I am just finally getting around to posting here again after my trip to Fla with dad. It was so wonderful, and the weather was great, at high 70's to 80's every day I was there except for the last day. I fished a lot and swam in the ocean, and got tan and collected shells like a little girl. It was so peaceful, and my dad is such a terrific spiritual person. I miss him already! I will see him in the spring when he comes back to Ohio though, for the summer.
When we got there, I helped him out for about a day setting up the trailer and so-forth. I was cleaning inside and uncovering the furniture while he hooked stuff up outside.
I opened the cupboard and there were about 3 almost full bottles of liquor. I recoiled with a healthy reaction. He has a guy-friend down there who drinks a lot and he had brought them over for a fish-fry last year.
My dad asked me if that was going to bother me, those bottles being there. (He rarely drinks, and not liquor, and does not drink in my presence.) I said, "I really don't think so, but I will let you know immediately if they do." And I forgot about them for most of the trip, and stayed out of that particular cupboard.
One night though, I was really extra-tired after a long day of fishing on the boat. My mind wandered for one moment to the bottles, and I prayed immediately, and God reminded me of what it feels like to let myself and my recovery down. What it feels like AFTER the drink. The fear, panic, and dread of the loss of control.
I am glad I stayed sober for the trip by the Grace of God. I know that I had a choice, and I chose not to drink thanks to the AA program, and I just let it go.
It felt really good.
Joni
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~~"It's hard to be hateful when you're grateful."~~
Glad your trip was awesome....Nothing like the sunshine to make you feel soooo good! Proud of you for praying and staying away from the big bad booze!!!!! Just goes to show you the power of prayer!!!! Lani
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Sounds like a ball. Would love to go fishing in Fl. I guess it does not matter how long we are sober. We still have to be ready to fight the influence of alcohol, and what it will do to us if we take that first drink.
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Don't wait for your ship to come in... Swim out to it!
