Addictions rob us of the most important thing in life—healthy relationships.

Thankfully, I had a Dziadzi (Jaw-Gee)—grandfather in Polish—who did not suffer from substance abuse.

My Dziadzi, was the most positive father figure I could have ever hoped for.

Dziadzi never pretended to be greater than anyone else. Dziadzi’s endless kindness toward everyone taught me to believe in a Power greater than myself–Step 2.

It was Dziadzi’s unconditional love that helped me turn my will and life over to the care of God, as I understood HimStep 3.

When I got to Step 5, Dziadzi’s humility showed me how to talk to my Higher Power, and admit the exact nature of my wrongs.

Thanks to Dziadzi, I pushed forward with Step 6 and allowed God to work on my defects of character, which led to — Step 7 and my humble and sometimes, resistant plea to have God remove my shortcomings.

Throughout the years and through the 12 Steps, the model Dziadzi set before his kids and grandkids came to fruition in Step 11. It was then the power of prayer began to improve my conscious contact with God, as I understood Him, praying for knowledge of His will and the power to carry it out.

Let go and Let God.

Trust your Higher Power.

God—as you understand Him, will enlighten you – guide you. Will you let Him?