I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the HUGS (Hope, Unity, Gratitude, Serenity) Women's Retreat in Spring, TX this past weekend.  I also had the pleasure of sharing my story as the Saturday night Al-Anon Speaker.  It was such an honor and humbling experience.

I, like many of us, have such a difficult time accepting compliments or that I could help anyone in their recovery.  After the Saturday night meeting closed, there were about 15-20 women waiting to talk to me to say how they could relate to my story - they were in AA, Al-Anon & NA.  It again reminded me that this disease affects many of us in the same ways and we can pull together to help each other recover from those deep, painful scars.

Ladies, if any of you are in the area of Spring, TX (it was a 3 1/2 - 4 hour drive for us from Lake Charles, LA, but it was well worth it) you should try to schedule your 2007 calendar for the 3rd weekend in September to attend the HUGS Women's Retreat.  I don't think you would be disappointed.  Contact me through pm if you want more info.

I could share for days about the wonderful spiritual experiences and the laughter that was shared, but I'll just wrap this up with one final thing - I acutally enjoyed myself at this retreat more than at any convention or meeting I have ever attended in my 3 years of recovery.  It was truly awesome.

Thanks for letting me share this awesome experience with my MIP family,

Learning to live Happy, Joyous & Free One day at a Time,

Rita