Your Life, Your Choice

Joe and James are siblings. There are only 2 years apart and they are very close as brothers. They share a lot of good childhood memories. But there is one thing that smeared it. They lived under a abusive father who is an alcoholic.

Many nights they will suffer the under the influence of liqor. Scars have to be hidden under their school uniform, away from everyone, away from anyone. To protect the reputation of their father, to protect the dignity of self. This was how they grew up.

. . .

Years later on the 2nd March 2007. James received an award for his thesis titled "Mindset of an Alcoholic". His mother only barely make it just in time for the photo-taking session. Upon exchanging some whisper James mum buried her face in his chest with tears. Only because Joe, the younger brother has been sentenced to a 5 years jail sentence for possession of drugs.

A reporter covering the award ceremony heard of this story, and followed up on it. She arranged an interview with the two brothers seperately, having the intention to find out what is the difference between their upbringing that brought such major difference in their lives.

To her surprise, it wasn't any difference that brought their lives to different paths. When asked about the reason for their behaviour and the possibility of the results in their life.

Both gave the same answer.

"Because my dad is an alcoholic"

. . .

You see, in life bad things do happen, and they usually happen to good people. But what really matters is our attitude and our decision towards it.

We can have a "alcoholic father". But its our choice to be a "James" or a "Joe".