I called a close friend of mine to invite him out drinking to celebrate. Steve asked "What's the occasion?" and I told him that I was celebrating my last night of drinking and the beginning of my sobriety. He just laughed and said "Ok sure, where are we going?". I actually had a very good time and didn't get out of control or have a hangover the next day but somehow I knew it was time to crack down and put my all my efforts toward getting and staying sober.
About every 5 years I speak somewhere and I always contact my old friend Steve to ask his permission to use his name. He's been living in Germany since '98 but comes to visit every couple of years. What a wonderful trip it has been filled with blessings year after year, so many that it would take pages to tell. One of the best was having my son come live with me for the last 5 years of his school years before heading off to college.
I'm very grateful to the program and all the great people that have passed thru my life having taught me to live and love life to the fullest. I've especially enjoyed my time here. This board has added a missing dimension to my sobriety in many ways. So join me in wishing myself a happy birthday
Thanks for all of your Experience, Strength & Hope, Dean. I'm so grateful that you are here, that you share & serve for us newcomers continuously. You give so much to my journey in a gentle, strong & inspirational way. I respect your work, your heart & all your efforts. Keep it all up. Thank you. I hope you have a fantastic & special Day. Like You! May your God keep on blessing you, Daniella x
__________________
Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
19 years is an amazing achievement and you are a great inspiration to myself and to many others here on MIP. Thank you for adding to the quality of my sobriety by being here and sharing your ES&H with us.
Have a wonderful day. You deserve it.
Take care,
Carol
__________________
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
Happy 19th, Dean-O. I am proud you call me 'friend' ---- Thank you for the ES&H you've shared w/me time and time again......Not only did you help me stay me sober, you've helped me with Step 3. *God* speaks thru people and thru your words and support He's shown me that I can be restored to sanity.((((Hugs)))
__________________
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Way to go Dean!!!!! I first read your post and thought..."what!?....Dean went drinking!!!!!!" Now I get it! Congrats and thank you and happy bday! What an awesome friend you are and Im proud to have gotten sober and had the chance to meet you!!!!
You do share so much with the board and with me! For that I am blessed! )you beat me, I was planning on starting a bday thread for you!) Love ya!!!!!!
__________________
"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. "
Thanks everyone, I had a great day. Met my sponsor at a anniversary meeting, then went out to dinner with our wives for 6th year in a row. Life is good.
