Date: Fri Nov 30, 2001 10:08 pm

Subject: It is SO worth it!!!!!

Hello Friends,

I can't even begin to tell you how many times I wished that my

pregnancy had not forced me into stopping the pills...I even fully

expected to return to the meds after the baby was born. And then

there was the whole withdrawal nigtmare that just went on and on and

then there was that glorious light....and after experiencing life

without the pills I am hopelessly addicted to remaining benzo-free.

Seriously, I used to cry in fear that this new life that had become

blissful reality was temporary and that I was only experincing a

temporary high. I even stopped participating in the group because I

wanted to devote myself fully to enjoying myself and my family before

the high wore off...baby, it is just that good and SO for real...it is

life!!

I taste, participate, travel, marvel, and am marveled at by all who

know me in the transformation. I am no longer depressed and tired. I

no longer make excuses and join in...I am frisky with my husband and

never take naps. It is so hard to believe and understand, and if I

were reading this while in withdrawal I would have thought that I was

a total fruitcake!! I mean come on, all this stuff does is help us

deal with anxiety and make us sleepy, right? Well, it also does a

bunch of other things that we never paid extra for...it numbs us in

every way imaginable. You won't realize just how affected you are

overnight and it will take months to start seeing the beautiful world

through the eyes of this fruitcake...but it does happen!! Just get

through this part and then sit back and enjoy. You will be so happy

and so strong after this....I promise you!!!

Many Hugs,

Diane