Connecting
No better feeling for a writer than connecting with readers!❤️
At a recent book signing, I had the opportunity to speak with loved ones of alcoholics. While it’s heartbreaking to know people are going through difficult times, it’s also heartwarming to hear how telling my story has helped others process their pain and suffering.
“Reading your book made me feel less alone.”
“I could not put the book down. It tells a real life story about the disease of alcoholism.”
“I read Bottles in the Basement in a day.”
For those of you living with or having survived an alcoholic, you will find comfort in the pages of Bottles in the Basement.
#bottlesinthebasement #survivinganalcoholic #memoir
Paula Ganzi McGloin 
2 Responses to “Connecting”
I, too, read “B in the B” in a day.
My husband of nearly 40 years did not leave me in financial disarray(which is HUGE) but he did leave 8 years ago, at nearly age 65. His last months were very similar to your description of Hepatic Encephalopathy & what follows. Horrific. His 2 stays in rehab were a joke. He was smarter than everyone..so he thought. Yet The Demon outsmarted him.
My life has been a struggle since.
As my therapist wisely told me, “You’re a dependent person with no one to depend on.” He actually was dependable up until the end. With the constant help of my 2 sons, I’ve learned a lot & have managed.
But every day I think about Pete with love, despair, regret &/or anger.
He’s missed seeing our sons thriving and knowing our precious grands.
He would have loved & enjoyed them so.
I’ve begun to live in “introvert mode” & squash my social, more extroverted side.
I don’t see friends.
I don’t make plans.
I’ve lost what little confidence I had.
I dread the aloneness in this last stage of life.
But with 3 surgeries..joint replacements.. looming, I am dealing with chronic pain & am not much of a catch.
I know our marriage was far from perfect but I hitched my wagon to his star. And he broke my heart.
Dear Diane,
I’m so sorry for your loss and what you and your sons have experienced. I’m relieved to hear you’re seeing a therapist, what does he/she advise about your desire to isolate and fear of being alone? I hope you will reconsider your introverted ways. Perhaps start slowly by connecting with friends and family by phone and work up to making plans. If you dread being alone, you have to make an effort to socialize. Little steps are fine. Get out of the house, if you’re able, and take a walk. If your joint replacement issues limit your mobility, sit outside for a few minutes. Being outdoors has a way of elevating one’s mood. Read a book on your porch or in the park. Accept all offers of help from family and friends. Socializing should improve your mood and mindset and help you during recovery. The time is now to stop isolating. Perhaps take up a hobby or pursue an old passion. Keep busy with things that bring you pleasure. Make plans with your sons and their families. Enjoy your grandchildren. Just because Pete isn’t there to be with them, doesn’t mean you should restrict your life. But I’m sure Pete would want to be happy. You can recover from heartbreak, just as you can recover from surgery. I hope you’ll try to connect with family and friends and find a little joy in each day.
Wishing you peace and happiness,
Paula