Mr. Evans speaks out about alcoholism:I chose the title, 'THE GIFT...that keeps on giving' to illuminate that 'Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic'.That does not mean one must die a drunk! It simply stresses that alcoholism, like diabetes is a lifetime disease.And like diabetes, with proper care, diet and exercise...And abstaining from alcohol, alcoholism can be controlled.From around age 18 to 49, I suffered from the disease of alcoholism. A good portion of those years, I was not aware of my disease. I could not link my troubles, loss of family, homes, and jobs, and overall misery to alcohol.In the last 8 of those years, I (and others) just wrote me off as a hopeless misfit.I was homeless, unemployable, and a sad example of human existence.December first, 1983, I had my last drink of alcohol, checked myself in at a detox center in Orlando, Fl. I have not had a drink of alcohol since. At first, my recovery process was not a pleasant one, but it was worth the misery of withdrawing from the demon alcohol.I attended Alcoholics Anonymous regularly, listened and absorbed other's experience, strength, and hope.I became teachable and returned to a beautiful life. After getting re-married I became employable and started my own business. I taught myself art, painting over 500 pieces of oil paintings.Attending the gym regularly has not just been healthful, it has been a tremendous joy, working out, meeting people, and socializing.I am retired now, living a beautiful life with my wife of 33 years, and 36 years sobriety, and at age 86, am fit as a fiddle. I do have diabetes, high blood pressure, and a few other ailments, however, with diet, exercise, and following my doctor's advice, (and not drinking alcohol or smoking) I am very active and happy.Should I never have admitted I needed help, and joined Alcoholics Anonymous, I would not have re-learned honorable living and not have continued serenity... Is why I consider my alcoholism 'the gift that keeps on giving.'
