege of attending my daughter’s first league football match. From the second we arrived until the final whistle, I was right there with her, soaking in every thrilling moment. She played brilliantly, assisting in two of her team’s goals, and they ended up winning 4-2. It was such an incredible feeling to see her light up with pride and joy as she contributed to her team’s success. Moments like these are now priceless to me.
My weekends have taken on a whole new rhythm, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My daughter’s matches are on Saturdays, and my son plays on Sunday mornings, meaning both of my weekend days start early, with football taking up the morning from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Gone are the lazy mornings, sleeping in, and leisurely coffee breaks. Instead, I’m packing up gear, heading to the football fields, and fully immersing myself in their games. And you know what? I don’t miss the old routine at all. The pure joy of standing on the sidelines, cheering them on, and sharing in their wins and losses is far more rewarding. There’s something special about being there with them in these moments, sharing in their passion and supporting them through both their triumphs and challenges. Every goal, every pass, every tackle—they feel so much more meaningful now that I am fully engaged.
But as I reflect on this new chapter of my life, I can’t help but remember how things used to be. It’s not easy to admit, but I wasn’t always the parent I am today. I used to take my son to his football matches, but rather than staying to watch and cheer him on, I would drop him off at the playing field and see it as an opportunity to slip away. I would make a quick run to the off-licence or supermarket to buy a bottle, then return to my car and drink in secret. I’d sit there in the parking lot, sipping alcohol from a travel mug, disengaged and disconnected from what was happening on the field. I justified it to myself at the time, thinking it didn’t matter because he didn’t need me standing there watching. But looking back now, I see how much I was missing—not just the games, but the opportunity to bond with him, to show up for him in a way that mattered.
Today, that version of me feels like a distant memory, and I’m so grateful for the changes that AA has helped me make. The support of my sponsor, the fellowship of the group, and my connection to my higher power have been instrumental in guiding me toward a life of sobriety and presence. I’ve learned to live in the moment, to be fully present in my children’s lives, and to appreciate the simple joys of being there for them. Every Saturday and Sunday morning, instead of waking up with a hangover or feeling disconnected, I wake up excited to be a part of their football journeys. I no longer feel the urge to escape or numb myself; instead, I embrace the thrill, the frustration, and even the occasional heartbreak that comes with their games. My weekends are no longer about what I can get for myself, but about what I can give to them—my attention, my support, my love. And that’s a gift that AA has made possible, one I’ll never take for granted.
A New Dawn
Once lost in shadows, a haze of despair,
Bound by addiction, a heavy affair.
But now a light shines, a beacon of hope,
As I tread a new path, my spirit a kaleidoscope.
Before, a phantom, a distant, cold gaze,
My children’s laughter, a distant, faint haze.
Distracted by demons, my heart in their plight,
Now I’m present, their biggest fan, shining bright.
On Saturday mornings, the fields come alive,
My daughter’s team, a sight to revive.
Every pass, every goal, a moment so sweet,
As I cheer her on, my heart takes a beat.
Gone are the secrets, the bottles concealed,
A new chapter unfolds, my heart is revealed.
I stand by their side, their triumphs I share,
A father redeemed, dispelling all fear.
The journey’s not easy, the past still lingers,
But with AA’s guidance, my spirit it sings.
A life of sobriety, a gift truly rare,
As I cherish these moments, beyond compare.
