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.
During my period of unemployment from November-February, I volunteered at my son's daycare so he would be able to continue to attend for free, and we would not have to be in the house with my AH during the day. I spent most of my time in the infant room, where there is a lead teacher and an assistant teacher.
The assistant teacher and I became quite close. Despite having dramatically different religious and political ideas, we both found that we had worked hard to maintain a positive outlook on life and the world despite a litany of hardships. I never once felt as though she judged me or felt I was "less than" she because we felt so differently about religion and politics. I think she has always felt the same way about me, and I have always treasured our friendship as a shining example that people of starkly different faiths and politics can be very close friends and respectful of each other. She is about the same age as me (late 30s)
I learned about her 17 year old daughter who has gotten involved in drugs and gangs, and has been in and out of juvenile detention. Every time she is released, she finds a way to run away within 48 hours. I learned about her younger brother, who has battled heroin addiction for many years. On Friday, her brother was found in a Taco Bell bathroom, dead from a heroin overdose. Addiction has taken her younger brother. It has taken my husband. It is taking her daughter. I'm clinging hard to my optimism right now.
That is sad Stephanie. A new woman in our meeting last night confessed that she felt maybe she came to program too late. She said her qualifier was already dead. I don't know who it was or the circumstances but yeah, this disease sucks. Stay optimistic, girl, it will help keep you sane.
I'm so grateful for your share as a stark reminder that there are many who can't see their own value and get out from under the disease of addiction. It's a humbling thought.
Hugs P
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Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.- Maya Angelo
I went to his visitation last week (the funeral was in the evening, so I couldn't attend). It truly was a celebration of his life and gifts, and I was very, very heartened to see that the family is being very open about how he died and his addiction. I always feel that of course, it's the family's decision how open to be about things like that, but that if you can be open about it there is a good chance his story will save lives in the future.
