My husband (Leon R. Contreras)and I (Ivette A. Contreras)been having problem because of his drinking. He disadid to move out to his friends house. He said thats him and he is not going to change. I know thats not him talking we been married for 15 years. He never been like this before. I love him, and I know he loves very much too. So I need a prayer to help him. I prayer for him to come back to his four kids and wife. I know he is not in his right thinking mind. please help me. thank you!

-- Ivette A. Contreras (Icontreras6750@netzero.net), March 25, 2001

Answers

Dear Ivette,
Sure, we'll pray for you. You had a good marriage. If your husband's drinking is breaking you up, please think about these suggestions:

Let him know you'll help him anyway he wishes.
Bring him home yourself. Sometimes it's hard for a man to humble himself and return, unless you personally go to where he is, and make him walk back with you. He'll realize you are trying to help him. Be firm.
Promise him you will be quiet, and not try to boss him. No nagging or fighting when he comes home.
Explain to him: Both of you must trust in God; it will not be easy.

Maybe if you offer up your sorrows and frustrations to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with faith in His mercy and love, your trials will come to an end. Offer up your pain and disappointment; Jesus is listening to you. He knows you're trying to be a good wife.

Don't worry about the words of your husband, ''That's him and he's not going to change.'' He can be a good husband. Accept his drinking, if necessary, at least for a while. When he sees your love and sacrifice, God will change his heart. But we must pray for your husband. He can't change by himself. Just remember; no fighting. Only compassion, and faith in God!

Holy Mother Mary, please pray for your daughter Ivette; and pray for us all, Amen. Saint James, holy Apostle of Jesus, pray for us! Amen.

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), March 26, 2001.

Call Al-Anon, Ivette. They will help you deal with this. Their phone number will be one of the first in the " A " listings of your phone book. They can help. Good luck. Peter

-- PeterC.McDonough (31416@mediaone.net), March 26, 2001.