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.
Supposed to be just a family shower but the whole bridal party showed up. Family knew we would be serving no alcohol but the wedding party did not. Well hey, we had not invited them. There were eight of them and I know they all drink frequently. Wondered how they would accept a dry party. There were scads of my family ranging from 13 up to 87. And we had a wonderful time. Lots of laughter and socializing while we got to know each other and .... no one except for one nephew seemed to even miss the alcohol. He slipped away for a while and came back fairly intoxicated and trying to hide it. His loudness and crude jokes singled him out big time. The shower was supposed to last three hours and it went on for six and even then we had to kind of encourage people to leave. Just wish there were more gatherings like this so our younger family members could see that there is life and fun without having to drink. Because the media is doing a great job of showing them that you have to drink so you can be sociable and enjoy yourself.
I am feeling so connected to you, deacon, in reading this share. I'm so glad you hosted the shower, had fun at it, and were able to experience the fun others had at it, too - sans alcohol. I met with some folks this morning and was suggesting a way for them to use a huge facility that is owned by them to create a TGIF's atmosphere for adults and families to gather "where everybody knows your name" without the alcohol. One of the few places that to me actually do create a community atmosphere are neighborhood bars where folks go to gather weekly on pay day to be with friends for "bar" food, laughter and unfortunately alcohol. There are no alternatives to this other than restaurants and there is no entertainment or activities for friends and family to enjoy. I do believe our town could be benefited with places to gather like neighborhood bars where what those at your place experienced is missing - a sense of community. Maybe your town could be benefited with something like that, too? Regardless - I love the community feel your share suggests today! Good going, deacon.
How nice! At my 2 weddings we didn't have any alcohol. Guess what? It went fine. Nobody complained! The person throwing the party has the right to not serve it. People can stay or leave. Choices.
