26 Years later-

[The_Hammer]

"Isn't that the way they say it goes?
Well, let's forget all that
And give me the number if you can find it
So I can call just to tell 'em I’m fine and to show
I've overcome the blow, I’ve learned to take it well
I only wish my words could just convince myself
That it just wasn't real
But that's not the way it feels" - Jim Croce, 'Operator'

Recently the City in which I live (and work for) annexed a smaller community; it happens all the time, the larger municipalities are gobbling up the affluent and sleepy little bedroom communities all over the U.S. Our City took over the utilities for this little berg and as it happens, I received a trainee with a very familiar name. I tried desparately to be professional over the weeks and months that I trained him, and I stayed mute until today. Bob came into the office previous to driving out to his facility and we started to make small talk. He had a HD cap on, so I asked him if he wanted to scope my Mertyl out, she was right out in the lot. As we stood around my sled, I said; "Bob, I dated a girl named Vickie that I was crazy about, she went away while we were still on very good terms, she isn't realted to you is she?" Bob replied; "That's my sister."

Bob and talked about how we had avoided meeting one another through the course of Vickie and I's relationship, and a ton of other stuff. We made plans to ride together. I was just 18 at the time I dated Vickie, but man did she floor me. I had never slept with her, I hadn't taken my first abusive drink yet, nor had I used drugs (in High School, I was a jock boy and socialite). Seems as I stay sober, these reunions get stranger and stranger. Some I don't recall, some are brutal and amends are futile, some are teary and end beautifully. I can't compartmentalize this one. Sweet memories flooded back, along with some regret, and a feeling of gain an of loss. I gained a new friend, and miss the part of me that was lost. Thanks for listenin

[Aristo]

Great story Hammer ! Hope you get in touch with Vicki again, that would be a nice re-union !

[Rarly Harley]

Jimmy: Isn't sobriety amazing! Imagine that, being able to feel again. Not only that, but being able to share our feelings with another human being! Thank God for A.A.....

[TonyB]

Thanks for that Jim. Like RH said, isn't sobriety grand!?
TB

[The_Hammer]

Yea man, that's it in a nutshell. A.A., you bros and sisters, workin this thing not only gave me the ability to think and feel, but to act appropriately in the right situation. Not a lot baffles me anymore, but everything still amazes me in a real chillike way. I saddled up Mertyl today and rode into my ol hometown. I decided to head down by the river and do some huntin for morel mushrooms. Seems like everyone had the same idea. 10 years ago that woulda pissed me off to no end. Today I made a couple new friends and enjoyed the heck outta myself and the company God gave me.

Whatta trip.

[BillJ]

'Way cool, Jimmy!

[Jazzed_N_AZ]

By the way, Who's plan is it?

[The_Hammer]

I reread the posts, I aint the sharpest tool in the shed anymore Jazzed, what plan are you referrin to?

[Jazzed_N_AZ]

Originally Posted by The_Hammer

I reread the posts, I aint the sharpest tool in the shed anymore Jazzed, what plan are you referrin to?

Why His of corse...

after 26 years and a new way of life I dont seemed to be as astonished at what He does in our lives. Dont get me wrong I am way happy for the coolness of your encounter. But it doesn't surprise me because only my plans are full of surprises and WTF's. His Plans are just ...His Plans.
It's a feeling I guess (for me)

[The_Hammer]

I get it. I aint surprised at all, but it sure was cool.