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20 years clean - is this appropriate?

Old 07-26-2016, 08:56 AM
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20 years clean - is this appropriate?

All,

I know a person, I would call her a friend, but not terribly close. She will have 20 years clean from heroin in September.

I think this is an awesome accomplishment and wish to mark the occasion for her with a lasting gift of some sort.

I went to a recovery themed shop and found a very nice 20 year NA coin for her - lacquered, very fancy and a wooden presentation box for it.

She does not realize it, but she provides me with hope that my daughter will some day achieve long term sobriety like she has. I intend to write a letter to accompany the coin and let her know that she is one of my beacons - living proof that this can be done.

What say you? Is this appropriate?

Jim
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Old 07-26-2016, 10:05 AM
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I wouldn't call it a terrible idea.

Good chance you won't be the only one giving her a nice medallion, but you never know.
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Old 07-26-2016, 11:06 AM
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I think it's appropriate & well thought out - lovely gift
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Old 07-26-2016, 11:41 AM
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Great idea. Very thoughtful.
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Old 07-26-2016, 11:49 AM
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go for it!
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Old 07-26-2016, 12:17 PM
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I think it is a great idea, I think that she will really appreciate it. I know I would, and the letter accompanying it will speak volumes, it will show that you didn't just see she is 20 years sober, but it will explain the gift and I know that I would read that letter with the gift and give you a HUGE hug and really appreciate it beyond words.

Recovery brings a lot of people together, people lean on each other and learn from each other.
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Old 07-26-2016, 07:27 PM
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Sounds like a very nice thing to do. I'd like it if someone did that for me.
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Old 07-26-2016, 08:07 PM
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I'm not an NAer but it sounds like a lovely idea
Big thumbs up from me

D
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Old 07-27-2016, 05:38 AM
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Fantastic idea!
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Old 07-29-2016, 12:52 PM
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Thanks to all that "voted"!

Now I have six weeks or so to write / edit / rewrite / edit / rewrite the letter, better get started!

I think handwritten for the final would be the best........

Jim

PS: I did not mention this before about her: she is definitely "all in" -- works in a halfway house and is the office manager for a homeless ministry; not very anonymous -- her car's front license plate reads
N A I O U 1.
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Old 07-29-2016, 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by JimC60 View Post
Thanks to all that "voted"!

Now I have six weeks or so to write / edit / rewrite / edit / rewrite the letter, better get started!

I think handwritten for the final would be the best........

Jim

PS: I did not mention this before about her: she is definitely "all in" -- works in a halfway house and is the office manager for a homeless ministry; not very anonymous -- her car's front license plate reads
N A I O U 1.
good on ya,jim! one suggestion:
dont keep rewriting it. just write from your heart and leave it at that. no need to be analyzing your letter to see if its perfect. if you write from your heart, it will be perfect the first time and she will appreciate it greatly.

it would be like doing an open talk for NA or AA: the ones that are the best are spoken from tbe heart, with Gods assistance, and no real plan of what was going to be said.
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Old 07-30-2016, 02:44 PM
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Tomsteve,

"just write from your heart and leave it at that."

You are probably correct and I should have already learned that ....

See my thread, "Speaking out.....and about." in F&F of SA here at SR.

Thanks,

Jim
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Old 07-30-2016, 02:55 PM
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Great idea. For me the letter would be just as important. To know that you have helped someone is a huge gift
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Old 07-31-2016, 01:07 AM
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Cool

I used to give the bronze medallions with the number of years in Roman Numerals engraved, but then I got cheap (a new one every year....?).....I started giving bronze medallions with the person's sobriety date engraved on them (hopefully they don't relapse).

If you're interested, 'PM' me and I'll send you a link to the online store I usually use.

(o:
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Old 08-19-2016, 08:58 AM
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She'll love it. I can promise you that if she's been clean for 20 years, she's very proud of her sobriety.
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Old 08-19-2016, 09:00 AM
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TomSteve you have brought me to tears. it is such a grand thought from your heart and life to her... I hope she gets that... hugs and prayers
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Old 08-19-2016, 11:26 AM
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Wonderful idea!
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Old 08-19-2016, 07:44 PM
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Think it's a great idea. The first NA meeting I went to the guy who took me with his gf had been clean 25 years. Still lived and breathed recovery and helping others. A proper champion. it's a lovely touch. Great work pal.
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Old 08-19-2016, 08:32 PM
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I think it is a wonderful and thoughtful gift. I also agree that your heartfelt, handwritten letter will mean so much to your friend.
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Old 08-19-2016, 08:45 PM
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I bet she'll love it. Very special.
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