Daddy Has A Disease Called Addiction

My friend told me her husband was away for two weeks. I didn't think anything of it. My husband goes away too--business trips. But her husband...her husband isn't working. He was injured in the line of duty. She spends her days caring for her husband and their 2 year old daughter. I thought it was a bit odd that he was away for two weeks but didn't want to pry. I really didn't have to. She sat on the couch with coffee in one hand and her head propped up on the other hand. She looked away toward her daughter and said, "Yeah. We just told her daddy is sick." The truth is, daddy has a disease called addiction. My friend, someone I know has struggles, revealed a dark truth as we sat in her living room. I knew about the addiction but I hadn't realized the extent of it. And in reality, who does until you and your family are nearing the bottom? I cried with her. We held hands. And in that moment, I saw one of the bravest women I've ever met. I saw a women who was suffering silently yet got out of bed and faced the world ever single day. I saw a woman fighting for her marriage and a woman fighting for her husband and a woman fighting for her life. My courage key came to life that day and that's why I'm paying it forward.