How Charlie Sheen's Father Martin Sheen and I Are Alike

How are Martin Sheen and I alike? I know that this is a weird round about way of writing about Charlie Sheen. It sounds a little ridiculous but I have to say that there are ways, humorous and not so humorous that Martin Sheen and I are very similar.

First I know that he is a man and I am a woman but we are both parents. I can relate to his pain. He is a recovering alcoholic and I too am a recovering alcoholic. Early in my recovery I saw a movie that Martin Sheen played the part of an alcoholic husband and father. He played the part very well. I am sure that he knew how to do it very well. I also bet that like me he still has some guilt for being an alcoholic parent even though he is recovering.

He is has a Hispanic father and so do I. He has an Irish mother. I haven't got an Irish mother but I do have Irish in me. I also have a lot of other stuff in me too. I am pretty much a mixture of a little bit of everything.

He grieved his father's death in a movie scene. I grieved my son's time in prison and his addiction in a movie scene. Granted my scene was a very small bit part in an Independent film that has yet to be released, and I will probably be cut out of it if it ever is released. I was in it though and I did grieve in it too. Fortunately for me and my son and family he is sober and was released from prison 4 months ago. He has been sober for some time now. I am grateful for each day.

Martin Sheen had an injury at his birth that caused nerve damage to his arm. I was born with the cord wrapped around my neck and should have died. His one arm is 3 inches shorter than the other one. I have scoliosis and problems from my delivery.

I make light of very painful situations. It is called "gallow's humor." Now on a very serious note, first I really am not that much like Martin Sheen. I am also not famous. I am glad too, because I cannot imagine how painful it is for Martin Sheen, his wife, siblings and children to have to hear and witness the constant horror of their beloved son and sibling killing himself.

Charlie is the butt of every joke. It is gut wrenching to watch him slowly unravel. The world has helped create this monster. It is no wonder that he is as grandiose as he is. He has been idolized. He is now like the Emperor who is not wearing any clothes and he is not "winning."

Martin has been ridiculed for saying that Charlie is suffering from a disease much like cancer. He didn't say that it is a form of cancer. He said that it is much like cancer. It is much like cancer because it is a disease. It can be arrested, not cured. Tragically many people die of this horrible disease every day. I personally lost a dear friend recently because of this dreaded disease. I am bearing witness to another slow death of a friend who just cannot stay sober. It causes me great sadness and I feel compassion for those who just don't seem to be able to make it.

So Martin, Emilio, Janet and to all of the family, especially his precious children, I have so much compassion and sadness for you. It is still not too late for a miracle. Charlie and all of you are in our prayers. God bless you.