Same song, different tune....

[barb dwyer]

Hi -

I live in a town that 'hosts' many national-type summer events.

So in the summer, there's a TON of people who aren't from there
wandering in and out of our recovery rooms.
It's GREAT, actually.
The populations swells from around a generous estimate of 34,000
to upwards 110,000 people all elbowing their way around town.

Sort of a 'poor man's Sturgis'.

But with these celebrations
comes the drinking.
Which this town is ALSO known for.

This past week -
I've run into several people who are now 'back out'...
I mean - I work in a liquor store -
where else are they gonna go?

Come about Sunday -
I was feeling a tad overwhelmed
with the whole business.
I wanted to yell at 'em
'what are you THINKING????"


Then my Step training kicks in
and I smile and sell them what they want.
They almost always give me some kind of excuse,
and I tell them -
"hey - your drinking or not isn't any of my business."
"The only person who *I* am responsible for keeping sober ... is ME."
And they look relieved, some sheepish
and they pay for their bottles, or cases ...
and they go away.

I'm very grateful
when I began the rebuilding of this life
(for like - the sixth time)
I was careful to build my life AROUND my recovery.
My committments to service, to meetings, to being a part of the solution
- as is- warts and all -
and the Program of Alcoholics Anonymous -
has made all the difference for me.

And has given me a life worth living.

SoberRecovery has had a major role in recovery for me.

I just thought I'd take a moment to thank you
for being here for me.
Otherwise - I could easily be one of
the many I saw this weekend.

That's a hole
I don't ever want to have to climb out of again.

[Cubile75]

I only can imagine when some of those AAs who went back out walk into your store... like "oh sh1t!! there's Barb!!".... LOL

When I went on my annual summer vacation to Maine (vacationland!) this year I was definitely not the only summer visitor at the meetings I went to.

Mark

[barb dwyer]

Cubile -

that's almost a ver batim quote from one of them.
ha!

At least they know there's someone 'there'
who's more on the 'bridge' then being in a meeting right at that moment.
More accessible, I mean.
Just in case.
I'm still halfway looking for that first twelveth step call
right at work, ya know?

I was grateful for the reminder, just the same.