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Dear
Readers,
Like all of you, I was stunned by the terrible events
of September 11th, 2001. On the Saturday following that tragic
day, the alumni of the Van Ost Institute had planned a picnic
for those recovering people who had successfully completed
the Institute's intensive treatment program. A decision was
made not to cancel because severe stressful events create
a particular danger to the maintenance of sobriety for those
who are in early recovery.
I must
admit that my wife and I almost didn't go...I had just undergone
a fairly uncomfortable surgical procedure...that, and the
horrible acts of terrorism which had occurred a few days before,
had worn us out. But, bottom line, we did go, and we experienced
one of the happier events since the founding of the Institute.....recovering
graduates, their spouses and their children...all joined together,
hugging each other, in mutual support....we had each other
and were able to return to our homes afterward uplifted and
revived. This is what treatment and recovery is all about!
As one
recovering addict wrote following treatment:
"I've
learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today,
life does go on.... and it will be better tomorrow.......I've
learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way
he or she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage....and
tangled Christmas tree lights....I've learned that regardless
of your relationship with your parents...you'll miss them
when they are gone from your life.
"I've
learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making
a 'life.....I've learned that life sometimes...does give you
a second chance.....I've learned that you shouldn't go through
life with a catcher's mitt on both hands....you need to be
able to throw something back.
"I've
learned that if you pursue happiness....it will probably elude
you.....But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the
needs of others, your work, and doing the very best that you
can, happiness will find you.
"I've
learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart...I
usually make the right decision.....I've learned that, even
when I have pains....I don't have to be one.
"I've
learned that, every day, you should reach out and touch someone....People
love that human touch, a holding, warm hug..or just that friendly
pat on the back.
"I've
learned that...I still have so very much to learn....Sometimes
we need just a little something to make us smile.....I've
learned that people may forget what you said, people may forget
what you did, but people will never forget how good you made
them feel.
"I've
learned that you should pass this on to someone you care about......I
just did."
This
week, I thought it might also be appropriate to print the
Serenity Prayer which is recited at most 12-Step meetings.
Used for centuries by followers of St. Francis of Assisi,
this prayer was modified first by Reinhold Neibuhr in 1926
and again by Bill Wilson in the '50s for use in AA as a supplement
to the 12 Steps:
"God
grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know
the difference."
This prayer
alone has worked miracles in people's lives but to the millions
of addicts who have recovered in 12-Step programs it is looked
upon as being like a first aid kit...something to use until
the doctor comes...to give everyday comfort before logically
proceeding to taking the Twelve suggested Steps which gave
them sobriety.....Yes, treatment does work.
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