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RRP 129 — Sonny M. / On the Other Side of the River: Grief, Recovery, and Finding a Way Forward
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The meeting was across the river. The life Sonny M. wanted was on the other side.
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What do you do when the place you need to go is sitting across the river from the last place you saw two people you loved?
That is where Sonny M. found himself when he walked into Plinky’s for his first recovery meeting. He was 19, ashamed, and already carrying the grief of Reagan and Zach, who died in a car accident after a day he thought would end in anger and a fight. Sonny did not go to the river that day. That night, the people he cared about were gone.
Sonny grew up close to recovery. His parents met in NA, and his mother has shown him what long-term sobriety can look like. But when his father returned to drinking after 25 years, the family changed. Sonny started moving between two homes, trying to fit in, and drinking at 14. The rooms were familiar, but they did not yet feel like his.
His first run at recovery lasted six months. He relapsed, got scared by how fast things went dark again, and called his mom. This time, he came back ready to do the work. He leaned on his sponsor, worked deeper into the steps, and helped form Young Guns, a group built around meetings, coffee, service, and staying close to other people in recovery.
That is the invitation Sonny offers someone who feels stuck. Give it a real chance. Be honest. Stay long enough to find out what changes.
RRP 129 — Sonny M. / On the Other Side of the River: Grief, Recovery, and Finding a Way Forward
Today, Sonny is two years sober and building Devero, his business. He is honest that the pressure of getting it off the ground pulled him away from meetings for a month. He is also honest about what has to come first. Recovery is not something he can leave behind while he chases the next thing. It is the foundation that makes the rest of his life possible.
“Don't quit before you kick off.”
We loved Sonny’s willingness to tell the truth without pretending he has it all figured out. He talks about grief, relapse, ambition, friendship, and the people who keep calling when someone disappears. If you are early in recovery, coming back after a relapse, or wondering whether you belong in the rooms, you need to hear him tell this story in his own words.
Websites mentioned in this episode:
Listen to Episode 129: https://mdcr1.com/129, Read the episode blog: https://mdcr1.com/129b, Join our newsletter: https://mdcr1.com/newsletter
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