An Interview with my Alcoholic Father | Junkin' - A Redemption Story
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- Опубликовано: 14 май 2024
- Wisconsin filmmaker Andy Heck turns the camera on his father Mike Heck after a lifelong battle with alcoholism, depression, and hoarding disorder. On a new path, Mike seeks redemption through art.
This alcoholism documentary explores issues around mental health, alcohol addiction, substance abuse, and hoarding disorder.
If you enjoyed this doc or found it valuable, please consider buying me a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/andyheck...
Filmed in East Troy and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Eau Claire International Film Festival - Best Film
The Art of Recovery Film Festival - Official Selection
Door County Short Film Festival - Best Film
Atlanta Docufest - Official Selection
Wisconsin Film Festival - Winner, Audience Choice
Green Bay International Film Festival - Winner, Audience Choice
Toronto Documentary Feature & Short Film Festival -Best Human Interest Film
Believe Psychology Film Festival - Best Personal Story
Oregon Documentary Film Festival - Best Film, Best Director Nominee
See it This Way - Official Selection
(In)Justice for All Film Festival International - Official Selection
DokOkc - Official Selection
Reel Recovery Film Festival - Official Selection
Urban Dreams Mental Health Film Festival - Official Selection
The REEL Recovery Film Festival & Symposium - Official Selection
Better World Film Festival - Sunshine Award
The Lake County Film Festival - Official Selection
Weyauwega International Film Festival - Official Selection
Frozen River Film Festival - Official Selection
Thank you to everyone who helped with the film!
Find Mike's artwork on Facebook - Reclaimed Art by Mike Heck: / artbymikeheck
More info: www.andyheckfilms.com/junkin 
Развлечения
I'm retired outta local 751 ___ I like to make stuff outta junk iron like you__ I been beat up with hard lessons in regards to alcohol, etc. Excellent video. God Bless you my brother ironworker.
Sincerely, Scott Ballin
J.I.W. (retired.) Local 751
Thank you for the kind words. I shared your comment with my father and it is much appreciated!
Great Talent & Congratulations on being sober 🥰🙏🏻🙏🏻
@@lindaallebach4285 Who said he was sober?
@@AndyHeckFilmsHe seems to be doing well, and your patience and love have been very helpful. Plus he applied rule 1 to newfound sobriety: SERVICE TO OTHERS. Keep on junkin' Dad. YOu've got a lotta folks watching yer back.
@@silasmarner7586 huh? Did you watch the video?
37 days and going strong!!!
15 days sober, two young boys at home giving me the drive to be a better dad. Great story. My dad chose whisky over a relationship with me, not something I want to pass onto my kids.
As someone who has been sober for 10 years now, trust me it gets easier, and is so damn worth it. My inspiration was my kids, coz I didn't want my daughters 1st memories to be of a drunk father. Hang in there buddy 🙏
It’s this story and these comments that help me get closer to finding my own solution because I am still on the road to making the decision to kick the booze. I have a young boy that is my world and my life. I know to be a good father into the future I need to leave the beer and whisky behind, but it’s just so easy to get another bottle on the way home. Ask me to pick up bread on the way home and that feels like a right ballache. Whisky, never a problem. Which is exactly the problem. Thanks for putting down your success stories and positive comments. I will never know your faces or your names but sometimes these contributions are more important in the dark days than approaching the monster that is finding accountability amongst your close friends and family. I wish you all continued success in staying close to the ones you love and away from the bottle.
@KidMLV Love and prayers from Australia, Mate.🙏🇦🇺🇺🇲
God bless you and your family, Mate.🙏👍
Tell yourself that every waking hour-Time moves at the speed of life.
5 years ago I couldn't see my 2 oldest kids I was unemployable I was hopeless I was broke. Today I am 4 years sober, have primary custody of those kids, and am a necessary evil at my job and the unemployable days are way behind me. Bills are paid, there are days where I have peace. Proud of all of what God has done for me and given me in life but quitting drinking is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. To anyone out there struggling it is possible. Even on my worst days now I tell myself I blessed I am to be irritated these days and not HOPELESS
Great work making it happen! Thanks for watching!
Look up Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer. Page 64 😇
Amen dude. I hope you share your story constantly with us other addicts/alcoholics that are still struggling. You have a very inspirational story.
I just accomplished all of this! I love you
❤❤
13 years free from Alcoholism 🙏
Great work!
@@AndyHeckFilms thank you,God bless 🙏
I’m on month 4 ! Miss my beer
@@bluesdirt6555 I bet you didn't miss the horrors my friend, see the beer for what it is, poison to us.God bless 🙏
2 months for me
I got a copy of my Father's toxicology report 2 day's ago, under the cause of death in bold letters are the words, " Ethanol use disorder ". My dad was 60-years-old when he passed away, October 30th 2023. Alcohol took my grandfather at the same age, and now I have no more men to confide in, or to seek advice from in my family. Alcohol stole my father from me. I beg anyone reading this, especially the father's, to please get help if you are struggling with alcohol. Your kids need you in their life no matter what age they are. I am 42, and I cried 3 days ago, because I needed some advice from my dad, and he is the only person I would talk to about the particular problem I was having. Andy, thank you for sharing your father's story with us, it brought both joy, and pain to me.
I'm so sorry you are going through this. I wish your Dad was still here to give you advice,so hard and no matter how old you get you wish you had your parents. You advice to other father's to think about getting help and stop drinking is admirable. I wish you all the best
have that conversation with dad, you know what he would say to you. take his advice, love yourself, make him proud.
@@truthonly7699😢
@@Melissa-kl9li Thank you 😢
I’m 43 and in the exact same situation as you, I wish more people would get help for this nasty disease. I’m sorry for what you go through mentally man, I know the battle of losing all male family members to alcohol, and the horrible “what if” thoughts that go through my head daily. Be strong brother
Love the story. My dad was a commercial airline pilot who lost his dream job due to alcoholism. After he lost his job, he went into treatment and stayed sober for the next 31 years until he passed away in 2017. I think about him every day.
I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for watching and sharing your story.
Just have a drink
@@vinny2555332fu loser
@@vinny2555332was that supposed to be funny?
Fun Fact : I spent the first 30 years of my life picking up bad habits, and I'm spending the past 30 years of my life losing bad habits.
“I had the potential to do way better than I did …..but the drinking took that away from me…”
Still in denial a to his culpability. Typical drunk.
My thoughts, too.
When a humble addict like this guy says that, he's not blaming anything other than his own choices. He's 100% aware of how depressing it is that it was his own decision the whole time.
@@user-po7iv4ni3o I agree. harsh and cynical remarks that show no understanding of where this man's coming from.
Great video , thanks to all who took the time , effort and courage to put this out . If there’s one quote to remember for me it’s the one I posted .
I applaud you Andy for not giving up on your dad. You must be an awesome son.
Thank you!
Or daughter, you don't know
@@vinny2555332 here comes the alphabet mafia 😂
@@vinny2555332you ain’t wanted here BOY
Im 61 and in one month I will be sober 3 years. Thank you God 🙏!. I lived in and out of behavioral units for years, lost everything, locked up... everything. Im so grateful to have survived.
I don't have to burden myself with staying sober for the rest of my life. I only have to stay sober this minute, this hour, only for today. You see, for me, tomorrow never comes..
You're exactly right. It's the only thing that's worked for me, and it's been working one day at a time for 15 years. Here's to today and to you.
My dad was an alcoholic. He never held a steady job, never owned a home, didn't have a driver's license for most of my childhood, so we always had to bum a ride to school functions, grocery store, etc. Growing up, I lived in fear that my friends would find out about my home situation and how poor we really were, although I kept it concealed pretty well by not having friends over or talking about my home life much. My mother worked very hard to keep the rent paid and put food on the table. She was a saint and I don't know how she did it all those years. My dad died in 1990 and although I didn't hate the man, I never really felt a sense of loss or missed him very much. I'm 68 now and still think about those days from time to time. I sure hate what he did to our family and sympathize with anyone in a similar situation.
Your home life was like ours. Sad. I feel sorry for you, your siblings and your mom. My life as a mom was the same. Carried my head high as I tried my best. I just hope my daughters aren't mad at me thinking I could have changed or fixed their dad. Only he could have done that.
I have always said to my siblings, "I loved my father but really hated the alcoholic." My mother did the same as yours. I was giving mom paper route money in 5th grade so we could keep the electricity on. Sad Days...
@@lindamiller5026 Trust me, your daughters don't blame you. Even at a young age, I understood our family situation and knew my mother was doing her best.
I’ve got 14 years solid sobriety. Hearing his tale of drinking 6 beers during an hour drive home is exactly where I was in 1999. Had a cushy corporate job, drank all the way home and no one knew my secret. Managed to avoid getting caught, somehow. Demons still creep into my mind trying to trick me that I could have just one. Never relapsed thanks to healthy dose of fear of what would happen, after just one drink. It’s never just one. This story helped my soul! Love to your dad.
Thank you very much for watching and sharing your story. I know it can be hard but keep it up!
Yes, fear can be useful in this case because it all too possible
I just made 14yrs. too. Congratulations 🎉
What kind of cushy corporate job did you have? I lost 3 good jobs that I worked hard to get. And watched how lazy, back stabbing, coworkers some of which made sure I got let go. I feel so bad, and drink everyday. I don't know what to do.
@@fml5910 look at how much you drink in a day and start drinking less each week. Get it down to a couple beers a day, until you can stop all the way. That is what i did, you have to really want to quit. carnivore diet will help, because you break that carb addiction also. good luck
I drank for 19 yrs and missed out on my 3 little boys growing up.I just turned 12 yrs sober in March but once in a while I cry for missing out in my little boys lifes.Being sober is the best feeling ever!One day at a time and at the end it will be worth it.God helped me too with my recovery. 😊
Godspeed on your journey through sober life!
proud of you for changing your life
12 years sober but still taking it one day at a time because I’m always going to be an alcoholic.
As a child of an alcoholic...At the age of 18, I went into an AA meeting and listened to them talk. I wanted to understand my father's alcoholism. They asked me if I wanted to talk. That was a mistake. I let that group have all my angry that was stored away for 18 years. I don't know what they thought when I walked out the door....but I felt better.
Ive been sober almost 12 years. You told them exactly what they needed to hear.
@@jefferyepstein9210 Thanks, and I'm glad you found a way to keep sober.
I'm 40yrs old and have struggled with alcoholism since the age of 14. I'm currently 3 months sober but i think about drinking every day. It's like feeling desperately thirsty all the time. It's so difficult.
I get what you're saying. But if drinking has been a problem, I'm certain sobriety is worth it. My dad will absolutely tell you that.
I tell you this truly. It gets easier as you go. I to started drinking at 14 and I am now 53. I will be sober in June 2024, for 2 years.
I remember the 3 month mark. Right at about the 5th month, I knew I was gonna beat it for good. You get this light at the end of the tunnel. Those cravings go away. Hang in there. My life is so much better now.
Great job,keep it up. You can do it,your future you will thank you. ❤
The longer you go the less the cravings come around. Been 7 years for me. Now I can be around people who are drinking, and it doesn't bother me. I save $3000.00 a year not drinking .
@@skytrip5273 Not counting all the money spent on drinking related.
I’m 52, I’ve got 3 grown sons and a 9 year old daughter. I’ve been sober for 16 years now. I could try and explain my drinking and it would never make any sense.
Proud of your dad, I hope he continues to stay sober ….. one day at a time.
Thank you. He is still doing great and has a lot more friends. And he's completing the projects he started long ago.
crasy ...your such a mess
One day at a time 😊London calling
Thank you to Mike and family for this raw and honest drinking and junking documentary. It is so very difficult to quit and after look around at the years of neglect. You are doing it and I have so much respect for you.
One day at a time is how I’ve made some 07/03/1989. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I saw myself in a lot of things he said and did. I’m sober now but am still haunted by the poor decisions I’ve made. Thank you for this, well done.
I appreciate you watching the film. We've all made poor decisions but it's never too late to change!
Keep moving forward
TRUTH! @@AndyHeckFilms
Forgive yourself. God never judged you. God knows why we hurt and what we are running from. You are dearly and deeply loved. We love you in my home too. Proud of you. Shine bright you crazy diamond. ❤
@@TEM14411 i really appreciate your comment.
A real sense of decency about this guy . I guess the message here is to keep living and quit dying .
Thank you for watching!
Lots and lots and lots of praying while drinking a half gallon of vodka and a 30 pack of beer every 48 hours.....God took it off me, and I haven't looked back in 4 years now! Glad you are better too!
Alcohol is a terrible thing, my best friend died at 57 in 2020. He just couldn't stop, I talked to him about it many times, finally I just had to distance myself from him. He was a talented guitar player but ended up lost / sold every thing moving in with his mother. Also my ex brother inlaw is a bad alcoholic so was his dad. I despise any kind of Alcohol it is the devil's drink, kills steals and destroys life. So happy this man was able to put it down. He showed alot of strength to recognize his problem and do something about it. Wish my buddy could have done the same.
My dads an alcoholic, abusive. Clicked bc it’s nice to see father son connecting
If you haven't done anything for you, please do. Al-Anon.
Good job Mike. You remind me of my younger brother who was also a beer drinker for many years when he wasn't at work. But he didn't make the choice to get help and died almost 4 years ago at the age of 59. I know he had things that bothered him and that was part of why he drank. His mind started to go, and his body started shutting down but, in the end, it was his choice. He left behind two sisters, a daughter, several grandchildren and his common law wife of many years. I'm glad you made it and I know your sons are proud. And I love your yard art.
Thank you for your comment and I appreciate you sharing your experience. I am sorry for my loss. My dad isn't the best with technology but i will make sure he sees your comment.
Alcoholism is a disease not a choice.
@@xmmx9909 It is also a choice. Just like Mike did.
True. Most substance abuse is also the symptom of early childhood trauma. That shit gets in ones very neural pathways and is often the true cause of many personality disorders. People get angry when this is suggested. They want it simple. They want someone to pay. I'm not suggesting anyone not be held accountable for their actions. It's just that we will never be able to treat anyone unless we are honest about what has really gone wrong. From the same family, or primary caregiver, one can become a mild mannered alcoholic while another just become an obnoxious antisocial horror devoid of all compassion. It spans generations unrecognised and unhindered. It's complex. Like life. @@xmmx9909
59 is old
Everyone older from 45 is OLD!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a poignant story. I’m 3.5 yrs sober, I drank beer to ease the depression and quit drinking at 40 years old. My son would want me to be here today. Respect to Andy and Mike for sharing 💪🏽❤️🩹
Thank you! Great work on your sobriety!
Ironically I don’t think people even realize that alcohol is a depressant…you drink to feel better for a short time but you actually feel much worse over time 😯
12:13 made me just want to reach through the screen and hug this guy. It’s so hard to feel hope when everything feels so hopeless. A lotus only grows in mud, something so stunning comes from something so messy. Thank you.
I appreciate your comment and I've shared with my father! Thank you for watching.
No mud no lotus ,
Thich Nhat Hanh.
me too
🎉❤
My father died at 51 with a heart condition caused by his decades of heavy drinking. He worked hard every day of his life but seemingly could not stop drinking. It completely destroyed any relationship we ever had. I've been t total my whole life.
This is the definition of how to make a short film/documentary or conduct an interview. We get so lost in the story you are actually there with this man. So many film projects these days are about the film maker (ego) making a film. Well done Andy! And thank your dad for me. I’m going to play this for my class tomorrow at the homeless shelter I work for. So much hope here for all of us alcoholics!
Thank you! Please lmk how it goes! Please email me if possible on my website. I appreciate your feedback on my style, it took a lot to get this story where I wanted.
@@AndyHeckFilms our residents loved your film and it’s sparked some amazing conversation about hope and compassion. Thank you Andy!
@@danny-li6io I appreciate the follow-up! This is exactly what we had hoped for the film. Really happy to hear it helped!
I'm a year sober and have experienced the void. This story of directing yourself towards creativity makes me hopeful.
Thank you
Keep it up! Thank you for the comment, I've shared with my father.
Michael, as my councilor told me during my working at sobriety, "Find something you are as passionate about, as you were the wine bottle!" And by God, I'd always loved many forms of making art, and that's just what I did. It wasn't easy, and it didn't happen over night. But I still think of the advice she gave me and it's still working for me 30 years later! I'm giving you a big hug, and keep moving foreword and surround yourself with other folks that really support AND inspire you. YOU CAN DO THIS!
Hang in there, and protect your sobriety.
Find meaning. Listen to your inner voice. Release all shame and condemnation. You are beautiful and deserve the best.
Congrats on 1 year! Life is good without alcohol.
What a brilliant program to help people deal with their addiction rather than discarding them into the penal system.
Exactly! That exact thing is what inspired me to start filming this in the first place. I'm happy the story turned into more but we need to help people more instead of just punishing them.
Addicts are some of the most hurt people out there...and all we do is hurt them more lmao. It's really sick, but so accepted.
Look up soft white underbelly
I don't normally watch stories like this, but I'm glad I did. This was excellent.
I appreciate you taking time to watch and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!
this man turned his whole life around. .im so glad he is making every day count his designs are amazing too..
Thank you so much!
Nothing better than Sons and Dads being Proud of Each Other. Great Work! Congrats to you All!
Thank you!
What a beautiful tribute from a proud son!!! Kudos to both of you.
Retired ironworker here, Many guys I have worked with were regular drinkers just like Mike, Years ago drinking on the job was not a big deal and many guys had only beer in their lunch boxes. I wish him the best in retirement
I've heard some crazy stories about all that. Thank you for watching!
I hear ya! Lots of drinking on the jobsites back in the early 80s when I started.A couple of my workmates would hit the bars near the jobs every noontime.Every day.
@@freelonmorris3659Yup, Noontime was sandwich time at the pubs, Many times the guys would never go back. Many guys still doing it but ya gotta be a little more sneaky
Thank you for sharing! As a young man still in college, I really appreciate you being vulnerable and sharing your story to help others like me look out for the dangers that alcohol brings.
Thank you! I'm happy to hear my father's story can help in this way.
I lost my dad to Alcohol. I’ll never get over it. The silver lining is that he taught me a few lessons. Accidentally.
My father was also an alcoholic. He taught me to not smoke, stay away from alcohol, and love those around me. All Accidentally. The best thing I ever did was to go to a children of alcoholics meeting. A real eye opener. Good luck with your journey in life.
I absolutely love his honesty! He is so open and upfront and forthcoming with the truth
Thank you!
Thank You Mike and Andy. I've been there and back. 22 years sober after 3 Rehabs. I always need a good reminder of my past to keep it green.
Great work getting out of it! Thank you for watching!
Ive got 7 years sober and pray my kid never has to see me dunk this story is amazing
Thank you and keep it up!
Your kid might be impressed to see you dunk, dont give up.
crasy ...your such a mess
Dude YOU just dunked@@user-cy7kj8lz6s
My uncle fought in the Vietnam War. He came home as an alcoholic. Years later, he passed away just out of the hospital in a care center of stomach, liver, and pancreatic cancer. I saw him the day before. It was heartbreaking to see him that way. He was a wonderful man.
Congratulations on getting sober and pulling your family back together! Beautiful to watch! 🙏
Thank you! I've shared your comment with my father.
reminds me of my dad. the kindest man ever. rip dad
This is breaking my heart , lord grant people struggling with drugs and alcohol peace and strength to carry on and to stop.
The foundation for sobriety is not about "strength", rather "Surrender". It is only through surrender that we acquire the "willingness" to change. ✌️♥️ Mark 5/8/1994
@@Mark-pp7jy I agree but I needed strength to get through some of those long anxious night's and I also had to surrender and tell myself this is when you stop.
What a beautiful man. How can I be of the maximum use to others? By not drinking. Thank you for sharing your Experience, Strength, and Hope. Blessings! Sober going on 8 years! My dad didn't survive the addiction to alcohol. I miss him and I forgave him many years ago, he was a man with a disease called alcoholism. I to have that disease. Fortunately I found the tools to get and stay well.
Thank you! I'm sorry for your loss. Good for you for doing what is right for you.
Look at his hands. Hard work. Im in wisconsin and i dont see many guys with this much physical and mental strength lol.
What a goog MAN❤❤❤
Thank you! It has impressed me as of late, too!
My husband was a functioning alcoholic. Never stopped drinking. Embarrassment to our daughters and myself. Died from heart attack at age 64. I am retired and remaking my live by volunteering. Making new friends..finally finding happiness.
All the best to you Linda.
So glad your finding happiness at last. God bless ❤
Amen Linda my family has a long line of alcoholism. I’m so glad I don’t have children I’m only 35 but to think of the hurt it can cause is something that you can never take back . I reacently had to quit drinking all together it’s a hard thing to pass. But the bad memories never go away you have to remember to keep yourself busy in ways that are positive.
Maybe he drank to find happiness because you got on his nerves. Everyone is quick to blame the alcoholic but many people are impossible to be around sober.
Awww .good luck
*_I've got 29 years clean and sober with NO relapses. Oddly enough, it was the birth of my son that made me rethink my life and sober up._* I wanted him to have a dad that was a dad and I ended up living every minute of my sons childhood. I'm glad every day I wake up clean feeling and fresh. The memories of my alcoholism are still there and they are tough to think about because I was in a really bad place. My son turned out great. He's clean, never did drugs or anything. He has a full time job. I'm very proud of him.
1 out of 32 alcoholics will sober up and stay sober for the rest of their lives. The rest will never beat it. My grandfather on my dads side was an alcoholic. He died at 57 of sorosis of the liver.
I hope you make it sir. You can do it IF you want to. Life is too short to waste on being drunk. Be strong my friend. 👆👍💪💯
Thank you! My father is doing well and happier by the day.
I'm very happy for you; having said that it is a disease just like cancer; some people have early stage prostate cancer or breast cancer, but some people don't. I'm not making any excuses for people but please know that it's a disease.
@@glennleslie6127 Its NOT a disease. Thats a slap in the face to people who really do have a disease and died of cancer, like everyone in my whole family. I can't believe you just said that. Every addict makes a choice just like they choose to stop. Id like to see a terminally ill cancer patient just choose to not be terminally ill anymore. So tired of people like you.
@@opieshomeshop Cancer is mostly a result of the American diet...you know...consumption of something that is bad for you - in most cases. The terminally ill person may have had that choice to eat right and instead loaded up on sugars breads veggie oils and all the other cancer (disease) causing 'foods'. Just like ethanol....alcohol.
Addicts are taught that it's a disease. People much smarter than you or I decided it is actually a disease. It's hard for me to grasp that concept, and I kind of don't.
What a story. I hope Mike stays sober and passes along how he did it to others that are suffering.
Thank you! Everything is going well and I see him do better and help others every day.
@@AndyHeckFilms he seems like a good man.
I’m so glad he’s there for his sons now. A reminder that it’s never too late to get sober boys!
Thank you!
Cheers from New Orleans. Between us, hubby and I have decades clean and sober (we are 75 and 80, respectively)...at some point an alcohol free life becomes its own reward. You see yourself in a different way. Others see you differently, too. You can't turn back the clock and undo what you did while drinking, but you can really learn and grow. Things like self respect and inner peace? You can have them....Bless you, man....
Thank you
This film is very inspiring for me. I'm on my sober journey 1yr 4moths now. Still trying not to beat myself up for all of the missed opportunities I might have had, if not for my alcoholism. God Bless.
Thank you and I'm happy this film could help. That's why my father and I started making it in the first place. Keep it up!
Marty, if I may" are you stopped acting/living the way you did 1 yr 4 months ago? Are you better than you were 1 yr 4 months ago? If the answer is yes then I will respectfully tell you to stop identifying yourself with who you once were. You have received a wonderful gift from the Almighty! You are no longer that person. Move that muscle, change that thought. You'll find that in no time you'll be sharing on the wonderful thoughts and actions of today! Be well my friend.
1 year and 4 months! Good work! It gets easier as time goes on.Life without alcohol is good!
Thank you so much for your kind words. I have surrounded myself with others in recovery. Each day that I do not drink is a blessing. Marty
@@user-ik4fd9ny4b
Been sober now 17 years . This man is telling my story
wasnt expecting this to be so good. well done mate. and well done Mike for turning it around
Thank you!
Mike reminds me of my dad. Unfortunately my dad never had his moment where he realized he needed to make a change until it was too late. He died of cirrhosis of the liver at 47. I’ll be 45 in a couple months and I’m thankful I never got into alcohol. Mikes story made me happy to see he got out in time to experience some positivity in his life.
Thank you! I'm fortunate he has become sober and is healthy.
Addiction doesn't just take everything from us it takes from the people around us too.
True artists sharing their story. Thank you for putting this into the world.
Thank you, we appreciate you watching the film!
I was at the brink of destroying my life due to alcohol, severe delirium tremens = hallucinations, music playing in my brain etc. I see a light ahead, and quitting alcohol was a game changer.Thank you for the inspiration.
Ive been a recovering alcoholic and drug addict for over 24 years. Thank you for sharing your story. Very inspiring and I am very proud of you.
Way to go Mike. Im sober now going on 6 yrs this May. All praise to the lord god jesus christ, for getting me sober. So happy to hear you are now sober too. God works in such crazy ways. God bless you Mike.
1Peter 5:7-8
Cast all of your cares upon God, for God cares for you.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, be like a roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour. Amen.
Stay strong Mike in your sobrity one foot in front of the other. No looking back. God bless you. Thank you fir sharing your story.
My Dad is a retired, hardworking tradesman and a lifelong alcoholic. He is pretty great. My ex husband never misses a day of work and is deeply alcoholic, also a good guy. My sweet daughter struggles trying to break free from alcohol. She is quite responsible otherwise. I live far away from all of them and love them from afar. They hurt. I hope them only the best but they are pain. The loneliness is dreadful. No one knows that I drowned a long time ago. I don’t even drink.
This man’s recovery is refreshing. He is very thoughtful about it. I appreciate that.
Thank you for watching and I hope for the best for your family!
Im a journeyman wireman ibew local 855,
Glad to see you got everything under control. Proud of you buddy
Thank you, I'm sure my father will appreciate your comment!
I respect this man’s level of honesty, thanks for sharing your story. I see a lot of myself in what you said and also see a lot of my friends and family members too. It is stories like this that help me continue on my path of recovery.
Thank you! I'm sure my father will be happy to hear his story has helped you.
AA saved my life, continues to, so long as I take action and expand my spiritual life. So glad I came across this! Hope is always there…
Glad to hear it! Thank you for watching!
Honestly, didn't know what to expect when I clicked on this. Coincidentally wrenching on the '67 El Camino I share with my brother helps me in my recovery from alcohol. "Junk" all you want my guy 🤝.
Very interesting coincidence! Thank you!
So proud of this man
This one hit hard for me, my dad was an alcoholic but sadly never made it out of it, he passed at 65 (19 years ago).
Even through all of that it still taught me valuable lessons about being a better father myself and not letting addiction rule my life!
It's sad that my children never got to meet their grandfather but they know the story and know why he isn't here so hopefully his lessons will teach them also.
Congratulations on your father's sobriety, he seems like a wonderful man.
Thank you very much! He is a good man and I'm happy to finally see his full self.
Well done. You have a keen eye for detail. And the humanity of a person.
Such a great story! It's never too late to make a difference and there's real joy in doing the right thing for yourself and others!
Very true! Happy to have the true version of my father today, regardless of the timing.
56 years old. Went to rehab last year. Sober for almost 5 months. Now I'm drinking like I never stopped. I'm going to lose everything if I don't stop. May need rehab again. I don't know.
Relapses are part of withdrawal. Don't let this discourage you and try to enjoy your sober life.
As a member of a family who has addiction and alcoholism in our genes, I thank you for sharing this story. You are an amazing artist!! You have a wonderful eye and such a creative mind!! Keep exercising your mind and your art!! You are an incredible person!
I know this story all too well. Started drinking in my teens, now in my mid 50's and drinking is still a daily thing. So many lost job opportunities, a DUI, dozens of great girls lost to beer being more important. Like this guy so many young men think after work is time to drink beer but before they know it they are in their 40's and 50's if lucky enough to still be alive and dealing with their daily drinking problem.
Well done 👏
Gives me some hope i can fix myself. Thank you.
Thank you! You definitely can!
Sure ya can! You’re looking for progress not perfection.
@@tundrawomansays694 Thank you. I suppose we're all just a work in progress.
@susiew2521 we are cheering for you
@@ChrisLoganToronto Thank you x
Mike, keep fighting and pushing forward to maintain your sobriety. I got sober 4 years ago at 42 and it's been the best decision I've ever made.. God bless you from south of Moline Illinois..
Thank you! Great work on your sobriety!
I totally love this gentleman's honesty
Thank you for sharing.
I have had a problem with drinking all my life. I believe it is chronic depression, and alcohol only makes it worse. This is an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing this.
The 2 things seem to go together... Thank you for watching and I hope it can help.
I don't know. I've pushed everyone away from me and I've become a mean person. I'm ashamed to ask for forgiveness or help. I have one friend and none of my family speaks to me. Trying to recover seems useless. Anyway, Thanks again Andy..@@AndyHeckFilms
Indeed. I am part of that unfortunate club as well. A cruel trick of nature and/or the Universe.
A True artist who discovered his gift amidst his trials and tribulations. He is admired and loved by all who have heard him speak of his misfortune dealing with this truly degenaritve substance... Alcohol
Thank you for watching!
Thank you for sharing your story. It means a lot to me!
I'm up here in Alberta, Canada. Lots of workin men with the same issues. God bless you Michael
Very heartwarming story.
Thank you for the comment and for watching! We really appreciate it.
The old breathalyser to start the car trick, we’ve all been there boss.
That's a ton of honesty and introspection packed into 17 minutes. I can't imagine what he went through to stop drinking after drinking so much for so long, but I'm glad he has the time and ability to create, care and love.
Fantastic story Andy! Beautifully done !
Thank you!
Really excellent. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! We appreciate you watching.
Beautiful story, so proud you turned it around, I'm glad you got busy livin, your art is special man ❤
Thank you! I'm sure my father with appreciate your comment.
Keep up the great work.🙏
Thank you for sharing your story. As a recovering person I know it’s hard to reconcile the past but I wish you peace and contentment. Great film!
Thank you very much! I've shared your comment with my father.
Very best wishes with your recovery !! I've never drank (62 yrs old) because i came from families on both sides that are known alcoholics for at least "200 yrs" that our families know of ! Alcohol destroys lives (especially the innocent children's lives) and for thousands of yrs !! I'm absolutely convinced from the testimonies of many, that 95% of alcoholics WERE sexually abused as little children.........I DESPISE alcohol and am very proud to have broken that cycle in my immediate family. Very best wishes.
A raw & honest story that I'm glad I saw in the sidebar. I'm not an alcoholic but I do have plenty of regret about poor life choices & missed opportunities.
I'm glad that he is sober & creating amazing items that make him feel proud of his achievements now. It's never to late for redemption.
Thank you! I appreciate you watching.
This was beautiful, thank you for creating...and sharing.
Thank you. I appreciate you watching!
Amazing video! Wishing you and yours the best!
Thank you for watching!
Love this. So glad you and your family get a second chance with dad.
Thank you! We are all grateful.
Thank you Mike, Corey and Andy. Thank you
Thank you so much for watching. 🙏
Watching this made me feel good. I don't know you but I'm proud of you!
Well done Mister , what a lovely nature this gentleman has.
Thank you and I definitely agree!
I stopped drinking 6 years ago and haven't looked back. I too drank after work like your dad.
I'm glad your dad quit and it seems like you boys are still in his life which is great.
Thank you! We are all doing better now and spend more time together.
How amazing that his art work is going towards something important and that is beautiful. Thank you for your story.
Thank you for watching!
Bravo Brother…Keep Strutting!
Damn RUclips algorithms! I feel like sometimes I really need to stop. I don't drink and drive. I have a great job and pay all my bills, but I can't stop telling myself "oh it's just 2 or 3 before bed time to help you sleep" I try to go 2 or 3 days without a drink, but when I go to the store, I go by the beer cooler and say to myself "just a 6 pack" 2 days later I'm saying the same goddam lie to myself again and again. Your father seems like a good man that got stuck in a rut, but he was able to pull himself out. Congratulations sir, you're a inspiration.
Thank you! I hope his story can help.
The good news is we have free will, so you have the power to decide. Make the decision to get sober and take it one day at a time. Best of luck. You can do it! You are worth it.
@kingpin3795 thank you 😊
I have the same issue. I stop for like a week and then buy some beer . I used to have 12 pack every 2 days . Trying to have sparkwater or something to curb my habit
@slams777 I'm with you buddy! We just gotta be strong enough to stop or brave enough to ask for help.
Thank you for sharing this. I can only imagine how much your work means to your dad. I hope millions and millions see this awesome story. 🤙🏽
Thank you!