Good root beer

[Suomi Poika]

I just came back from a wonderful vacation to the land where I grew up.

My brother has been sober a little longer than I have. We walked into a tavern where I mis-spent much of my youth.

We both ordered mugs of root beer. Sure was good!

I talked to someone I hadn't seen in 30 years, and asked him about many of our old friends. About a third of them are dead. Alcohol and cigarettes got most of them.

In seven days of old memories and temptations, I never once had the desire to go back -- to drinking or to my old home.

Sober life is good.

Toivo

P.S. I know I should have started with "I am grateful for . . . "
So here it is -- I'm sure grateful my brother is sober. It was a major inspiration for me!