30 Comments
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Julia Ball's avatar

CONGRATULATIONS! Sweet sixteen! So grateful for your words over the years. The mess, the message, all of it. Don’t stop. Thank you.

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Janelle Hanchett's avatar

Thank you so much, Julia. I really appreciate it.

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Melissa Sullivan's avatar

We are really happy you’re here! Congrats on 16 years!

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Janelle Hanchett's avatar

Thank you!

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Jennifer's avatar

I’m so glad you are here.

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Janelle Hanchett's avatar

Thank you. I don't know why I made it and others don't, including many family members, and today is a day I reflect on that, too. Feels like a bit of a miracle, to be honest. Many late-stage addicts and alcoholics don't make it. I lost another cousin in the past 2 years to addiction. A brutal disease.

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janet tweedie's avatar

Congratulations on not being ‘full of shit’ for 16 whole years.

It’s really awesome.

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Janelle Hanchett's avatar

Oh I'm still full of shit, just in a slightly different way. Haha. :) Thank you, Janet.

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Bee Burkhart's avatar

Ahh Janelle. Here you are all these years later. So glad you’re here.

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Janelle Hanchett's avatar

Thanks, friend. Love you.

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jc21403's avatar

I am so glad you made it. I always marvel at stories of the moment it becomes crystal clear when an addict says, for real, I am DONE. Like how many times have we told ourselves "this is it!" only to have a drink in hand a few hours later? I know for me it took years. Sometimes I think I have figured out why the last time was the last time, but after nearly 19 years I still don't know what was the final straw, I am just thankful my goddamned brain said enough. Curiously, right after a huge shot of Grand Marnier.

Congratulations on 16 years, that is a motherfucking accomplishment!!! Keep up the good work. :)

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Salmonberry Chickens's avatar

I have a family member struggling with relapse right now. I gave him your book. He may or may not read it. 🤷‍♀️ But it nudged me to open it again and I liked it even more this time. Thank you for your willingness to look at yourself and to share with the world. I’m going to send your book to my mom too. It is much needed right now.

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Audrey Thiault's avatar

Congratulations, Janelle, I love your writing :).

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Tracey Sarah's avatar

Beautiful. Really powerful writing. Thanks for sharing.

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BEFRIENDING LIFE's avatar

Thank HP for that old timer who told you the truth! I was also full of shit for a long time, and the gift was the eventual knowledge that I Knew Nothing. I was 50, and that was 20 years ago. And my life is still unmanageable if Nora tries to manage it! Love on the journey.

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Brett Thomasson's avatar

A pleasure to read of your milestone and progress.

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Jodi Sh. Doff's avatar

Wow. Sober 34 years and this is one of the best descriptions of the addiction, the love affair. Congratulations on sweet 16, on your life, your honestly, your writing chops.

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Rosana Francescato's avatar

So beautiful. Congrats on 16 years, that is huge!

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Emily Henderson's avatar

Beautiful Janelle! Happy birthday!

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Wendy McDowell's avatar

Happy to have you! Keep up the good work, my friend. Hugs!!

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Sarelle McCoard's avatar

Congratulations! Sometimes its those honest old timers who say it like they see it who save lives. I am so happy for you and for the beautiful life you share.

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