Vance

Hello Everybody.

It has been a bit since I could post. I am currently still sober.(35 days)
I have been to 4 meetings so far. I had a couple days off of work & went to the races with a couple co-workers. Male & female. They had a big ASA Midwest Tour roll into town with a few NASCAR guys to boot. Ron Hornaday, Kyle Busch, Dick Trickle, Rich Bickle, Ken Schroeder, Sauter boys & a few of our regular hot foots.
This track was the last place I had a drink.
I talked to my wife about going & coming up with a plan.
I drove myself there & planned on meeting up with my friends a short time later.
They are all aware of my choice not to drink or use.

Well, on the way to park my truck it started......
"Hey, grab a quick few beers & pound them before the friends show up."
Once I parked my truck, I bowed my head & asked for strength & allow me to truly enjoy this night peacefully. Kyle Busch is my favorite NASCAR driver & he happened to be at our home track.
As soon as I got in the gates to watch the cars time-in, I hit the soda stand!
I mean, I b-lined it. I was proud of myself. Got a quick bite to eat & the friends showed up.
To my amazement, they all looked to see what I was drinking. I think they were shocked! I got pats on the back & even a few hugs! Then got told "Vance, you are with us!" Made me feel sooo good. I instantly relaxed & started enjoying myself. Soda & all!!!
I said small thankful prayers all night for letting me truly enjoy this time.
When I went to the port-a-john, I turned around to leave & there was a mirror.
I looked myself square in the eye & smiled. I walked out standing tall & proud for not getting the beers, enjoying the night & being honest.
Well at the end of the races, Kyle won, my friends said good-bye.
I told them that I was going to the pits to say hello to some friends.
Wife called to see how I was doing & I told her I was doing fine & was heading to the pit area.
I got some more high-fives & hugs & off I went. I really wanted the chance to meet Kyle.
Well after saying hello to a few friends, (drivers & crew members & not getting offered a single beer) I thought I should get going. Be thankful for what I did get of the night. It was getting late & a Tuesday to kick.
I thought, what the heck, walk by Kyle's hauler & see what was happening. On the way out..... THERE HE WAS!!!!
He was signing a couple of autographs. I thought---no frickin' way!!!!!
I did get his autograph & even a picture with him. I felt like a little kid!! It was great.
Not that many people around either! It was late & I felt like I was in a dream. I told him thank you for coming & this meant a lot to me. He patted my back & said you bet & said thank YOU for coming out & supporting HIM! I was thinking, if you only knew my current situation & what this meant to me.
I thought this had to be a some kind of *reward* for my actions. I hopped into my truck, where that dark thought STARTED. Never thinking this was how my night would END. I looked at the couple pics in my camera & shook my head in disbelief & smiled. Looked up at the beautiful sky & said THANK YOU. Off to home I went & NOT off to some party.
I know this type of thing does not happen all the time & it was a big chance, but I had to share my experience. GOOD THINGS DO HAPPEN!
Best part, I remembered everything that went on that night!! HA!
I'll try & get the pic posted.
Thank you for letting me share!
Vance

parentrecovers

love this story, just love it. thank you for sharing.

(i tell my daughter all the time - HAVE A PLAN!)

congrats, vance - k

Emimily

you have made my day... thank you for this sunshine, vance.

ahhh, i am SO HAPPY for you!

thank you so much for sharing this.

pointmagnet

Very cool, Vance!

I got to see Tiger at the PGA championship practice round on Monday but no autograph... You are right - good things do happen! Today is my day 11 being sober, so hopefully more good things to come also...

MeToo2

I am so happy for you, and I know EXACTLY what you mean about the small "thank yous" to God-I have been there. If I understand you right, it's almost a "thank you" and "but please keep your eye on me!" at the same time, and He does It's like you're saying you're not trying to hide from Him, and are glad there's nothing to hide

Astro

I'm proud of you Vance, thanks for sharing!

Vance

Thanks everybody for the kind words & support.
This was just too good not to share.
I know not every day is going to be a good day, but when they are.........!!
I have this special moment to remind me.

Why did I have this particular day off, my fav driver, perfect weather, etc..

Point----Congrats on your 11 days of sobriety!! I bet it was neat to see the talent at that PGA practice though. Nothing compares to being there.

I will try & have my wife help me get the pic down loaded & up here to share.
Are we allowed to do that on here?

Thanks again to all of my FRIENDS.

Jfanagle

Vance,
Regarding that "mirror" episode, take a look each morning and assure yourself that even though you don't know what you may end up doing today you are sure that the one thing you won't do is drink! I have been doing that for the last several years when I shave and that moment of honest conversation with me seems to help.

Thank you for sharing and reminding me that there is a great world out there waiting for those of us who want it.

Keep up the good work and pass it on whenever you get a chance.

Jon

Vance

Thank you my friend, I will try your advise.
It WAS great to look myself in the face & smile, not avoid the quick look, because I was ashamed of a poor choice I made.

BBQBOY

Go ahead and do some 360's on the infield grass!!!! Good for you, keep it up.....Get a program and stick with it.....Your worth it!!!!!!

Favorite name on the circuit: Dick Trickle

Work Hard and Enjoy Life.....Ned