Thank you Betty for the reading and for your ESH.....I am one who still find fascination is the 'excellence' of the traditions and principles of this program. When I stop and consider when they were written and how spot on they are, I always conclude that a higher power must have been the driving force behind the words - just has to be, as how did 'they' know back then to cover all basis to help us be whole by using consistent tools, steps and experiences?

I had an experience this week in my F2F meeting by which I mentioned what a lovely funeral service we had for my Aunt. A long time member pulled me aside after the meeting and was giving me a dissertation on the Catholic faith (it was a Catholic funeral) and the belief about suffering, death, etc. I truly do not know what she was saying, as I was uncomfortable with her words from the very start. She did also suggest she had been raised another faith and was not Catholic.

I am most certain her intent was to help my sadness and my grief. However, as I left to drive home, my first thought was, "I am grateful that I've been around for a while - if I were a newcomer, I'd be running for the hills...." It is these very examples for me that remind me that my passion and 'helpfulness' can be received way, way different than I plan!

When I arrived, all I wanted was help with fixing my boys. I was resistant to fixing me as they were my priority at the time. I was one who thought if I could just get them redirected towards the 'right path' all would be better. It took some lovely people sharing the steps, tools, slogans and self-care over and over and over again for me to realize I was my own problem - not them.

I am so grateful my F2F group is mature enough to not offer advice, but tends to stick very close to the traditions, principles and steps. I am grateful for Al-Anon and all that it includes that keeps me focused on my recovery and gives me the tools to recenter when I am left or right of it.

(((Hugs))) - thanks for your service and all your support this week!