Monday, June 7, 2010

They warned me about this

I was in my office at the lab again today working on lectures for tomorrow and Wednesday.  I wonder what I was thinking when I had some doubts as to whether I would be busy when I retired. A lot of people, including my sponsor, warned me that I would be busier after I retired than when I was working. I think that he might be right. I haven't had any time away from the office, except for last Friday.  The lectures are something that I obligated myself to before I left employment, and I'm enjoying putting them together.  So I'm not complaining, just chuckling at the irony of the situation. 

Tonight was my homegroup meeting.  As I've mentioned before this meeting is out in the country, in a beautiful little town.  I like the drive out there.  It takes me through the watery marsh habitats that I love, past some hay fields, and country roads that are overhung by a canopy of oak trees draped in Spanish moss.  Like I've written before, this feels like home to me. 

Before the meeting, I finished up the twelve steps with a sponsee.  I've been working with him for about a year.  He has made remarkable strides with recovery.  It makes me so glad to see someone who was in so much pain a year ago be able to change behavior and outlook.  His wife has now gotten a sponsor and is working the steps in AA.  He thinks her action has been influenced by his change in attitude.  I am glad that he is doing well.

It means a lot to pass on to another what my sponsor passed on to me.  He is going into the hospital for some surgery tomorrow.  The surgery will require some rehabilitation.  Tonight we hung close to him and wished him the best and God's blessing for tomorrow.  I am grateful to have this gentle man who is a gentleman in my life.  And I know that many people will be there to visit him and to offer support after the surgery is over and rehab has begun.  We all have each other's backs through thick and thin.  Some  times I forget that the fellowship is a big family, even though my biological family is nearly non-existent.  We are there for each other, bound not by blood but certainly by love. That is a source of great comfort. 

I will check in with all your blogs when I get a break.  In the mean time, wishing each of you peace. 

20 comments:

  1. "..bound not by blood, but certainly by love."
    Beautiful.

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  2. I've come across your blog via gledwood's...it's a good read that I can very much relate to.

    My brother is a recovering addict (clean & sober in NA for 4 years). We nearly lost him.

    The drive that feels like home sounds familiar to me...when I drive my son's girlfriend home along the river, I feel like that.

    Anyhow, I'll likely check in from time to time, as you've got a great knack for writing and I very much enjoy reading your thoughts.

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  3. Thank you for this post on being able to see change happen over time with your sponsee.
    By the way did these watery marshes at one time
    have mangroves? I have read there were vast forests at one time but have been almost wiped out.

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  4. I can actually visualize that drive and it sounds simply wonderful. Hope you get some free time soon and that your friend has a speedy recovery.

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  5. The new life getting underway -- so filled with blessings.

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  6. we are bound together not by blood but certainty of love...that is awesome...have a few friends like that. once you find them you hang on because they are rare....

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  7. Your sponsor is right.
    You will stay busy, but only while you're awake.

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  8. I'm glad you are still enjoying the 'work' :) it is ironic, but it seems to be fun.

    Also, I love when you post pictures of the lowcountry, it is a beautiful place and I love living here!

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  9. Yes. You will wonder how you ever had time for work.
    I love that you have a community. We all need one.

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  10. Peace to you too and many evenings of splendid lovliness in the low country!

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  11. Yep, when you are participating in life your life after retirement is full and busy. I am so glad for you that you are finding it that for you too.

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  12. A lovely post. I feel the same way about Al-Anon and particularly the women in my line of sponsorship. They feel like one, great big loving extended family. What a blessing.

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  13. Hope the lectures and your friend's surgery go well, Syd.

    Love,

    SB

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  14. I think it's so cool how when we start to change..those close to us see their need and want to change too like your sponsee's wife. Great post.

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  15. The drive sounds like a relaxing treat! And to find "family" at the other end, in your meeting, is icing on the cake! I'll be praying for your friend. Take care, Mr. Syd!

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  16. I have never been bored since retiring. It's been a couple of years and I seem to get busier and busier as time goes by. It's all good.

    PG

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  17. passing along that which has been freely given us is one of the greatest rewards and responsibilities of recovery!

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