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.
Today I am in New Zealand's biggest city, Auckland. I tend to call it "Awkvegas".
If I tried to find a meeting here- Would get bamboozled in the first ten minutes- trying to find the rooms!
60 years ago most of us lived out in the country and a tangi [funeral] was held at the local marae. They are still there, mostly, but most of the people live in the cities and towns. A marae consists of an open courtyard, a meeting house, annealing house, and sometimes a church.
But today families will use their garage.
A tangi usually lasts three days. In my childhood funerals were prim and proper affairs- and children were mostly excluded.
All over today- people make their personal choices. But many funerals of older people, especially can be celebrations of a life well lived.
And like our meetings- our conversations are open and mature.
The people here I have known for many years... ...and we are all well-known and respected to each other.
Lots and lots of stuff surfaces.memories, emotions- as they should.
As it emerges the person lying here had been a member of Alanon- just found out, as I am writing this sentence.
I am so glad i said something.
Better out than in!.
Pals and gals, laughter and tears- in great abundance. In The Rooms, as right here!
My friends husband died about a year and a half ago. I was so taken by the friends and relatives who spoke about this man, a colleague, a daughter, a grandchild, etc. I felt their pain and cried along with them....
My dog Ginger had to be put down last November. Its now 6 months ago. And we did that process with masks on. At least we were allowed into the vets office. I held her as her life passed.
Life certainly has its difficult moments. Thank God for this program which keeps me afloat....
