Each year at this time, I send out a simple request to all MIP members to consider sending holiday cards to the residents of Miracles In Progress Aftercare Recovery Homes. As many of us already know from our own experience, the holidays during early recovery can be very hard on newcomers. As the Big Book says, "Hearts are broken. Sweet relationships are dead. Affections have been uprooted..." For many, they just are not ready to go back to their old playgrounds on old playmates during the holidays when drinking is still a big part of the holiday celebration on the home front.
Recieving happy holiday cards from members of Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums can really brighten their day and lift their holiday spirits.
You can remain anonymous in the process by simply signing your cards "Another Miracle In Progress" without affliating yourself to any specific 12 step group or organization if you would like to. When they simply see that the cards were sent from all over the US, and some from even foreign countries, it really amazes them and brings home the fact that they are a part of something much bigger than themselves. A global statement of unity is obvious with each card that arrives.
I truly hope you will consider participating in this holiday wish event. Here are the guys addresses, followed by their first names, last initials.
2704 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 1. George R 2. Bill M. 3. Kenny H. 4. Doug L 5. Steve G 6. Deryl B 7. Stephen G * * * 413 Strada Street Wilmington, NC 28409 1. Nathaniel R 2. Mike O. 3. Chad W. 4. Darren B 5. Mark M 6. Justin A 7. Mike B 8. Phil P 9. Ryan N 10. Warren L
Tips ***At Family Dollar, The Dollar Store, Big Lots and possibly Walmart, a box of 8 cards can be purchased for 1.00 - 2.00. Individual cards can be purchased by 2 for .50 at Family Dollar and The Dollar Store. This provides an inexpense way of buying the 17 cards without spending any big money. ***It is cheaper to place all the cards for one address into a larger envelope for mailing. While a single envelope cost .44 cents to mail which would total $7.48, sending all your enveloped cards together in a bigger envelope reduces the cost of mailing by approximately 2.00. ***If finances or time impede your ability to send a card to each individual, one card sent to them as a group per house is a way everyone can still participate in bringing the holiday spirit into the homes.
A special thank you goes out to everyone who is doing this for the first time and to the many who have done it over the years.
John and Rose F wish each of you a safe, wonderful holiday.
