my family
Meine Kindheit
On September 8, 1957, I was born as the first of seven children. From the very beginning, I was a lively child who wanted to try everything. At the same time, I was insecure and clingy. My father was caring and fair, but also very strict and authoritarian. He also punished me and sometimes hit me. My mother was never strict; she was devoted, loving, and kind-hearted. She gave us children attention and a sense of security. My family went through a lot because of my addiction, and I have great respect for them, especially because they never gave up on me. Even today, we have an excellent relationship.
My own family
After my therapy, life gave me a second chance. Although I feared that I might be infertile due to all the drugs and that no one would want to be with me—a physically disabled person with a terrible past—it turned out differently.
In 1989, I met my future wife. It was love at first sight for me, and I pursued her passionately. Four months later, we got married. In 1990, our daughter Jasmin was born, and two years later, Christopher. The marriage lasted until 1997. It hurt me deeply to leave my family and not have my children with me every day anymore. Nevertheless, we managed to build a close relationship – my children mean everything to me. They know everything about me and are familiar with my past, as I have never sugarcoated or hidden anything.
Jasmin has since started her own family and gave me a grandchild in January 2011. Christopher is an enthusiastic kickboxer and has his own story. At the age of 9, he was diagnosed with diabetes. As a teenager, he started smoking. Thankfully, he has since quit, listens to his body, and keeps it fit through sports. His message to the world is the same as mine:
live life without drugs, stay fit with sports, and cherish every moment.