Forgiving my alcoholic father
C
harlie Ryder’s father, Patrick, was an alcoholic who
battled with his addiction until he died of lung cancer
when he was 72. For him and his family it was a disease
that destroyed precious relationships and caused hurt
and trauma to loved ones. Despite the pain, Charlie chose to
forgive him; a journey that he is now walking.
Charlie’s parents and grandparents were born in rural
Ireland. He recalls the historical underlying issues that were
not dealt with. ‘I think there was a lot that went on in Ireland at
tha