Mr. Evans speaks out about alcoholism

I chose the title, THE GIFT that keeps on giving to illuminate that once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. That does not mean one must die a drunk! It simply stresses that alcoholism, like diabetes, is a lifetime disease. And like diabetes, with proper care, diet, and exercise, and abstaining from alcohol, alcoholism can be controlled.

From around age 18 to 49, I suffered from the disease of alcoholism. A good portion of those years, I was not aware of my disease. I could not link my troubles, loss of family, homes, and jobs, and overall misery to alcohol. In the last 8 of those years, I (and others) just wrote me off as a hopeless misfit. I was homeless, unemployable, and a sad example of human existence.

December first, 1983, I had my last drink of alcohol, checked myself in at a detox center in Orlando, Fl. I have not had a drink of alcohol since. At first, my recovery process was not a pleasant one, but it was worth the misery of withdrawing from the demon alcohol.

I attended Alcoholics Anonymous regularly, listened and absorbed others' experience, strength, and hope. I became teachable and returned to a beautiful life. After getting re-married, I became employable and started my own business. I taught myself art, painting over 500 pieces of oil paintings.

Attending the gym regularly has not just been healthful, it has been a tremendous joy, working out, meeting people, and socializing. I am retired now, living a beautiful life with my wife of 33 years, and 36 years of sobriety, and at age 86, I am fit as a fiddle.

I do have diabetes, high blood pressure, and a few other ailments; however, with diet, exercise, and following my doctor's advice (and not drinking alcohol or smoking), I am very active and happy.

Should I never have admitted I needed help, and joined Alcoholics Anonymous, I would not have re-learned honorable living and continued serenity. That is why I consider my alcoholism the gift that keeps on giving.