I have been busy lately working with a newcomer... like from day one... today is day six.... and it really took me back to the day when I finally surrendered. The pain, confusion, misery, the shakes, etc... I know this person did more for me and my sobriety than I ever did for theirs over the last week, thats for sure.
Work is going well. Spring time has kicked in and my phone is ringing pretty consistently again. Have done some really good jobs, that I'm truly proud to have my name attached to. :)
A customer was so happy with the result of my work that he brought a new bottle of Vodka out for me to take home.... I tried to refuse it in a polite way, but he was very insistent, so I accepted it with a heart felt "Thank you".... and put it behind the seat of my truck.... my newcomer was with me... LMAO! He wouldn't sit in the truck any more while I worked! He followed me around on the job site, as I collected my equipment and put it back on the trailer. When we were on the way down the road, he asked what I was going to do with it... and I simply told him..."it and its contents will either be dumped a few blocks from here, or I'll give it to a non alcoholic as a gift today." He looked like he was leaning as forward as he could from the back of the seat to get as far away from it as possible. I pulled over two blocks away, got the bottle out, opened it and poured it out, and threw the bottle in a trash dumpster. I remembered when I felt just like he did.. scared to death to even see it, no less be any where around it.
We got to the next job and the darn customer is smoking a joint on his back patio... and we smell it as we walk around the side of the house. I introduce myself to him, shake his hand, and he offers me a hit, holding the joint in my direction... the newcomer all but ran off the patio LOL he stood next to it, watching this interaction. I smiled and said, I truly wish I could, but I can't smoke on the job, this 3 hour job would end up taking me all day to get done, and I have another customer waiting for me to get to their house after I'm done with yours, but thanks for offering". I told him we needed to get started and the customer took another hit and said, "okay man, can't say I didn't try to share". LOL Again, the newcomer followed me around the house as I got set up and pressure washed it.
I am so glad that what other people do doesn't rock my world, and that alcohol or drugs that I don't put in my body doesn't still adversely effect my serenity today. I can't wait to see the day come that the newcomer can take it all in stride and just think to himself as I do... "but by the grace of God".
Hello