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 great weekend full of recovery. It was our annual round up here. I hadn't been in a couple of years. This year it was gently suggested that I go. For me. I have missed it so. The speakers, the fellowship. Seeing friends who I haven't seen in years in some cases. Just the love.
So, I went. The speakers were great. I felt like I was home. More like family than the family I grew up with. I understand what A's mean when they say they didn't feel normal until they took their first drink. I never felt normal until I began my journey in alanon.
I have been in this program for 7 years this month. I count from Feb. as my start date although I had come for about 2 years prior to that. Those first two years, I just didn't get it. I fought it and really believed I knew all there was to know about Aism and how to deal. I was very naieve. 7 years ago it all started to make sense.
This morning, in a room filled to standing room only with A's and alanons and alateens, I was home again. I was surrounded by people who have been there through every crisis life has thrown at me and loved me through it all unconditionally. We laughed together and we cried together and then we stood and made a very dysfunctional circle and said the Lord's Prayer together. All 1400 of us.
I love roundups. Ours is next weekend. I haven't missed one since 1998. I always tell newcomers that a roundup is where boys become men and girls become women.
Aloha Free...Awesome gratitude and awareness. I am grateful you brought it here. I just got back from my "other program" home meeting when I received a anniversary chip for time in recovery also. I also mentioned to the group that they were and are congradulated for supporting and helping me rebuild my life and keeping it serene and sober. I agree about the differences in "family" and feel the same way.
I wish you continued recovery in serenity. I congradulate you for putting together 7+ years. I am grateful for your supportive sharing which works to keep me in one simple piece of a person in service to my Higher Power's will which is the work of recovery. I share with you the blessing of being "Free Again".
Mahalo (((((hugs)))))
Our Roundup comes in March...I am going to use your share as a filter of how I try to perceive and participate in it.
