This past holiday week was spent away from my family and with my new family to be. Chris and I ventured to his home town to celebrate the holidays. If I were to tell you I had piles of fear leading up to this trip it would be an understatement.
His family much like my own was very warm & welcoming, so much so that at times it felt like my own, which I think is a good thing. I had a wonderful time visiting old haunts, old houses where they all grew up and getting to see how cute the town of New Albany, Indiana really is.
After slightly white knuckling it from Thursday to Monday morning, (luckily, they aren't the same kind of drinkers my family is) I arrived at my very first Indiana meeting.
Imagine for a moment how I'd already put myself on the outside, urbanite, gay, Yankee, amongst other things.
I walked into a clubhouse and found the meeting room, crowded with probably 30 or so people who from all outside appearances suddenly cued the song "One of these things is not like the other" form Sesame Street. My instinct to turn around and walk out was strong, or rather, my disease was strong.
I sat down in that smoke filled room and took a deep a breath as possible. I listened and heard and was suddenly the same as everyone in that room. We were all there for the same common purpose, not to drink that day. I feel I sometimes lose sight of that in the meetings I attend and am comfortable at. Perhaps 2012 will usher in a new meeting a week just to step outside myself a bit more.
As an Indiana native I'm happy to hear that you were welcomed! :)
ReplyDeleteSO Warmly. What a bueatiful area of the country!
ReplyDeleteIs beautiful, and always appreciate friendly family! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Great message.
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