Hi, Laura here--please excuse the "Laura II" alias . . . I'm on a trip and don't recall my password for my Laura ID.
Anyway, I just wanted to share I had a great chat with my brother tonight. The conversation afforded an opportunity for me to apologize for something I've felt guilty about for a long time.
Years and years ago (when he was still in high school) he'd been out with his friends and his car had been towed. It wasn't that late when he called the house to ask his big sister for a ride and some help. Trouble was I'd already started drinking and I was too ashamed to tell him why I couldn't go pick him up. So, I just came off as an uncaring sister. It did a lot of damage to our relationship and I've always felt just awful about it. Well, tonight I got to talk to him about it. He doesn't recall that night, but he was forgiving and was supportive especially after I'd shared with him that I'm an alcoholic and that I'm working on my sobriety. I'm fortunate to have such a great brother. My apology wasn't coming from a sense that I deserved to just be flat out forgiven. I'd thought he would discuss with me how hurt he'd been, but he's a pretty healthy individual who doesn't like to hold on to a lot of crap.
Hey Laura, hope you're enjoying your vacation.Havent been on, having some family "issues" down south and finally came on tonight--holy shmoley!!! A page and a half posted! Argh, I'll never catch up....
I"m glad you had a chance to get clear with your brother. It took me 19 years to finally make amends when I last went down south, to a man I'd run out on. Well, hadn't seen him all those years after moving out of state, but I caught him at a meeting, made a lunch date, and sat down and talked. I had no idea what a relief it would be. One of those things I'd buried the guilt from, and decided on the spot to clean up. Our Higher Power just seems to open doors for us, and the timing was spot on. It took so much shame away, to be open to asking for forgiveness. Once something like that is rectified, it makes it so much easier to continue on with straightening other things out. Enjoy your vacation! Chris
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"Never argue with an idiot... They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience..."
I do hope that your holiday is good for you and that you are enjoying yourself.
I'm really pleased that you have had a chance to sort things out with your brother. It's amazing that when we stop drinking we can recollect so much 'stuff' that we had done. It's always good to be able to apologize and start again.
Well done and thanks for sharing that with us.
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
Good work. I can relate as for about 3-4 years before I got sober my younger sister and I didn't even speak...Today we have become great friends and also my older brother is a part of us again. It all took time, but there's nothing that can match Love, trust and understanding between Family. Thank you for reminding me of my Blessings!
