an email to a friend

Dear (name withheld),

I just want to say Thank You.
I spent most of the day (Saturday) wanting and trying to isolate, although my service committments did not allow me the time to do so. I was busy all day with meetings, my Mom in the nursing home, a Board meeting and the fundraiser.

After the fundraiser, you came up and gave me a hug. I barely acknowledged it. I suppose I was busy, but that's not an acceptable excuse.

I needed that hug. At that time. It especially meant a lot coming from you, a person of whom I have ultimate respect. You've taught me a lot in my 3 years at Lambda and AA; many things just by being an example.

I miss seeing you as often as I have in the past, but I know that you're there even when I can't see you.

Thanks again.
with love
dAAve
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todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

for proof that a small gesture from another human can be greatly magnified by the human receiving it

for my personal committments to service work which helps keep me somewhat sane

for the Experience, Strength & Hope shown me by those with years of sobriety AND recovery

that my Mom can still communicate with me using her eyes, although her writing has deteriorated to the point of being almost unreadable

for the people who participated and watched the Gaylywed Game fundraiser Saturday night -- 4 couples, 1 emcee, 8 production assistants and about 70 in the audience

for the standing-room-only crowd at the 9:30am Sunday AA meeting, ~ 60 boisterous recovering alkies

for my domestic home-cleaner, who shall return today for Phase II

The trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more.
-Erica Jong