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 neighbor and best friend was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer last December. She is 42 years old and has a 5 year old son. Her prognosis is less than 5 years full of chemo and illness.
I just talked to my brother. He got a new job in a new town this past February. He put his house up for sale but it has not yet sold. He bought a new house. He now has 2 mortgages. He passed his boss in the hall yesterday and told him that he and his family were moving into their new house today. His boss called him at 10:30 at night and said, "You may want to rethink the move." He was basically told that he was being fired. He has a wife and two young sons.
As bad as things in my house have ever been, I have never been faced with situations as horrid as the ones my loved ones are facing. I thank God for every blessing in my life.
Babysteps, a little gratitude goes a very long way. It is wonderful that you can put your problems and difficulties into perspective by acknowledging the hardships others face. Your own issues are real and valid simply by virtue of being your own but having gratitude can help make your own troubles seem less overwhelming and you can work them through using the tools of the program. I will send prayers for your friend and brother. Keep working it coz you're worth it!
You have one of the great keys to happiness in your post. Gratitude is very very essential to daily life for me. I am sorry about your brother and your friend. What people go through!
I know I try to remember my friend who has Multiple Sclerosis at age 36, has not walked in years (in a wheelchair), can barely write or grab onto things with her hands. She never complains, ever! How depressed she must be sometimes.
There is a lot of drama in our lives, ups and downs, but it could always be worse.
Good post, my prayers are with your friend and brother and his family.
