This I went to Richie Pitch’s funeral. It was bitter sweet, there were lovely people there, lots of faces I knew, old and new, but naturally we were there due to Richy’s premature passing. I delivered my speech, it was tough, although many people approached me afterwards who were really moved by my words and thanked me, which was humbling. I barely held it together and felt croaky throughout, but it felt good to say how I felt about Richy, his life and how I connected with him. It was fantastic to meet new people that loved Richy, often from way back in his childhood that had come to wish him farewell. Subsequently I made new friends and I plan to follow that up next week to ensure that I can meet with them again.

The funeral was scheduled for a day that was quite disastrous for me. In the morning, I awoke to discover my brand new car had been stolen. I couldn’t believe it, with all the car trouble I’ve had in the last two or three months, if you’ve been following this blog you will know. I said to myself that I was not going to be phazed by this as I would have been previously. I made a vow there and then to accept it and move on. I took three trains to the funeral and just about made it on time. The service was beautiful and the wake full of Richy’s loved ones celebrating his life. Of course everybody was drinking, but I stayed as I had, on my double zeroes and continued on my path, it was fine. It feels totally normal to me now not to have alcohol. There would have been many good reasons to drink with all the others and celebrate the life of Richy, however I stayed sober and it was entirely normal for me. I’m glad this sustained feeling is continuing and that I’m not succumbing to temptation.

My family is immensely proud of me and to be honest a little bit surprised that I have abstained for so long. Not to say that they didn’t have faith in me, but knew it was a tall order. It’s been over 7 months now and I’m looking forward to celebrating a year clean. I am visibly healthier and physically stronger, I can feel the benefits and hope that for the rest of my life I can continue to protect my mind and body being a  role model for my children and all those I love.

The only thing that is affecting me at the moment is the terrible weather. It really matters to me since giving up alcohol. I find it fascinating that this was not the case when I was drinking. In those days I couldn’t care less about the weather. As long as I had a drink each day that was my happiness and release. I’m learning now that there is so much more to life than whispering into an empty glass, dreaming my life away. Connections and creativity are my new calling and I’m looking forward to each day and what it brings.

I’ve been investing much time on my music and have created 8 solid tracks. I’m in the midst of mastering them and in the process learning how to master effectively. I’m teaching myself new skills towards something I am most passionate about. It gives me purpose and direction and helps with my mental health, because for the last ten years I have neglected songwriting in favour of pursuing a career in education, along with a masters in drinking. I’ve got 5 artists I’m thinking of approaching to feature on the tracks. They’re all quite well established and it will be a long shot to get interest, but the music is worthy and I don’t want to think later that I didn’t try. I guess if you don’t try you don’t succeed and furthermore I won’t be downhearted if I hear nothing. There’s always plans B!