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.
I have started to, not only find Courage but also put into practice, as I have found sharing on MIP, putting my thoughts, feelings, and my Stories, and myself out there not easy, or comfortable. I have looked at why, and I am making, allowing myself to be very vunerable. But when I look at the other side of the equation, I love Al-Anon, it has saved my life and Sanity, and I wanted to share some of my wonderful Memories that has helped me be the person I am today. To also witness many miracles.
I have spoken about Conventions, I was at a AA Convention, in my Home State one year, sitting with one of my friends, listening to some AA Speakers. It was a World Wide Convention. My friend had to go, so I was left by myself, then I saw a man come out to share. He looked wonderful, in a suit, he came from Alaska, he started to share. He was so excited at being here, and as he shared, I could see tears running down his face. It was so moving, of course I started to cry as well, as it was just so beautiful. I looked around, and saw there was a young man sitting near me, I didn't know him. But thought to myself, I am not going to sit by myself and cry, so I went up and just sat down beside him. Saying that I hoped he didn't mind, but I did not want to sit by myself. He didn't say anything.
We both listened to the Gentleman, and other AA,S. I also heard my story. So, after the meeting ended, we started to talk, we each told our names. He told me that he was very early in Recovery, an AA, and that he was struggling. I told him that I was an Alanoner, and that I could get him some help, as I had a lot of AA friends there at the Convention. We went on talking for awhile, as I could tell that he was nervous. So I just said to him, "Come on, I'm getting you some help". We went downstairs, until I could see some of my friends. I knew I had the right friend for him, so after I introduced them, told my Friend that the young man needed help, and left putting him in his hands.
The next day, I was standing waiting for a meeting to open, and the young Man came up to me, with a friend of his. He introduced him to me, and then he said,"This lady saved my life yesterday." I felt very honoured, and thankful that God had brought us together, and through me working my Program, I could help someone else with theirs. We became close friends after that, he went on to get stronger in his Program, also his wife found Alanon. We always looked out for each other at weekends, Birthday weekends.
So many times in my Al-Anon journey, I have seen many miracles, and the Power of Recover working in both Programs.
Thank you Wendy for your lovely share. Recovery is so, so magical when we remain Honest, Open and Willing. I have been amazed over and over again by the miracles in recovery. I don't believe in 'accidents' or 'coincidences' - I believe every experience and encounter we have as imperfectly perfect people has a meaning, a lesson, a reason and/or a purpose.
I truly am beyond words grateful for the many hands extended to me in recovery - both sides of the room. At many times in my life, I truly felt I could not go lower, could not see the light - only darkness. And yet, as I reflect, there has always been a hand that reached out to me to help me move towards the light. Over and over and over again. Recovery has given me a family that knows me better than the one I was born into. I love my family unconditionally yet find much more comfort, understanding and acceptance from those in recovery.
Grateful....person....in....recovery!!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Wow! Wendy that was a great story. Thanks for sharing that. Doesnt it feel great when you help somebody and really give them a blessing. Your HP used you to help this man and because you were willing you got to see a miracle. So cool