Diversity

I sat in the back of the room.  I watched as A.A. members slowly paraded in.  People that go to A.A. are so diverse.  You have professionals and working class people -- stay at home moms and burly construction workers.  I people watched until the meeting started.

"Everyone ready for a meeting?" rang out in the old church.

We read "How it works" and "The Twelve Traditions." Soon, the floor was opened up to speak.

"Hi, I'm Andrew and I am an alcoholic," I said. "It is a beautiful morning and a fine day for an A.A. meeting. My mother gave me eight dollars last night for A.A. meetings.  I have a strong desire to use that money to drink.  I have been in so much emotional anguish and pain lately.  I know I will destroy my mother's trust if I drink with that money.  My family knows everything I do. I just appreciate having a safe place to come to this Sunday morning and I thank you all for being here. I pass."

Several "Thanks for coming," and "Keep coming back!" rang out in the room.  It is unlike me to share.  I just felt moved to do so.  Today has been one of those days were it took every ounce of my being to avoid drinking -- that favored mouthwash just a drive away.

I came home and fixed a lunch of some ham sandwiches.  Maggie got some ham as well -- ever hungry. I then set out for my second walk of the day.  I saw my elderly friend who sits upon his porch everyday.

"Almost too cold to sit out here," he said.

I stopped and pulled off my headphones.

"It has been chilly lately," I replied.

I was hungry for conversation and we went on to talk for several minutes about Auburn football -- Auburn having won last night beating Ole' Miss. 

I finally left my friend to sit and smoke.  Down through the mill village I traversed -- the children playing bringing joy to my soul.  I saw one child swing on her swing and it made me long to have the simplicity of youth again.

I ended my journey at the convenience store spending some of my paltry income on a drink.  I sat outside above the "No Loitering" sign as I finished my drink and people watched.  A young black lady accosted me for a cigarette, but I said, "No, you are too young."  She looked all of sixteen.  I then walked on home.