Good morning Growing Women! My name is Alison B and I am still an alcoholic. I have chosen the topic of connection this week. I was asked earlier this week by my very kind son-in-law; how my husband and I were holding up living such an isolated life? I explained that I am prepared, or have been prepared by my disease of alcoholism and also by my year spent in a China dormitory room back in 2012, when my bathroom morphed into my “Bitchen”. My husband was often sick by the gluten used in so much of the cooking in the dormitory that I found a way to cook food for us. My bathroom was where I washed and prepped most food, then I would run downstairs and cook in the dorm kitchen during “off hours” so as not to interrupt the Chinese cook during her working hours. Lol Now I have an entire 3 bedroom house with my own kitchen, two bathrooms, deep freezer, etc. I am far advanced in my needs and wants where I am isolated today than I was way back in 2012 when I first found GROW. So, I can do this. We can do this!
As for my alcoholism I explained that if I can survive the disease of alcoholism, I can “shelter in place” for a time, no problem. Do I have my ups and downs? Of course I do. I also have online meetings to attend. I can stay connected to the outside world through the internet and through the Grace of my Higher Power whom I choose to call God. It all requires some effort/action on my part. Oh, and I have a phone list too! If I can survive a year pretty much isolated in a dormitory room in the countryside of China (my husband and I lived in a boat factory as he was an engineer working for a boat building company.) I can certainly survive in my 3 bedroom home in Bend Oregon. Do I miss my kids? Sure I do, but we facetime quite a bit. My goal is to attend 90 online meetings in 90 days.
This brings me to my topic of connection, lol.
Page 17 BB “We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful. We are like the passengers of a great liner the moment after rescue from the shipwreck, when camaraderie, joyousness and democracy pervade the vessel from steerage to Captain’s table……….The feeling of having shared in a common peril is one element in the powerful cement which binds us.”
I remain connected, through thick and thin. I am a survivor. I have discovered a common solution. I have a way out. In order to stay connected to my AA peeps and my Higher Power I must participate. So here I am, celebrating 27 years sober this week. I am a miracle as are you.
Thank you for being a part of my sobriety today and thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes.
Blessings,
Alison B.