Linda Life of a Retired Law Enforcement Officer

I was raised with my parents and four siblings. When I was eight years old, my brother who was 20 years old died in a drunk driving accident. The family dynamic changed dramatically. Three weeks later, I was sexually assaulted. I never told my grieving parents. Through the years I was present at the deaths of my two other siblings. It is believed my sister was murdered, but that could not be proven. My other brother died in my arms at the hospital from the disease of alcoholism.

During those years, I got pregnant at 17 and married an abusive alcoholic. I left him at 21 and started my career as a deputy sheriff. I worked for 20 years in law enforcement. I raised my daughter and became an excellent mother. However, I sabotaged my marriage to a wonderful man. This was not due to any type of addiction. I was severely injured while on patrol and was forced to retire. I remarried, and at 40 I had my son. My children are 23 years apart. When my son was five, my husband had an affair and left. I was devastated, and my son basically became my friend and confidant (NOT GOOD). My former husband and I went through numerous nasty and expensive court battle. During that time, my daughter became hugely involved with drugs and lost everything. I let her live at my home, which was a nightmare and not the best place for my son. When my son was 12 years old, he became very defiant and angry. My daughter had been clean for a year. My son’s father and I had to make the most difficult decision in my life. My son was sent to a boarding school in Utah. I lost it. I did the worst thing possible. I turned to drugs to relieve the pain. I should have known better after getting my daughter help. I used drugs heavily for almost a year. I was so ashamed.

I decided to go to a treatment center in California for recovery because I knew I had to be healthy when my son would come home. It was the best thing I ever did. I have been clean for 95 days. I am dieting and walking now. I still suffer from agoraphobia. I went to a low I never saw coming. Thank God for my treatment center. My life is coming back together again!!!!!

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