But I am often think of you out there who are writing and sharing. You have touched my life in many ways. I just learned that fellow blogger, Cheryl H., over at Through an Al-Anon Filter died on April 22. I started reading Cheryl's blog when she first began blogging. Her death reminded me of how connected we are to each other. Although we haven't met in person, we get to know each other through our writings and the special sharing that we have. I know that those of you who read this blog know more about me than many people that I know in person. That is an amazing thing to contemplate. And when one of us dies, I feel a great sense of loss. And when others stop writing without explanation, I wonder how they are and what they are doing.
I can tell you that life for me is good. Spring has come to the Lowcountry. The garden and grounds are beautiful with flowers and shrubs. We have brought in lettuce and radishes for salads. The pasture is amazing with buttercups. So much beauty surrounds me.
And the weather has begun to cooperate for going on the boat. I just returned from three days of being at the island anchorage. I come back refreshed and ready to tackle what ever comes my way.
My horse is a source of much joy. My wife feeds him carrots and apples. He has a birthday this week, and we are having a little party in his honor with an actual cake that the horses can eat. There will be one for humans too.
I do attribute much of what I feel to having been in Al-Anon. It has helped me to lighten up, let go of trying to control others, and find joy in life. My changed attitude is a result of recovery. It is hard for me to remember how I was before being in Al-Anon. But this blog documents the journey. Thank you for being along with me for the ride.
So sorry to hear about Cheryl's death, I have followed her blog for a long time. You're right that we do get to know each other deeply through the intimacy of blogs and shared vulnerability. I'm so glad you life is going well, Syd -- like you I worry about sounding repetitious because my quiet country life is mostly very dull! But the years of alcohol-related fear and dramas are over.
ReplyDeleteThank you Syd for reminding everyone what a community/family we have on our blogs.
ReplyDeleteI too don't write as much but I continue to read every day. It's like catching up with dear friends each day. It is amazing how emotionally connected we become without a physical connection.
Thank you my friend for sharing your wisdom on this blog. You have helped more people than you could ever imagine with your sharing.
I was so sad to hear about Cheryl. You are so right though....I have a group of 6 other mom's like me, that I met here in our blogger world and we talk everyday online. I am so grateful for them. And you too! Bless your heart for sharing your beautiful life with all of us.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about our blogger friends Syd. It is a special sort of friendship and you are a special favorite of mine.
ReplyDeleteSyd, I am very sorry to hear about Cheryl. We do get to know one another here, and we have a real community. I miss it when I am gone, which I have been a lot lately.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad about Cheryl here post were so honest thoughout her sickness. Thank you for being here. Your blog got me started writing and now I enjoy reading about how much fun you are having. Life doesn't have to be all work.
ReplyDeleteAgreed on all counts. I don't comment often -- somehow I never seem to be able to get the software to acknowledge my TypePad ID -- and maybe that filter is a good thing -- but I feel a real connection with the recovery writers out there. I was typically alcoholic in that an unplanned, unannounced break from blogging of one day turned into a break of several months, and when I returned I was shocked to discover I'd been missed -- which is not about me being "special" but rather about us all being connected.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that alcoholics so often are only able to learn a lesson at the expense of others? At least today I learn them.
I had been reading Cheryl for a long time, and we had corresponded a little. Her passing effected me no less than someone I "see" every day. What a strange and wonderful network of intimacy and anonymity this recovery blogging creates.
Thank you for your writing, Syd. I very much appreciate what you share here -- the "daily life" entries no less than the the "recovery" ones.
-- Mr. SponsorPants
I have just discovered your blog. Thank you for sharing. I have avoided writing about alcoholism and alcoholics in my blog, even though they both loom large in my life. Your posts give me some courage to write a little more honestly.
ReplyDeleteI have been even more behind and am just seeing the news today. So sad that she is gone now.
ReplyDeletehttp://waitingfortheothershoetofall.blogspot.com/