Supporting my partner in rehab...

The concept of love is so expansive and everyone has their own comprehension of what it is, and what it means.

I have concluded that the love I hold for my partner represents the strongest manifestation of love I have ever experienced.

He is currently in rehab for alcohol and drug use, and has been interred at the centre for the last fortnight (two weeks) or so.

We have been together for more than a decade (it still surprises me to say that!) and although we are not married we have had the longest enduring relationship amongst any of our close friends.

He is allowed a mobile phone and without fail we have spoken or texted every day. It is very sweet, I have left the initiative to engage mostly up to him as I do not wish to interrupt or smother him in his journey of recovery.

Due to his sobriety he is learning new things and has gained more clarity of mind due to not drinking or being stoned on weed every day. I am so proud of him and the way he is dealing with it rather gracefully, as he has anger management issues in the past.

He was allowed an overnight visit with me over Christmas and Boxing day. It was fantastic to be able to see him to, hug, kiss, talk, engage (let's keep this PG ;) haha) and just be in his presence again.

Today he was homesick and had issues with another person who is doing rehab with him. He sent me a fair few texts when I was asleep for some insight and ideas regarding his situation. He was rather distressed and even was considering leaving the centre... I awoke at about 11.15 pm and replied and immediately asking if he was OK, as I realised if he had left he would be home with me.

He rang me at 12.49 pm as he had awoke from a bad dream... I comforted him, and offered him ways to deal with his situation - that was solicited - as part of his issue with the other rehab member was about boundaries and unsolicited, unwanted and I guess also unnecessary instruction.

We talked for almost an hour and texted after. During our chat he thanked me (rather profusely) for being supportive and for my ahem words of wisdom. How sweet!

I was surprised and replied that of course I support him! Isn't that what relationships are all about? To be honest in the moment I was flabbergasted that it would be any other way?! I explained my immediate reactionary thought and we both had a big laugh about it. It was a wonderful feeling... I rarely get intense feelings so this was an enlightening moment...

Love to me is being a team, no matter what may come. Being completely honest and open with one another. In times of struggles, disparity, disagreement, or opposition you must still unite together to tackle the problem and find a solution. Not become adversaries. Compromise. When you are able to overcome such hardships and support one another whatever may come, this is the unity of love.

xx