AA, peopled as it is with such fragile, damaged souls, can be a messy place sometimes. But tonight I watched a lonely old man (cliche, but apt) get a warm, friendly welcome, handshakes, introductions... he walked in the room a stranger and by the end of the meeting left with names and numbers in his pocket.
It will be up to him to use them, and hopefully if he does the people at the other end of the phone won't drop the ball (fragile and damaged, remember?) but tonight he discovered that he doesn't have to go it alone. No one asked him for money, or an insurance card, nor did they insist he agree to anything. I watched. People just noticed he was new, and sitting alone, and made him welcome.
Watching this unfold tonight I was so very grateful to be a small part of this great thing.
I remember very little of my first days. Yet I do remember the smiles, introductions, hugs and the phone numbers. I was so lost and broken and full of terror, yet here were these people who actually cared. They saved my life. And to see this happen to others give me love and gratitude beyond discription too.
A simple act like that takes away so much hurt and fear....let the healing begin!
Thanks, it is so good to be reminded of my roots. And it is always fun to see the "broken" getting better one day/one minute at a time.
If you see that lonely old man again, whould you give him a hug from me?
Posted by: Meribeth | December 10, 2010 at 04:42 AM
I am glad that he came and got numbers. One of the things that I've done is to get their number because a lot of times people are just too fearful to reach out. I know that he has to want what the program offers but perhaps a call to him might help with that. What are your thoughts on following up with him via a call?
Posted by: Syd | December 10, 2010 at 04:57 AM
...and the miracle of one alcoholic helping another continues.....
how beautiful!
Posted by: Christina | December 10, 2010 at 05:05 AM
Loneliness is one condition that can be so easily cured by one human being's recognition of another. A wonderful thing to read today on this cold, dreary Sunday.
♥namaste♥
Posted by: raemelyn | December 12, 2010 at 11:16 AM