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.
Good morning. As most of you know my brother-in-law is sitting in jail b/c he got caught making meth. According to my oldest niece (who actually has talked to him) he's doing okay. He's accepting responsibilty for his actions. He actually turned down bail b/c he knows it's not safe for him out there. Apparently he has refound NA and is going to church services as well. The fact that my niece has decided to talk to him and even wants to see him is huge.
Anyway, I am thinking about dropping him a letter. I want to wish him well in his recovery. He's not a bad guy, just one with a terrible disease. What he did is wrong and should pay for the crime, of that there is no doubt. I will leave that to the legal system to work out. I just feel the need to offer my support to his recovery. He is being given a second chance. He will be going out of town for rehab. Not too far from here, but far enough so he can concentrate on getting well. I want to tell him to make the most of it. I don't know why I want to do this. But I feel like HP is compelling me to do this. Maybe he just needs to hear that someone is pulling for him, regardless if he and my sister stay together. Maybe it's because my Tim isn't here to offer his support. I don't know. All I know is that I feel I'm compelled to do this. Thanks for being my sounding board. Much love and blessings to you and your families.
Live strong, Karilynn & Pipers Kitty
-- Edited by Karilynn on Friday 25th of September 2009 08:04:39 AM
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
My sponsor always reminds me of a line in the BB that suggests restraint of pen and tongue. I feel you are showing restraint by sending a letter of support and encouragement only. Rather than one of advice, since he has not asked for your advice.
Our program is one of love and acceptance, and it appears to me, this is what compels you.
Gives me goosebumps. (((((hugs)))))
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The prayer isn't for Higher Power to change our lives, but rather to change us.
Karilynn, I work in social services and many of our clients have made choices that lead them to spend some time in our county jail. There was one cleint who as very young and she was doing a work experience at the agency I work for through another social servics agency and I was her supervisor. When I saw her name on the in custody list I to felt compelled to write to her.
I wrote the letter. I let her know how special I thought she was and I let her know that when she was released she had someone to talk to if she needed it.
She came to me after she was released and told me that the letter meant so much to her. She was sure that everyone who was trying to help her was upset with her for what she did and getting the letter I sent let her know that if I wasn't upset and angry, then maybe the others weren't angry either. She said she knew we were disapointed, but that was only because we truly cared.
If you feel led to write that letter then listen to HP, form my experience it is always better to listen to him :). Yours in recovery, Mandy
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"We are not punished for our unforgiveness, we are punished by it" Jim Stovall
By your thinking it through I'm sure it's the right choice, the right decision for you with your strength and compassion, what you feel you need and want to do.
You want to do this simple because you are you, a loving kind and caring person.
I think it is a wonderful idea you see, without the support of people we love addicts will probably fail....however with support it gives one more leg to stand on...and makes life feel worth while instead of hopeless.
As usual, I am so proud of you....you are the shiznet and make me so proud to be your friend. I can see Tim smiling down at you and telling Chuck see that's my girl isn't she wonderful....
GO STEELERS!!!!! THEY LOST BUT I STILL LOVE THEM!!!!!
