As soon as I saw the motorcycle, I knew it was too late.

A few weeks back, I was leaving a friend’s house. As I turned a corner at an intersection, I noticed the road was blocked off by emergency vehicles. Lights were flashing. Traffic was being guided around bright orange cones. And everything was brutally silent.

The first vehicle I saw was a white pickup parked in the turning lane. It stood at an odd angle, and its front end was smashed in.

The second was a motorcycle, laying on its side. It wasn’t quite cut in half, but it wasn’t far from it.

The second I laid eyes on it, somehow I knew. Not only was the rider dead, but somebody had been drinking. Online news articles would later prove this to be the case.

Truthfully, I don’t know anyone who was involved. And yet, these things hit me different. Because once upon a time I could have easily been one of these people. Any day I could be the other.

Let me be clear, I absolutely do not condone or excuse this type of behavior. However, I have the highly unpopular viewpoint of understanding both sides. Addiction is a disease, and disease changes us.

Often, our disease, whatever it is, will affect others. I am grateful for what I have and for the things that didn’t happen. I have been incredibly blessed with the opportunity to recover, and to share my story with others.

One day at a time, I can ensure that I never hurt anyone with this disease again. And yet, as long as alcoholism exists, I take a risk each time I get on the road.

Then again, don’t we all?

Has alcoholism affected you? If so, how? I encourage you to leave a comment and tell a little bit of your story!

I am releasing another collection of poetry. Watch for “Making my Amends to the Dead”, coming soon!

Bless you all and thank you for your support!