Damn Your Old Meetings
One Sunday, Bill asked me if I was ready to go to the meeting with him. To my astonishment as well as his, I burst forth with, “Damn your old meetings!” and threw a shoe as hard as I could.
This surprising display of temper over nothing pulled me up short and made me start to analyze my own attitudes. By degrees I saw that I had been wallowing in self-pity, that I resented the fact that … I was left alone while he was off somewhere scouting up new drunks or working with old ones. I felt on the outside of a very tight little clique of alcoholics that no mere wife could enter. … My life’s purpose of sobering up Bill, which made me feel desperately needed, had vanished. … I decided to strive for my own spiritual growth.
How Al-Anon Works for Families and Friends of Alcoholics (B-22, B-32), “Lois’ Story,” page 153-154.
*The photo is of a 1930’s woman’s shoe and not a picture of Lois’ actual shoe.
Great story of Lois! I can certainly attest that I too have acted out in a display of temper. I was wallowing in self pity, as well as considering myself as a victim. It was not until I finally started working on myself, instead of trying to control the alcoholic in my life, that my life could change. How fortunate and blessed I was, to be in a program for many years with others who have shared their experience, strength and hope. I realize today that I need to work my program and that I am worth it!!! Keep Coming… Read more »