Evelyn Leite - To Be Somebody

Praise for To Be Somebody...

My Family was falling apart. Even though I went to treatment as did my husband there was so much pain, anger, bitterness and blame and so much work to do to make things right before we could even begin to feel like a healthy family. Evelyns books have helped tremendously Im constantly recommending them to the people I love. I guess there cant be a better testimonial that this.

Sherry.

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To Be Somebody

a tale of love, heartbreak and hope

E VELYN L EITE MHR, LPC

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To Be Somebody

a tale of love, heartbreak and hope

First book in the Blood, Sex, and Tears series.

Published by: Living With Solutions, PO Box 9702, Rapid City, SD 57709 Copyright 1978 by Evelyn M. Leite, MHR, LPC

First published January 1979. Reprinted January 1982. Revised 2019, now in its third edition, copyright 2019 by Evelyn M. Leite, MHR, LPC

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information and retrieval system without express written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

Due to the dynamic nature of the internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have been changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely the views of the author.

ISBN: (print) 978-1-7335409-2-6

ISBN: (ebook) 978-1-7335409-3-3

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Disclaimer

T his book is designed to provide information about the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher and authors are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Every precaution has been taken in the development of this book to bring you accurate and up to date information. However, there may be mistakes both typographical and in content. Therefore, this text should be used only as a general guide and not as the ultimate source for improving family relations.

The purpose of this manual is to educate and enlighten. The author and publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book. The author assumes no responsibility for any liability resulting from the use of the information contained in this book.

If you do not wish to be bound by the above, you may return this book to the publisher for a full refund.

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T o my father for whom

understanding is

forgiveness,

for whom love is undying.

And to my family and

friends for their love

and encouragement during

my struggle to tell this story.

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T his is a personal document based on events which happen to people every day. They happened to me.

It is a story about alcoholism and abuse, about faith and healing, and about joy and serenity. It is written that all people in the helping professions may gain insight into problems family members face when alcohol is destroying their lives. It is further written to bring love, hope, and inspiration to people trying to cope with a disease they do not understand.

Names and events are changed, but the story is real and could be happening next door to you. Or in your house.

E.L.

December 25, 1978

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S hy and bashful, he sidled up to me. Daring and delirious, I stuck my hand in his. He was eighteen, I was sixteen. He was beautiful, I was plain. How could he notice me? He was a charmer, a dazzler. I was dull, a clod. He could disarm a whole room full of people with one lopsided grin. I could make no impression at all. He was a lover. I was a fighter. He was wild. I was controlled. He was from the wrong side of the tracks; that made him more attractive.

He had a father who alternately beat and deserted him and a mother who escaped it all by working sixteen hours a day. I had a father who alternately spoiled me rotten and held up my inadequacies for me to see, and a gentle, religious mother. He hated his parents; I scorned mine. He came from a loud, rowdy beer drinking family. He is nothing like them. At my house no drinking or swearing is allowed; thats why my father is seldom home. I am nothing like them.

At his house, the most important thing is Possessionsunderline the capital P. At my house, the most important thing is Pride, also with a capital P. He boasts about his mother making him read every word of Emily Post. I was born knowing which fork to use. He reads the funny papers. I read the news. He quit school and joined the Air Force. I struggled through. He is more fun and exciting than anybody Ive ever met. I am more daring and willing than anybody hes ever met. Together we laugh uproariously at the world. He makes me feel like a princess. I would have licked his boots. We flout everybodys objections to our relationship.

Heaven is the day we get married.

Hell is the year after, and after, and after.

Daddy cried at my wedding.

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