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.
"In order to keep it...you have to give it away"...My elder sponsor wedged that one into my head when he started to support my growth toward doing service for the program and others. It was cute to me then until I found out that it was really true. He also told me "If you really want to find out if this program works...give it away to someone else and watch them work it". Then I was convinced as from time to time some of the fellowship came forward to express gratitude for something I gave away and completely forgot about and it worked for them as it once had for me. The point is that one of my sponsees (sorta) and I became qualified Alateen sponsors and then set out looking for places to found meetings. We have a large need here and no groups. We were excited about the possibilities and the sponsee (sorta) is a teacher while I use to sponsor Alateen for 6 years when I was up in your neighborhood. I loved it and grew sooo much from the experience...the kids get it faster than we do because they don't have as much history being "stuck" in the problem. Anyhow we had a meeting with a counselor/rep/former Al-Anon member etc. at the local rehab. They and we are mutually interested and excited about getting something going, as I said there is nothing available in the area now. We spoke of several possibilities using their facilities, mutual times, our abilities and have come up with a first plan which will be to hold a "demo meeting" in front of their family group and then incorporate their group into ours for that one demo meeting. This is one form we used when I was up on the West Coast and those meetings are still going and growing into several others. "When anyone anywhere reaches out for help I want the hand of Al-Anon and Alateen to always be there and let it begin with me". That is what we say and do when HP calls. We will start with the combined Al-Anon and then co-sponsor an Alateen meeting in a separate room given the opportunity. No addicted "others" in the room...safe. Anonymity perserved...safe. No attachment to the facility by name or purpose...safe. The counselor we spoke with had former membership in Al-Anon and I suggested that he come and visit our home group to reaclimate to the meeting and how it is run and how we support each other. He has agreed. We have a start date...Yay!! We have fellowship who will participate...double Yays!! More to come. Thanks for your support. (((((hugs)))))
No matter our age. No matter our challenges. No matter our infirmities or our physical limits. There is always a place for us to share our E/S/H with others. That's what I take from your share, Jerry. Thanks for the message.
Working with teens is so rewarding. They just dont know what is happening to them and to have an adult tell them that it is okay to feel confused and it would be weird if they werent. They have that lightbulb moment and you get to witness that. Great feeling.
That is one of the rewards of working with them and we don't do it especially for that reward and still watching all those miracles is "en"lightening huh? (((hugs)))
