Kate, you spirit is refreshing. Three cheers for not letting him come home. I can't imagine what that feels like for you, but you definitely did the right thing for all of you.

I am sorry to hear about this slip, but perhaps it's another step in the journey towards sobriety. I'll continue to pray for him and you, and your younger kids.

This is taken from www.childlost.blogspot.com

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.

I need to accept the things I cannot control. I cannot control the behaviors of others. I cannot change the past. It is time to let go and let God handle it. It is time to give up the control. It is time to live in the present, to let go of yesterday and to not project about tomorrow. By accepting the things I cannot change, I give up the anger, the anxiety, the frustration, the depression, the sorrow, the pain.

Courage to change the things I can.

I can control certain aspects of my life. I can change the way I think, my attitude, to act instead of react. By accepting the things I can change, I can focus on myself. I can set goals. I can develop self-love, self-acceptance. I can live my life as it is suppose to be lived.

And wisdom to know the difference.

Probably the most difficult thing to learn in recovery is acquiring the wisdom to know the difference between what can not be changed and what can be changed. A question I ask myself is "Can I change this situation"? Answering this question when presented with a dilemma is gaining the wisdom to know whether or not I can do something. It allows me to set boundaries, avoid self-destructive impulses, deal with the day. Most importantly, it presents me with the opportunity to live a balance life.

I hope this helps.