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 ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the King's' wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it.. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.
Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
Giving When it Counts... Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister.
I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the colour returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded.
He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away".
Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.
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Don't Worry About Growing Old, It Is A Privilege For Some Of Us.....
Great share I loved both examples of generosity of spirit .The little innocent child's willingness to give his life for his sister was so very touching. I have found that giving of myself, putting principles above my own personalities has led to many positive outcomes.
especially the second story. In life I was always giving to others no matter how it impacted me. Today al anon has taught me about healthy giving and that I am just as important as other people,
Today I give because I want to not because I feel I have to. I help anyone who is willing to help themselves but I do not carry people. I love to help others however when I did my 4th step I saw that these traits had tipped to an unhealthy place of self neglect. Today I love Tracy too, Its about balance.
For example service I want to give back to al anon I do service roles but I have to give others a chance and take care of myself so sometimes I sit back.
so I suppose I am trying to say
today I would give my blood to help another but I would die for no one.
hope this makes sense hugs tracy xxxxx
-- Edited by Tracy on Sunday 2nd of February 2014 05:18:54 AM