Chelsea’s Secret
When she moved back to town I was so excited. I had been crazy about Chelsea all through high school. She ended 
up marrying a boy who was training at the Air Force base close to town, though, the summer after high school. Now here she was, seven years later, divorced and back home.
We ran into each other at the mall and made plans to go to the park a couple of days later. As we walked around the lake next to the park, we caught up on each other’s lives. I told her I had always had a crush on her. She told me she had always liked me, too.
Chelsea and I started dating after that day at the park. It was not long however, before I realized that Chelsea was drinking heavily. She finally admitted it was the reason behind her divorce. On top of the drinking, she had another secret just as serious. Chelsea was a cutter.
I knew Chelsea’s brother and called him. I told him what was going on with his little sister. He called his parents and their mother got in touch with a local crisis center. She explained what was going on and arrangements were made for a counselor to help us with an intervention. Due to Chelsea’s cutting, it was assumed and then confirmed later that she had what was called a dual diagnosis with the alcoholism and some emotional problems.
Chelsea was upset that I told her family at first. During her treatment, though, she called me and said thank you. The counseling helped Chelsea and her entire family went into family counseling as well so that Chelsea would have continued understanding and support.
That was six years ago. Today, Chelsea and I are the proud parents of a beatiful little girl who looks just like her mommy. Chelsea has been sober all this time and has also declared victory over the issues that led to her becoming a cutter. Chelsea is even a sponsor herself down at Alcoholics Anonymous and I completely support her need to help others just as she was helped.
My dream of marrying Chelsea came true and the only regret I have is not speaking up when I had the chance in high school. What I do not regret is going to her familyabout her drinking and her cutting secret so that they could help Chelsea when she needed it the most. Every time I look into my young daughter’s eyes, I know I made the right decision for Chelsea and for all of us.
