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.
The grandkids had chooks first. I always wanted them.Their dad said they had to go- and i took them over. I still have one aging non-laying bantam as a result of this. But three layers, as well...
We are lucky. one daughter in the next town. Oldest daughter two blocks away.
We live in a town were we don't lock the house at night, or during the day. We are a lucky country.
But between the three families we look after pets while away- and other stuff... which is a great asset.
We were at rowing last weekend. It was rained off in the afternoon... but not before oldest grand-son won a race! Great efforts...
...the boys in both our families had issues. Serious. I practised hands- off and the parents actually sorted out very serious issues themselves. I just did not want to get into perennial family conflict.
Higher power at work here- it was a miracle, really, both times...
...when we first bought the chooks around here- the kids would come round and visit them.
J. the oldest grandkid especially, was attached to them. When one chook died round at their place he cried!
I borrowed from AA BB... -half measures avail us nothing-.
This created many mistakes for me- but from these I learned to learn- then actually began to learn stuff.
My older brother had chickens for years, and usually one rooster. He and his girlfriend became rather attached to them, and when they lost one, they mourned. They sold the eggs locally. Years back, we had friends that had goats. They were part of their family and were allowed into the house. Interesting what we humans get attached to. I love my dog, and Ive learned that I dont have to judge anyone else. ODAT.
Maresie... loving out in the country was really really scary for me as a kid. Because the family was toxic. Fuelled by alcohol.
There were moments of love and grace- sometimes. But the unexpected could happen at any time- and it did.
I was at a city meeting last Friday. Just me, the chair and a newcomer, who had come in form another fellowship. And I reflected on the surroundings. Being a country boy I needed help to find my way through the building. This was the Salvation Army building. The person who showed me through was the daughter of a lifetime friend who had been a street kid. She had an office there and was working for the Sallies, as we call them. That was sweet.
I had worked in the factory along the road at one time. And lived in a boarding house a block away in the Chinese/Lebanese quarter.
When son and his girlfriend first came to the city they lived in the neighbouring street. To the Sallies. Next door to the most notorious gang in the country. He was prospected by them- invited around to 'a party'. Thankfully he declined.
Son was a promising kid at school. His english teacher warned him to watch out- because he seemed to be headed for a career in The Mongrel Mob. So that may have sown a seed of interest and curiosity- not in Shakespeare, but in the Mongrel Mob.
But I spent a night there on the couch- and got a glimpse of that world.
I knew gang members socially. Most of my friends were junkies. Because of my family background I knew just to stay away- from Thursday night to about Sunday afternoon.
I myself had been close to that world in my 20's. The crime and the drugs and the vice that surrounded it.
[Segue]
I always like the Sallies. They always seemed to be around where the need was greatest.
I might have been 5 or 6. I had stolen a tin of biscuits from the cupboard. Me and my younger brother and sister were hiding under a bed. There was a knock on the door. It was the Salvation Army. They must have seen us because I had seen them. I just wanted them to come into the house- and just pick us up. All three of us to three of them.
They disappeared for a short time. Then they came back- with a cornet, a tenor and a tambourine.
They played a song for us. Still remember- so grateful.
I have chooks in the back yard. Hens- that is...
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