The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I had a day full of program people. Spent alot of the day with a recoverying fellow I have done some work for that ended in a marvelous lunch. Funny that the car they had prearranged for at the airport was not available and after they got passed the "fits" we all went to do what needed to be done in my own car. Then to pick my spouse up from work (It was "her" car we were using actually) and introduce one recovering person to another. After dropping them off at the rental office where the car was now available my spouse and I went to dinner together...mostly for her, I was still full. After leaving the restaurant I ran across a friend whom I knew while working as an ATV case manager. It was good to see him. I had missed him. We had shared much experience strength and hope while I was his case manager. We had shared about our experiences with alcoholism in our lives he became easy to love and I do. We were surprised to see each other and hugged and I was careful of the walker he was using to get into the liquor store. He smelled like he had been drinking and I'm sure he had. I had also worn that cologne in the past. He was missing the lower portion of his right leg. "Diabetes" he explained yet I had already done the math. I am also a past substance abuse and alcoholism counselor. He was on his way to buy more of the same I was sure and when we finally said good by I realized that the only feelings I had was love and bit of remorse. He is good for me inspite of his recent experiences with a disease that will take a person piece by piece from the mind, body, spirit and emotions.
I feel a profound sense of love for him. Old love mixed with hope and my own experience that HP listens, waits and is ready when we are. I also feel a profound sense of gratitude because this man shared my spiritual journey and was pleased for me.
When I got home? Two more touches from program sisters and brothers. Can there be anymore doubt in my mind that my Higher Power is aware of what I need inspite of me and willingly fulfills those needs when HP is ready.
Jerry, you are such a honey and a wonderful friend. Bless you for your wisdom and sharing.
What a leveler you had in meeting that poor friend, I will keep him in my prayers. Obviously, he has NOT travelled the road that you have and found a safe path to keep him away from his enemy.
God bless you today and always, love coming your way from across the miles of cold, deep, gray waters of the Atlantic, it will reach you eventually as it rises to cross that huge continent and finally float down onto your beautiful island home.
Suzannah
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Out of the ruin of my past I have found the fortress of myself and I know how to defend it.
Strive for WISDOM; Seek SERENITY; NEVER compromise your INTEGRITY.
Thank you for sharing your day full of program. It's like HP wanted you to see the promise of the program in being with someone who is recovering, and in someone who is yet to embrace it. Thank you for sharing your love for all, recovering or not.
Jerry, What an uplifting yet sad story. You painted such clear picture with your post. My first thought after I read it was, "If only HP could get to that man". Then I realized HP has thrown life lines out to him many times in the past and maybe again just yesterday. If only he would grab hold. If only--.
Jerry, What a great reminder for me. When I see someone again and they have slipped back into old behaviors I struggle to not be disapointed. I don't have to be disapointed. I can reflect on what meeting and knowing that person has taught me or meant to me and be grateful for that. ;) and say a quick prayer for them as well.
Thanks I needed that :)
Yours in recovery, Mandy
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"We are not punished for our unforgiveness, we are punished by it" Jim Stovall
