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

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.

I think it's appropriate & well thought out - lovely gift

Great idea. Very thoughtful.

go for it!

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.

Sounds like a very nice thing to do. I'd like it if someone did that for me. :)

I'm not an NAer but it sounds like a lovely idea :)
Big thumbs up from me :)

D

Fantastic idea!

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.

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

Great idea. For me the letter would be just as important. To know that you have helped someone is a huge gift

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:

She'll love it. I can promise you that if she's been clean for 20 years, she's very proud of her sobriety.

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

Wonderful idea!

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.

I think it is a wonderful and thoughtful gift. I also agree that your heartfelt, handwritten letter will mean so much to your friend.

I bet she'll love it. Very special.