Old Post Cards and Pens and Blue Fiesta Ware

That was a more emotional weekend than I expected. I learned all kinds of things about my grandmother that I never knew; saw pictures of her I had never seen. It was clear from looking at them that she was as happy or happier in the last ten years of her life than she had been since she was a girl. She has suffered a crippleing illness in her 50s that disfigured and left her with almost no use of one leg. She spent months in the hospital and afterward suffered terrible depression. Her faith carried her through that and ultimately her faith was the most important thing in her life.

She was the least envious person I have ever known. There will be no estate sale at my grandmothers house. She had already distributed her treasured possessions, of which there were few, and she lived austerely. For example, she had never in her life bought a new set of measuring cups. She was still using the set she had received as a wedding present.

It was interesting to go to AA meetings in Idaho Falls. The two I attended were “podium meetings.” I’ve never had to go to the front of the room to a microphone to share in a meeting, and of course, because I was a visitor, I was called on to share both nights. Fortunately I’ve learned how to share in a meeting, to stay on topic, to share MY experience in a general way and to share about the solution. I’m pretty sure I was on the mark because nearly every person who shared after made specific reference to something I had said. It was great to have the presence I hoped to bring to my family carry over to the meeting.

Even though the circumstances weren’t great, it was wonderful to see my dad. That is something I never thought I’d say. The greatest gift I have received in sobriety is the relationship I have with my father now. It’s good to be home. It’s good to be with my kitten (who’s leg is much better). It was good to go to one of the meetings here tonight.