Booth's Mental health

[L Verge]

(07-21-2015 12:34 PM)Susan Higginbotham Wrote:  I tend to think that Booth drank at times to be convivial (and my sense is that convivial drinking at the time meant consuming quite a lot), and at other times to relieve stress. I don't see him as an alcoholic--not even from these descriptions.

You know that I agree, Susan. There are numerous incidences that other authors have brought out about Booth's generosity to others and his great relationships with children - even at the Garrett farm when fear and disappointment had to be taking control of him. That is not the sign of an out-of-control alcoholic, in my opinion.

I do thank God that my father was a "benign alcoholic." I have been acquainted with others (male and female) who fit more the mold of other alcoholics mentioned here in relation to our posters. I have a very dear childhood friend who has spent years trying to overcome the evil things that her alcoholic mother did to both her and her sister. She has survived well - her sister is now the alcoholic.

Those that have gone through this have my sympathies; and Rosemary, I apologize if my attempt to pass along a tidbit of alcohol-related history (on what I genuinely thought was a light note) offended you.