She Never Gave Up On Him, Even When He Gave Up On Himself

Explicit content warning

05/14/25 • 127 min

1 Listener

Recovery Unfiltered

Send us a text

How does a marriage survive the unthinkable? In this powerful, emotional episode, Mike and Kim open their hearts to share their 18-year journey through grief, addiction, and eventual healing after losing their son Michael in a tragic accident.
When devastation struck their family, Mike spiraled into addiction while Kim struggled to hold everything together. Their raw honesty about rock bottom moments—from Kim finding Mike with drugs to contemplating suicide—reveals the brutal reality of how grief can tear lives apart. Yet somehow, their bond endured when statistics said it shouldn't.
The turning point came not through fighting harder, but through surrender. "It's not your battle," Kim heard in prayer. "Just love him. Show him mercy and grace." This spiritual revelation transformed their approach to recovery and to each other. After multiple rehab attempts, Mike finally found sobriety that stuck—now approaching nine months clean after nearly two decades of struggle.
What makes this conversation so powerful is how it illuminates recovery from both perspectives: the person battling addiction and the loved one walking alongside them. Their journey demonstrates that sometimes the most loving action is letting go, that forgiveness (especially of oneself) is an ongoing process, and that healing happens when pain is brought into the light.
Whether you're personally affected by addiction, grieving a loss, or simply seeking to understand these experiences better, Mike and Kim's testimony offers both comfort and challenge. Their story isn't just about survival—it's about finding joy again when it seemed impossible. As Kim beautifully puts it, their cup is "no longer half empty or half full—it's overflowing."

Thank You for Joining Us.. Please share with friends. If you or anyone you know is struggling with alcoholism please reach out to us. We can get you help. [email protected]

Send us a text

Thank You for Joining Us.. Please share with friends. If you or anyone you know is struggling with alcoholism please reach out to us. We can get you help. [email protected]

Previous Episode

Sobriety Birthdays: Celebrating Recovery Milestones

Send us a text

Standing at the metaphorical "edge of the sidewalk," where addiction and recovery intersect, requires a profound choice about which path to take. This raw, honest conversation delves into the significance of sobriety birthdays and what they truly represent beyond simple abstinence from alcohol.
We explore the emotional complexity of recovery anniversaries, particularly the tendency to relive painful memories during the weeks leading up to these milestones. This phenomenon, common yet rarely discussed, serves as a powerful reminder of why we chose recovery in the first place. The distinction between the day someone decides to get help and their actual first day of continuous sobriety creates a meaningful framework for commemorating personal transformation.
The podcast challenges conventional thinking about recovery activities, emphasizing that while meetings and sponsorship are vital, the true measure of recovery lies in how principles are applied "in our respective homes, occupations and affairs." As one host powerfully states, "God did not get you sober to sponsor men and go to meetings. He did it so you could be a better husband, a godly man in your community." This perspective offers crucial balance for those who might become overly focused on recovery activities at the expense of family responsibilities.
Perhaps most moving is the reflection on celebrating a third sobriety birthday with family photos on the beach—a moment that would have been lost forever with just one more drink. This poignant realization captures why recovery matters: not simply to abstain from substances, but to reclaim our place in the lives of those we love. Even with years of sobriety, the journey continues through emotional challenges that require ongoing spiritual growth and surrender.
Whether you're contemplating recovery, newly sober, or have years of sobriety, this conversation offers honest perspective on what it means to choose life beyond addiction. Connect with us at [email protected] to share your own recovery milestone moments.

Thank You for Joining Us.. Please share with friends. If you or anyone you know is struggling with alcoholism please reach out to us. We can get you help. [email protected]