Have you ever been to a meeting where someone came in sobbing - probably still sort of drunk and high - apologizing - flew off the handle at many people or threatened to leave - called people names and called them out on drinking - stuff like that - just basically alcoholism at it's worst - right in front of you - glaring at you - the past you - looking at the new you - but still not ready to surrender?
That walked through the door today. So did the new to aa lady I just met (she rode with me), and the boy with the slit wrists that I met Sunday night - both at 72 hrs now and at their 3rd meeting. I was so happy to see them both today. I thought it was going to be a great meeting. It sure was. It was the best meeting I've ever been to. Total chaos - every tradition thrown out the window - cross talk - people running around trying to keep this lady from repeatedly walking out the door cussing everyone out - WOWOWOW - I thought I came in a squealing mess - I see now this disease gets worse, and I simply saw me - at another level.
I AM SO GRATEFUL TO BE SOBER TODAY!
Serious about getting really serious now. What a great gift again today.
What more could you get for a dollar LOL!
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Thanks for everything. Peace and Love on your journey.
Wow! That sounds insane. I am grateful to be sober just reading the post. No wonder you were feeling that way. Sounds like you are really doing some kind things for the others who need rides and help, etc. Inspiring. :)
That IS a dollar well spent!! Wow, way better than my night. It is surreal to witness active alcoholism, and know that you still have it, but coming from a completely different place sober. Ive had similar, though tamer glimpses of this at a meeting or two. I often see myself in people I serve drinks to. It's strange to witness drunken craziness, and fully identify with it. It does make one grateful for how far you've come, just by simply admitting defeat.
Sounds like a typical A.A. setting to me, minus the additional drama. The only thing still missing is a dancing bear; that and some added chaos for good measure. Now that's the way I like it.
It's great the the two new people came back and we can all learn a little from the wacko's.
They say if you haven't seen a AA meeting turn into the Jerry Springer Show you haven't been to enough meetings. While it can be entertaining it is best to try to make efforts to get things in order, common welfare comes first, people come to meetings to learn to stay sober.
One selfish and irrational wet drunk (probably)making a disturbance shouldn't control a meeting, that is what the chairperson is for. We had a lady like this the other day and we let her leave, If someone doesn't want to learn and listen we really can't do much for them.
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Rob
"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
Yes - we did end up letting her leave about 1/2 way through - a lady went with her - thank God she was there that day with 30+ yrs sobriety - because the rest of us woman were all under a yr and more on the shy side. I did make an effort to calm her down in the beginning, but everyone else that tried to after that just got lashed out at terribly... especially the chairperson... who has about 6 months - I now see why it's important to follow the rule that some suggest about having 1 yr in to chair. I didn't think about it til just now - thanks Rob!
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Thanks for everything. Peace and Love on your journey.
Yes - we did end up letting her leave about 1/2 way through - a lady went with her - thank God she was there that day with 30+ yrs sobriety - because the rest of us woman were all under a yr and more on the shy side. I did make an effort to calm her down in the beginning, but everyone else that tried to after that just got lashed out at terribly... especially the chairperson... who has about 6 months - I now see why it's important to follow the rule that some suggest about having 1 yr in to chair. I didn't think about it til just now - thanks Rob!
Good to hear it didn't mess up the whole meeting, our person only lasted about 10 to 15 minutes and was cross talking after every share and wouldn't listen. I quess it's not the sole responsibility of the chairperson, but people who have been sober awhile should step up if the chair isn't.
Our meeting was small 15-18 people, but there where about 6 people with 20 yrs plus and at least 6 with 5 yrs or more so nobody was going to hijack the meeting :)
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Rob
"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
