Me, My Sons, My Father — And Alcohol

Me with my sons and ex wife — after our divorce

The above photo is a special one for me — for a myriad of reasons. First, my sons and my ex wife and I were headed to see Paul McCartney at Oriole Park at Camden Yards (2022). Something we were all excited about — clearly.

I’m a musician by trade, so Paul and the Beatles are gods to me, and that has trickled down to my sons, who grew up listening to the Beatles and becoming rabid fans. Sir Paul certainly did not disappoint that night. It was an evening none of us will ever forget.

Second, the photo displays how my ex wife and I have managed to co-parent, something we are both very proud of. It’s made things so much easier for our sons, and while there was no getting around the pain and sadness of divorce, we have all come through on the other side much better off.

Last but certainly not least, it shows how a modern family, even with a unique configuration, can navigate through alcohol use and abuse — specifically my own.

Letting it be — at Paul McCartney

I had been sober for almost 10 years when my wife and I got married, and stayed sober for another 10 years after — until we got separated. Though my drinking was not the cause of the divorce, the stress of separation and…