A BIT OF MY HISTORY...
My past, if I were to take the time for an in-depth bio, would be voluminous. As a child, I was undiagnosed with ADD. Back in the 40's and 50's we were labeled: "Active", "Disruptive". There were no diagnoses for ADD, or ADHD. I was, and am intelligent, but easily distracted. My head is on a constant run, if you will. When I returned to school at 47 y/o, I was tested and diagnosed with adult ADD.
I was in active addiction for 30 years and will have 11 years clean and sober on March 1st.
I and my 3 daughters are survivors of domestic violence and spousal abuse. The perpetrator of that abuse was my wife of 25 years, who died from cancer in 1991. Those who visit this site are, at least, rudimentally aware of the infrastructure of abusive relationships. You know, that at that time, her death was the only way I felt I and my children could have escaped that situation.
I returned to school at the age of 47 (new in recovery) and was determined to capture my life which I thought I cheated myself out of. I earned certificated in drug and alcohol studies and human services. I felt that I could do much more and possibly help more like me if I stayed in school. I was taught how to concentrate and not be distracted. I was shown proper hand-eye coordination to assist with the numeric dyslexia I was diagnosed with. I went on to earn my A.S. Degree in Human Services and Graduated with honors. I transfered to The California State University system and proceeded to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Human Services with Cum Laude Honors. I've recently earned my Master's in Counseling and am going to begin studying for my PhD on line. I recently tested for my state license and passed.
I am expert in Family issues and drug and alcohol treatment. I have the education and the practical experience to assist those who need assistance.
I am a survivor of a paralysing back breaking injury in 1982. I was 6 years on my back. I'm no longer there, thank you. I am remaining in survival mode from heart surgeries and kidney malfunctions. I refuse to lie down and give up!
One of my montras is: "It's never too late."
I was in active addiction for 30 years and will have 11 years clean and sober on March 1st.
I and my 3 daughters are survivors of domestic violence and spousal abuse. The perpetrator of that abuse was my wife of 25 years, who died from cancer in 1991. Those who visit this site are, at least, rudimentally aware of the infrastructure of abusive relationships. You know, that at that time, her death was the only way I felt I and my children could have escaped that situation.
I returned to school at the age of 47 (new in recovery) and was determined to capture my life which I thought I cheated myself out of. I earned certificated in drug and alcohol studies and human services. I felt that I could do much more and possibly help more like me if I stayed in school. I was taught how to concentrate and not be distracted. I was shown proper hand-eye coordination to assist with the numeric dyslexia I was diagnosed with. I went on to earn my A.S. Degree in Human Services and Graduated with honors. I transfered to The California State University system and proceeded to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Human Services with Cum Laude Honors. I've recently earned my Master's in Counseling and am going to begin studying for my PhD on line. I recently tested for my state license and passed.
I am expert in Family issues and drug and alcohol treatment. I have the education and the practical experience to assist those who need assistance.
I am a survivor of a paralysing back breaking injury in 1982. I was 6 years on my back. I'm no longer there, thank you. I am remaining in survival mode from heart surgeries and kidney malfunctions. I refuse to lie down and give up!
One of my montras is: "It's never too late."
posted by Brad Benjaminson @ 9:26 AM
2 Comments:
At 3:12 PM,
Maz said…
I find it interesting that you mentioned that you thought a death was the only way out of abuse. So many feel that way. I guess having those thoughts are easier than having to take the hard steps necessary to begin our healing, emotional recovery and taking back control of our lives from a controlling and manipulative person.
After many years of thinking that death would solve all the problems, I realized it would leave unresolved problems. Death isn't necessary to start moving forward with my own life. Only the death of our allowance for this abuse to continue.
The death issue went two ways with me. Thoughts that if I died he would finally realize how important I was (unhealthy thinking). Along with thoughts of if he died I would be free from this abuse and not have to deal with the after effects of divorce. (Also unhealthy and unloving thoughts.)
At 7:12 PM,
Anonymous said…
I am happy to hear that you and your daughters are in a healthy and positive environment
I have my own issue. My wife and I decided to file for divorce a few months ago. I have chosen to stay in the house until she gets a job (we have 2 kids). She has not done this. She has become antagonistic and has repeatedly attempted to anger me into a physical confrontation. I refuse to do this. Never laid a hand on a woman, and I never could. I had to call police out to our house Saturday night after she scratched me. No one was arrested. As a result, I have filed for an injunction against her. I hope I am doing everything correctly. I feel she will create an "incident", claim I abused her and call the police.
This is an extremely "Reader's Digest" condensed account. I would like to explain in more detail. Here is my email address: jupiterhound@yahoo.com.
Thanks.
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