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.
This past week the Scripps National Spelling Bee took place. Now every year I watch. Every year I feel stupid! But I know I'm not. Every year I vow to improve my vocabulary so that one day I may complete the NY Times Sunday crossword without it taking me 3 weeks!
This year after watching it it got me thinking about recovery. I listened to it in amazement at how these kids do this. Now I am not a bad speller, but when compared to these kids .... wow! I'm sitting here wondering how do they do that? Silly me they work at it. They practice and they never give up.
Sounds a lot like our recoveries doesn't it? Some of these kids won't make it past the first round. Some of them will make it all the way. But while they do it, they take their time. They ask questions, they look puzzled, they laugh and cry. There's a huge sigh of relief when they get something right. Hmmm.... sounds very familiar.
Above all they keep on trying. Think of how hard these kids had to work to get this far. Just getting there is a triumph. For us sometimes just getting ourselves to our first meeting is a triumph. We all get a little scared to take that first step. I'd be terrified if I was up there. I sat there and looked at their faces while they were awaiting their turn. Some looked old pros. Others reminded me of myself, looking unsure wondering what was next. Could I speak? Could I tell my story? What if I said the wrong thing? Does that mean failure? Or do I just need to try again?
When they get it their smiles can light up the Empire State Building! You can just see the pride in their faces.
How liberating is it for us to feel so good about working a program or finding a sponsor or living the steps? These children are given the tools they need to make it. So are we. Above all many of these kids keep coming back as long as they can. There is an age limit. But the lessons they learn will stay with them forever.
What great lessons they are! Keep coming back. Never give up. Keep on trying. What if we took these lessons with us? What if when we are ready to give up we remember these extraordinary children? To all of them, I salute you. You are all winners in my book. To my Alanon Familiy so are all of you.
Life is too short not to appreciate these children. I think our future is in great hands of these kids. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Much love and blessings to you and your families. Pipers sends her love to her Alanon pets too!
Live strong, Karilynn & Pipers Kitty
-- Edited by Karilynn on Saturday 30th of May 2009 12:23:33 PM
-- Edited by Karilynn on Saturday 30th of May 2009 05:49:43 PM
__________________
It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
Sometimes I feel stupid too! But I watched the kids spell & can really appreciate them. I used to be a good speller but mostly by memory. I couldn't see me spelling a word I have never heard of. The winning word was Laodecian. Did I spell that correctly? I believe I could have spelled that one. But... I see the point of. Related to Alanoners.
That was a beautiful and thoughtful post. All children are our future....children are the best gift God gives us on this earth.
They are to be loved and molded, listen all kids are not perfect but, by the grace of God and some loving guidance...they will have the chance to one day do great things with their lives......
When I think about the spelling bee.....I am reminded of how hard my son works for his beloved football....he works all year long just to play that game....dedication is a wonderful tool for young people to have it teaches them what is at the end of the rainbow if you work hard enough....
It is also a reminder to all of us old folks...lol....what can be achieved in live if we just try....
Thanks Kari for the wonderful reminder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Silly me they work at it. They practice and they never give up.
You are all winners in my book. To my Alanon Familiy so are all of you. 
