The Next Right Thing

My sister is an alcoholic. Untreated.

She's 53 (two years older than I) and has had 3 DUI's. After the last one, about 10 years ago, she got to spend a few months in government provided housing. At the pleasure of the County Sheriff. She no longer drinks and drives, choosing instead to only drink at home and almost always only at night. I don't think she ever gets rip-roaring drunk anymore. That's a good thing.

Having said that ...

Saturday night past, which also happened to be New Year's Eve, Barney died. Barney was one of her 2 dogs. He was a rather husky, mixed breed terrier. He was 11 1/2 years old.

Sis and her common-law husband were outside on the patio Saturday night at their semi-rural home, watching the neighbors shoot off fireworks. Barney was freaking out over the loud noises and bright lights and wanted to go inside. A little unusual for him; he's never been one to be afraid of anything. So they let him inside and they stayed outside to keep watching the show. A little while later she found Barney dead on the floor in a bedroom. Apparent massive heart attack. He had a good life.

Having said that ...

My sister phoned me Sunday evening to let me know of Barney's death and to tell me she would not be around Monday to visit our Mom in the Nursing Home. She only goes on Monday's and Thursday's because of the long drive. She told me that she was too grief stricken to leave the house.

Having said that ...

My recovery program immediately kicked into action. My first thoughts were to tell her that the very best thing she could do, in her state of mind, would be to go visit Mom; stay on the regular schedule. This would help get Barney's death out of the forefront of her mind. Even if just for a couple of hours, she would be helping another human (her mother) in their time of need. I wanted to tell her that she would never forgive herself if Mom were to die before she made it around for the next visit.

My program also told me to keep my damn mouth shut.