Following more than 15 years of divorce and separation, my wife and I recently found each other once more. A few weeks ago, she asked me, "how do you know that you love me?" How can I resist the opportunity to respond with thousands of words? [Pictured] My wife [on the right] and daughter today. … Continue reading How Do I Know That I Love Her [Part I]
Category: Self Awareness
The courage to change.
As I walked into the room, she looked at me, smiling, and said, "I feel like I see a ghost." Until recently, I hadn't seen my daughter for years. My Baby may be grown, but she will always be my Baby. I missed her more than words can say. It's an incredibly profound feeling to … Continue reading Like a Ghost
More than 20 years ago, my wife and I traveled to New Orleans to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary. Located on Bourbon Street is a small shop called [Madame Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo]. Marie Laveau is famous throughout Louisiana. During our first visit to The House of Voodoo, we decided to have our palms read. … Continue reading Past, Present, Future
The Denver Area is expecting 75 MPH Hurricane Force Winds tomorrow. I'm officially nicknaming these winds, "Badass Antivirus Winds!" Yes, it's true, I have high expectations! Joseph Shanklin November 13, 2020
More than half of the seats are empty. I have the entire row to myself. With the cabin lights down low and several air vents open, the airplane feels like a soft fluffy cloud. Please allow me to give a big SHOUT OUT to SOUTHWEST AIRLINES! Yes, it's okay if this feels like an airline … Continue reading Comparing [Love] To [Being In Love]
Introduction I wrote this piece back in August. At the time, the possibility of visiting Grampa Chester's grave seemed nearly unimaginable. Since then, my wife and I have shocked everyone in our family. After more than 20 years of divorce, we have found each other once more. Today, we drove to Louisiana from Houston to … Continue reading Louisiana Part 2 [Re-posted & More]
Following years of pain, struggle, and eventually rebirth, this day has finally come to pass. When I stop and gaze back at the mountain, it's difficult not to become paralyzed with disbelief. I find myself whispering, "I've done it." For several weeks, I have been counting the days, patiently waiting for this incredibly special moment … Continue reading I’ve Been Waiting For This Day
For nearly one and a half years, I have been writing about my journey and some of the fantastic experiences I've had along the way. Nearly two years ago, following four years of heavy drug use, I chose to return to a life of sobriety. The entire time I was using, the memory of how … Continue reading Dreams, Prayers, And Happy Endings
If success is the greatest revenge, then I've landed a blow against addiction, shattering its glass jaw beyond repair. Joseph Shanklin October 29, 2020
Battling with addiction is not unlike sitting down to play chess with a madman who wants nothing more than to maneuver the addict to the edge of the board while their loved ones watch helplessly. Joseph Shanklin October 29, 2020
