The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
My Mother came into town today and said she wanted to stop by my office and bring me something from my Father (AFather 25 years sober if you haven't heard the stories).
Well the gift was a lucky penny. If you stop reading now thinking "yeah so what" you will miss out. He finds these pennys and cultivates "Lucky" ones. He weathers them on his back porch like others would tend to prize roses. Not just anyone can have one either.
He gave one to my brother before he went into combat the first time, and my cousins when they left to go to central america for missionary work. I know that in reality it is just a penny. I have hundreds in my couch... LOL
He has such feelings about how incredible it is that my brother and I are not complete basket cases based on our young lives. I got to thinking that there are very few gifts I have ever gotten directly from him. His idea and mom's shopping... that happens alot. But this is different. I was very moved by the sentiment, and a little sorry that my life had to be such a mess to get one. (Not enough to ruin it though, just a twinge)
I had a weird life growing up, but I love my parents very much. I love you guys too. You have stuck by me through over 1000 posts full of my pain and confussion, ramblings and history. You have shared with me your experience strength and hope and I appreciate that so much.
I am thinking about 4 or 5 thousand more... and I should be pretty comfortable in my own skin. LOL
I need to post an update on my situation, but I felt for today I just wanted to be grateful for my whole family. Thank you for being here.
And .... for the thousandth time... take care of you!
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"Good judgement comes from experience... experience comes from bad judgement" - unknown
Somethings are truly special. I carried a buckeye in my pocket book for years that my dad gave me. I believe that you are very lucky to have a penny that will make you feel good, make you smile. Who knew pennies could do that --your dad does!
I have some very special items I carry too. Of course my screw, a serenity chip given to me by a great friend, and my lastest addition my gold 3yr chip given to me by my home group. Gonna need bigger pockets soon!
They all are special to me. They all remind me of my friends.
Such a wonderful story. I know the feeling of those special coins. I had one last year, and I always carried it with me. When things would get tense at work, or home, I would "fiddle" with it much like a worry stone. Well just before hubby's surgery we went fishing, and I dropped it somewhere. (Perhaps it is bringing luck to the snapping turtles lol!) I didn't realize until I got home. I feel lost without it. And yes, I can always get a new one. But.....
I am so glad you found this place. You are certainly a cheerished member of this MIP family, and held dearly in our hearts. Much love and blessings to you and your family.
Live strong, Karilynn & Pipers Kitty
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
Sending you big hugs... you have been a wonderful inspiration here on the board and I'm grateful that you share your E,Sand H with us and your stories. You never have a dull one!! LOL Keep that penny close to heart, sounds like its filled with lots of care and love.
Take of you too!
Twinmom~
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"The people who don't mind matter and the people who mind, don't matter". (Dr. Seuss)
A wonderful penny that is worth more that a million dollars. That is a true blessing.
Thank you so much for sharing that story with us.
A few of the things I keep (in my vehicle) that are special to me, a pocket knife from my Step-Dad (who passed away 3 yrs ago), a stuff animal camel, a Serenity coin from my 1st Sponsor and my baby brother's 9 yr sobriety chip that I presented to him at his birthday meeting; he in turn gave to me in honor & thanks for my growth & support.
Might not mean much to others, to me they mean the world.
Congrats on over 1,000 post - That's a lot of e,s, & h, that we are greatful you have shared with us.
Hope your weekend is filled with peace, Rita
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No matter what me and my God are going to be ok, even better than OK -
I thank YOu from the bottom of my heart for being there for me on this board when my pain was so great. We all help each other so much and that is a miracle in itself. I am SO glad you see the simple hope that a little gift like that from your Dad can give you, and you can tell you treasure the thought that it means so much for him to give it to you, also!!! Sometimes the littlest things just mean the world. I had for years my grandmother's silverware drawer, a cheap plastic thing that was cracked, and I used it for my silverware. It reminded me of when she was alive and our huge family would go over to her house every Sunday and do dishes. I finally had to throw it away but it is funny the comfort that old thing brought me!
I think you are a most wonderful person. I have found that comes from going through pain to find our strengths and grow and become wonderful, full people who are compassionate and full of life and love and that is what this program is all about. Thanks so much for posting your wonderful responses to everyone here when they are in so much pain. You are truly an inspiration!! Have a great great weekend!!!
What a lovely story. I hope to be here to read another thousand of your posts, and another thousand after that. Your posts have meant more to me than you can know.
Continue taking good care of you,
Diva
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"Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." Desiderata
Keep coming back and posting! Interesting story, brought back a memory for me! My A father never gave a gift personally from himself, it was always via my mother who had purchased it and wrapped it up, be it a birthday or Christmas. However in my china cabinet to this day is a small rubber "TOPO GIGO" (for those who dont remember he was a mouse puppet on the Ed Sullivan show) ( I know aging myself). Anyway my A father had taken a trip to the dump, and had found this Topo Gigo there brought it home and gave it directly to me. I treasure that small piece of rubber , and it is displayed with my crystal glasses in my china cabinet. It may be dirty and worth nothing, but to me it is priceless, and it means the world to me. Thank you for sharing your story.
--your dad does!
