White Collar Skid Row - Softcover

Bell, Melissa Ann

Softcover

ISBN 10: 097916396X ISBN 13: 9780979163968

Publisher: Christian Small Pub Assoc, 2012

Synopsis

Melissa’s faith was strong; she knew she could never fall for the wrong guy. But when she met a charming doctor who was in rehab for alcoholism, their love challenged all she believed to be true about herself.

This gripping account is the story of one woman’s transformation from caregiver to enabler, and her desperate attempts to control her husband's dysfunctional behavior. Melissa knew that the only way to save her sanity was to extricate herself from the clutches of "the bottle," but she also wanted genuinely to help the one she loved. Was it possible to do both?

Think it couldn't happen to you? White Collar Skid Row is a wake-up call for Christians.

Great for reading clubs and women's groups. Download discussion questions at www.WhiteCollarSkidRow.com.

About this title

About the Author

Melissa Ann Bell has been a caregiver for persons with substance abuse problems, terminal illness and other health issues, for almost 40 years. A volunteer with youth through her local church, Bell has served in medical auxiliaries on the local, state and national levels, and is a frequent speaker at women’s meetings and prayer retreats. Married to the late Dr. Jacob Bell for 31 years, Melissa is a mother and stepmother of six adult children. She currently resides in the Ozarks.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

I lifted the phone to my ear. There was a familiar silence, and then, "Hello there. I’ve stopped for a drink. I won’t be long, but don’t wait for me."

I glanced at Wendy who was mashing potatoes. "Just go right ahead and drink to your heart’s content," I said, with none of the anger and dread that I had lived with for eleven years. "I’ll see you when you get here."

"I won’t be long."

"Okay. Bye."

Wendy had her potato masher in mid-air over the pan, a soft smile on her face. "Boy, I never thought I’d hear you say that, especially with such a soft tone in your voice."

"I know. I’m surprised myself," I said to our high school senior.

"Mama," our seven-year-old daughter Roxena Lynne asked, "Where was Daddy?"

"Down by the high school in a bar," I said as I set the chicken on the table. "I don’t want you to be worried about your daddy, Honey; I’m not."

"Well, that’s because you’re big, but I’m little, and I’m worried about my daddy."

"I think he’ll be home soon. Honey, why don’t you put your coloring up; it’s time to eat," I said.

We were just finishing dinner when Jake drove up. Usually when he stopped for a drink, he’d also bring home a bottle and drink in the car before he came in. He came in quicker than we expected, and looked and sounded like he had not had more than one drink.

I am glad I didn’t yell or cry and beg him to not drink. Wendy and Neil will be in college soon, I thought. As soon as they are settled, I can put the bottle behind me. If he chooses to continue drinking, I can manage with just Roxie and me.

That night I lay in bed for a long time thinking how my life with Jake had started, and that night I decided I needed to share my story.

About this edition

• Publisher: Christian Small Pub Assoc
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 097916396X
• ISBN 13: 9780979163968
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 302