I had a tough week last week. Was totally zoned out at my F2F meeting.

Just as well we are allowed to be ourselves inside the rooms.

Over Covid I cut down on meetings. I do ACA and Alanon.

I don't need meetings nearly so much. But I find I am still learning lots and lots of stuff...  ...

Found out last week that one of my brothers was homeless.

This Sunday we have an Anzac Day service out at the settlement. For two years I was flag boy- ensign.

But now I have to organise the whole thing. I am not a good chair and much prefer to secretary. So

I delegated to the local leader to be master of ceremonies.

That took huge load off of my back! 

This is something i have learned in Alanon- par excellence. 

The bloke before me was a colonel in Vietnam- he had given me some key advice- re personel.

So now our service chaplain is a widow of a WWII pilot.  A real catch! A treat.

The idea is to keep our Anzac days going- for eternity.

I think this is possible if we engage the young and the very old together. A sacred space.

I should say more about this day-later... there is plenty of time. 

 Thanks for listening. So grateful.  ...

  Thanks Debbs...

                             ...usually round this time of year my eyes smart up a fair bit. Not so much for those killed and wounded in war- people I did not really know personally. But for two veteran uncles who committed suicide. Whom I had gotten to know well. Because i am fronting up this year- I needed to put this to one side, just for now. 

Hi David, I will have you in My Heart and Prayers for you on Anzac Day. You will do really well.

Love Wendy P.

David 

Having family members who died prematurely is a big issue to look.at. One.of my desrnfriends committed suicide. I think of him.every day. I know coming to terms with his death is very difficult. I have also had friends and former boyfriends die prematurely. Substance abuse was.indeed a very big issue.  I have the space in my life to be a leader to absorb those losses.

Grief is indeed part of looking at substance abuse.issues. When I was.more involved in 12 step programs every month there was news of more.premature deaths.  There was always shock disbelief and anger. 

Your brother's untimely demise is also.a.very real.issue. Having someone die in that fashion is certainly upsetting. 

I know I have.known numerous persons.who died on the street.   That is certainly tragic. 

I know you know your welfare and serenity is in the hands of many. We are all rooting for you and.sending you love and understanding and care at this difficult time. 

Maresie 

 The chaplain for our memorial service is a 93 year old reverend. The flag ensign is a 10 year old boy. The purpose of this ceremony is to recall the fallen, and offer profound thanks for their service.

The word -service- is spoken a lot in the USA. We did not here it at all over here. But it does apply equally with Alanon as well!

The format is based on the elements of a military church parade. I understand deeply that not everyone shared the same beliefs. But at the hour of greatest need there was someone actually there grasping their hand.

At most meetings over here members hold hands at the end of the meeting. A bond and a reminder of our  policy of anonymity.....and our equalness... no matter who we are!

I can only imagine what other people think and feel in the depths of their hearts.

But in the rooms- whatever the group- we begin to get hints- that we are not alone.

I happen to believe that this is the core ingredient- that sparked the whole 12 Step movement, from day one.

As I talked with that old lady I had to bolt back my tears a bit- talking about the impact of war on people's lives.

And sheeting this home to my own experience. I think I am a softy. So glad to know this is true!