Some days life lessons slap you in the face. Today I got slapped. Early this morning I stopped in a convenience store for a cup of coffee. When I got to the check out, I noticed a familiar face in line ahead of me. An old friend from my drinking days. I hadn't seen him in a few years because in sobriety it sometimes becomes necessary to change our circle of friends.
He looked nervous and a bit agitated. By his dress I could tell he had just gotten out of bed, threw on a robe and drove to the store to purchase a 6 pack of beer. He had the shakes and still reeked of the alcohol he drank the night before. I lowered my eyes hoping to get out of there without him noticing I was behind him. No such luck. As he went to pay, he noticed me. I smiled and asked him how he was doing. Looking embarrassed he said "oh, about the same".
Something in his look reminded me of where I had come from. He was me not too many years ago. Suddenly I felt ashamed that I had hoped he wouldn't notice me. A voice inside was telling me to reach out. I hugged him and told him if he wanted a better way to live, I would always be there for him. We both paid and went to our cars and parted ways. I don't know if or when I will see him again.
As I drove away I remembered all those mornings that I would wake up groggy and hungover, already starting to plot a way to get through the day to my next drink. A sudden feeling of gratefulness overcame me and I teared up.
I am grateful to be alive. I am grateful to be sober. I am grateful for my children. I am grateful someone reached out to me. I am grateful for grace. I am grateful for second, third and fourth chances.
May I always have the strength to reach out when I see someone in need and may I never forget how far I have come.
This brought tears to my eyes! I had something similar happen to me before Xmas. I ran into an old "friend" at the grocery store, pupils like pins from the pills. She said wow Christine you look great! I wanted to reach out, but nor ready to go there yet. Hopefully you hear from him, it's never to late to change:-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. It reminded me of something I read not long ago - "Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." - Melody Beattie
ReplyDeleteGratitude keeps you strong and moving forward, focused with a purpose. That is always a great feeling. :) Great Job on the posts. I love the insight. It makes me think a lot about my own life.