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.
My husband has been out of work since March 18 on medical leave. I started going to Al-Anon meetings 10 days later and have gone at least 3 times a week ever since then. I have 3 of my favorites that I would never want to miss.
Here's the problem. My husband is starting back to work. He doesn't have a set schedule anymore because he was demoted, so now he just goes wherever he is needed. He has his schedule for the next 2 weeks and I was so sad when I saw that I wouldn't be able to make it to my favorite meetings. It's just not fair.
I know that we need to money and the more hours he can get, the better. I'm just sad that I'm going to miss out on a lot of my meetings now.
I know I can always go to different ones on the days that he's not working, but I'm sure you all know that it's just not the same.
I have a friend who is great about watching our son, but I hate to depend on her all the time. And my son is not fond of nurserys (when a meeting has one). I bring him with me sometimes, but it's just not convenient. He can't stay quiet or sit still for too long (he's 3 years old). And I feel guilty having him in the meetings because he can be a bit of a distraction.
I just needed to vent a little since I'm feeling sad. Thanks for listening.
-- Edited by N8SMOM on Friday 5th of June 2009 03:07:54 PM
I am the mom of a 5 yr old and 2 year old. I have cut back on a few luxuries in order to pay a babysitter for two of the three weekly meetings I attend. It has been well worth it. I dont miss my morning coffee at all, but I sure would miss my al anon f2f meetings! At first I would just ask family to watch them when they could but the babysitter I actually pay is much more reliable and I dont feel guilty for having her come (because she benefits, too!). Then I dont have to feel guilty for taking care of myself! My sponsor also has suggested swapping sitting with some of the other moms of young children in the meetings, but I have not tried that yet!
If its any help to you, my oldest boy was difficult for a little while he was at nursery, but he settled on the fourth visit and he was great after that going places so I might perservere with that if I were you, I used to teach nursery so I am drawing on this experience too.
Your son will adjust to day care so u can go to a meeting , he will be fine . This can be an oportunity to check out other meetings in your area , yeah we all have our favorites but sometimes diff is good u hear diff solutions etc . and who knows u might meet someone who will become a best friend . On the occasions that u can get to your fav meetings u will appreciate them even more . Louise
Don't forget to add to your list of options coming to on-line meetings here. They are great and there are two a day. One at 9 a.m. e.s.t. and one at 9 p.m. e.s.t. Monday through Friday. Saturday meetings are at 10 a.m. e.s.t. and 9 p.m. e.s.t. Sunday meetings are 10 a.m. e.s.t. and 7 p.m. e.s.t. Good luck with your new adjusted meeting schedule.
I was going to meetings when I was in school. My professor decided to switch the class to evenings at the last minute. I so needed to go to the meeting (and I really liked that particular meeting). I went to class. The Alanon program kept me from holding that resesntment too long. Eventually you will get back to your routine.
You know I have been going to 12 step meetings for a long long time. For me the issue of finding a meeting that works and being able to go there is huge. Often meetings change, people move, people shift hours. This is an issue you are not alone with. Getting the right resources and being able to maintain them is such an effort. Nevertheless I think its well worth looking at. The meetings here are great if you can get to them.
Please keep coming to the boards....there are meets here that are real good......most of my "meeting life" has been on line or pal talk.....it has worked for me....just "fellowshipping" w/other recovery mates, helps.....I don't have to see them to know we are connecting...
