We’ve heard the parenting stories of Kristen Bell getting anal worms, but we’ve also heard less lighthearted stories, such as Dax Shepard’s struggle with addiction.
He has been sober since 2004, and his beautiful wife Kristen has written a powerful and heartwarming tribute to honor his 14 years of sobriety.
Take a look:
“To the man mocked me in our wedding photos because I cried too many tears of joy,” Kristen’s post begins.
She goes on, describing him as the man “who wore a baby Bjorn for 2 straight years to show his girls how to be as adventurous as possible.”
On a sadder note, Kristen says: “Who held our dear little shakey mann pup for 8 hrs straight on the day we had to put him down,”
“I know how much you loved using,” Kristen writes.
“I know how much it got in your way,” she continues. “And I know, because I saw, how hard you worked to live without it.”
“I will forever be in awe of your dedication,” Kristen says. “And the level of fierce moral inventory you perform on yourself, like an emotional surgery, every single night.”
“You never fail to make amends, or say sorry when its needed,” Kristen says, heaping praise on him.
“You are always available to guide me, and all of our friends,” Kristen continues. “With open ears and tough love when its needed most.”
Kristen writes: “You have become the fertilizer in the garden of our life, encouraging everyone to grow.”
That is really, really beautiful — even if she did kind of just refer to him as manure.
“I’m so proud that you have never been ashamed of your story,” she continues. “But instead shared it widel.”
She explains that he does this “with the hope it might inspire someone else to become the best version of themselves.”
Meaning that he’s not just trying to help others with drug issues, but everyone.
“You have certainly inspired me to do so,” Kristen gushes.
She continues: “I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone, and I want you to know, I see you.”
“I see how hard you work,” Kristen acknowledges. “You set an excellent example of being human.”
Clearly, in Kristen’s eyes, the only improvement that her husband could make on himself is if he were to become an excellent example of a sloth.
“Happy 14th year sobriety birthday, @daxshepard,” Kristen writes.
She signs off with: “Xoxo.”
In case anyone has somehow forgotten, Kristen was the voice of the titular character on Gossip Girl.
Dax has spoken about his addiction story in the past.
After being molested as a child, he developed a drug habit in his late teens — and says that only about 20% of childhood sex abuse survivors end up not having one addiction or another.
It takes an incredible amount of strength and determination to overcome addiction. Dax’s story is a powerful and inspirational one.
We are so glad that he and his wife were able to get their happily ever after and grow their family.
We hope that his story will continue to inspire others to transform their lives.
