I've watched just about every war movie ever made. I'm a big fan of the American Heroes Channel, History Channel, Military Channel, and every other channel that plays war documentaries ad infinitum. I'm an avid practitioner of mixed martial arts and hand-to-hand combat. I've fired just about every firearm known to man. I have spent countless hours at the VA Hospital and had many, many conversations with wartime vets about their experiences in a foxhole. I boast a complex understanding of military tactics and can deeply sympathize with what battle must by like. I have a post-graduate education in psychology and counseling. I get "war," I really do!
Yet with all this detailed information swirling around in my skull, there's one thing missing - I've never seen a single second of actual combat. I've never drawn a bead on another human being and pulled the trigger. I have no idea what it feels like to be shot at. I've never held a friend in my arms as the life-blood drained out of him. I can never truly understand the wartime experience, as I have never lived it.
At the end of the day, I'm not a vet. God willing, I never will be.
So, do us a favor... don't preach to us about sobriety if you've never walked a mile in our shoes. There's a reason only we are allowed to serve as sponsors to one another. You've built a better mousetrap, we get it. We're simply not interested.
We welcome your love, your prayers, your support... heck, we'll even take your donations. But your advice on recovery, well, you can hold onto that.
Thanks in advance.
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