After meth

My soul collapsed into tears as I tried three limes to finish Andrew NiCastro's and Patrick Bristow's stories ["Love After Meth," February 15]. I felt as though I had instantly returned to the silent holocaust that swept my life repeatedly. I connected so deeply that I am at a loss for words, and yet thousands of memories flood my thoughts. I am no stranger to their pain.

My understanding and strength go to Andrew for walking away from the White Lady; my compassion and love go to Patrick for helping him fight the nightmare.

My current partner and I have been together 11 years. I am so grateful to have made it to the other side of the abyss.

Ron-Paul Henry, Destin, Fla.

The stories told by Andrew and Patrick touched my spirit. I could relate to so much of what was touched upon and was able to fully comprehend how my addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine devastated the life of not only myself but also the man I fell in love with eight years ago.

Addiction to alcohol and drugs has caused me severe pain, but it was in a recovery program that I grasped on to my life and started to work on who I was. Once I began the work I needed to do, my life began to happen. The beautiful part is that the life I longed for was already happening, and I had failed to recognize it. A facade of fantasy replaced that of reality, and nothing else mattered except drinking and getting high. My beautiful partner and I had pretty much dissolved our relationship because of my inability to understand that it wasn't us who had the problem, it was me. We continue to grow together today in trust and love.

Jeff Sekscenski, Worcester, Mass.

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