Of George…

I’m hesitant to write about George in that I might jinx things. I’m afraid I will write he is six days sober and he will run out tonight to a poker game and get drunk.  He’s back at work and I asked him over the phone this morning how he handled that.

“I kept reaching in my coat pocket for my flask of whiskey,” he replied. “Thankfully, it wasn’t there.”

I have yet to see him, but he sounds good.  Mrs. Florene says he is still shaky in his hands and doesn’t know what to do with himself.  He’s watching a lot of bad television.

“Urge him to go to a meeting,” I told her. “He will listen to you.  Tell him I will go with him.  We will go to a Narcotics Anonymous where there are other black people.”

Mrs. Florene thanked me and said she would try her best.  Now, it is time to just wait, help, and hope. 

Dear Maggie, We Will Walk Soon. Love, Daddy.

Maggie’s got the funks.  For the past few days all she has done is sleep and eat.  Even the usual food treats I give her don’t seem to excite her.  It has been so cold here and we haven’t been going on our usual daily walk.  I think this is what is getting to Maggie.  She will sit at the base of the piano and look longingly at her leash.  Maggie’s walking drought is about to change though.  It is forecast to get up to 45 today, and will be in the 50’s by Wednesday.  It will seem like a heat wave and I hope the continuance of our walks will lift Maggie’s spirits.  I hate to see her so sulking all the time.

Mom just stopped by after one of her myriad of appointments.  As dad will often say, she’s the appointed one.  She brought me diet Sprites, razor blades, and toilet paper.  I don’t ask for these things, but mom has this intuitive sense that I am about to run out and she was right.  I had one razor blade and one roll of toilet paper left.  What would I do without mom with me having no money?

I don’t have much planned today.  I have a glut of email to respond to.  The blog has been very busy this weekend.  I am itching to start book four of the Twilight saga and also hope to get a chance to run by the library for more books.  This reading thing is so novel for me.  I feel like I’ve discovered a brand new world!  I also plan on going to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting tonight.  I find they are less stodgy and more welcoming than the local AA meeting hall and all their old timers. 

Well, let me get some lunch started.  I have incredible cravings for grilled cheddar cheese sandwiches, dill pickle spears, and french fries.  Let’s get to cooking!

Laughter in Recovery

Rosa called a moment ago.  It was so good to hear her voice.  I've been kind of paranoid that we were growing tired of each other, but things have been well lately.  We suit each other like a fine cheese and expensive wine.  We both have storied pasts and tales of woe, and yet we are both consistently upbeat and positive.  I need that in my life.  I need her. 

"Narcotics Anonymous tonight," she told me after I said hello. "I want you to go with me.  They are such a fun group."

That's something I have never equated with Alcoholics Anonymous.  That of it being a fun group.  I love AA, but for the most part, they are a reserved bunch of people -- almost dour.  Overly serious.   The local NA group is filled with laughter and recovery.  Young people who were once on the fringe of society -- outcasts due to their addictions -- reveling in their sobriety and stewardship for each other.

"Are you going with me?" Rosa asked after my pause.

"8 o' clock right?"

"Pick me up at 7:30," Rosa replied.

There is a heavily tattooed young couple that goes to NA.  I made the mistake of asking them a few weeks ago if they were married.  "We are brother and sister!" they exclaimed.  We all got a good laugh out of that.  I look forward to seeing that duo tonight.  I also look forward to supporting Rosa in her recovery.