I’m really liking The-One Minute Writer blog, but sometimes I just can’t write for just a minute. For something that requires little writing, it sure brings up a lot of words. Today’s prompt is Write about an item you own that isn’t worth much money but has great value to you. So, if you don’t mind, I’m going to share this with you and I’m sure it will take more than a minute.
But first, I need you to go back with me. Back to probably March 1, 2008. Close your eyes…wait…that won’t work. Aw, just read on….
Today was probably the actual first day of rest of my life. I had been in rehab since Feb 25th, but never…clear headed.
“Why Scott?”
Well, one of the first things they do when checking in, after getting poked and prodded and squeezed and questioned, is to give you a little blue pill. This little blue pill is used to keep us relaxed and our nerves down as we start our detox process. Keeps the blood pressure regulated. All in all a good thing.
It also has a tendency to make you feel reeaaallllyyyyy good, you just don’t remember feeling reeaaallllyyyy good. In case your wondering, it’s Valium.
For 5 days they give you one of these pills before each meal. So, just as one wears off, the other picks up and you go back to that zombie state. I’m telling ya, you can tell the new arrivals from the ones that have been there for a while. Just picture a zombie, and there you have the new guy/gal. Kinda funny picture in my head, but hey, I was one too. Not poking fun.
So, today was the first day that I wake up and don’t have the luxury of receiving this little blue pill. The first day where I have to make it without any substance to kick this habit. Clear headed. The beginning.
After a normal day of group meetings, night has fallen, and it’s the first chance that I get to leave the campus. The first day I go on the other side of “the gate.”
I leave the safety zone.
The first day I venture out into the real world.
The first day I taste of life on the “outside.”
The day I enter the danger zone.
No, I don’t go alone. There is a van load of us. But still, there was something eerie about leaving that night.
Anyway, we go as a group to AA meetings. This was my very first AA meeting.
The two images you see below are pictures of the 24 Hour Chip. This is the signal for a desire for a new life for the recovering alcoholic.
Front
Back
This is my mark for my new life.
It’s probably not worth any more than a penny, as you can probably get them for a dime a dozen.
But, to me, it’s more valuable than all the gold in Fort Knox. So don’t offer to buy it.
SC
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6 Comments
Hi Scott – never been an alcoholic but can relate to all you say. God bless!
May Your Glass Always Be Half Full
Maxi Malone’s last blog post..You Choose
You know that saying…”This is the first day of the rest of your life”-well it seems fitting. I’m sure you must feel a great freedom in your new life and in this freedom you feel joy and happiness-because now your focus is different-you don’t have that monkey on your back-it’s almost like floating on air.
What an important “chip” to have-a reminder of how important your life is and how making this change has allowed you so much freedom.
This is the first day of the rest of your life-yes, we must all remember to treat each day as a gift, a blessing that we are given by God. There’s no promise for tomorrow, so live in this day, love all you can and be thankful and grateful for all that the Lord has made.
Thanks be to God our Lord and Saviour forever and ever!
Amen!
Lots of love,
Leslie
Leslie’s last blog post..My Attempt at Collaging-Another Christmas gift
One day at a time…
I’ve not battled alcohol addiction, but I have had my rounds with nicotine (snuffed out my smoking addiction about 4 years ago now). I’m really not sure of the similarities, but I do remember the fear and scariness you speak of triggered by normally smoking related events – having a beer at a bar, taking a long drive alone, attending a concert, hanging out with friends who smoke, the list goes on and on. At some point, you just become a non-smoker rather than an ex-smoker.
Jamie’s last blog post..Here’s a Method Today’s Parents are Using to Connect With Their Teens
@Maxi – Thanks for your kind words. I must say though, I’m sooo glad your not an alcoholic
Thanks for the vist.
@Leslie – It truly is a wonderful feeling. As horrible as this sounds, I hope that everyone experiences some life changing event in their life. Something that makes them realize, that all of this mess here, on earth…it’s not for them. More freedom, more happiness. It’s not ALL great, but the worst day of my life now, is soooooo much better than the best day of my life before. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, and for the company!
@Jamie – I will let you know if they are the same, hopefully very very soon. Smoking is my next demon to kick.
I dread it too. But, I hope to one day be an ex-smoker as well. Thanks to you as well for stopping in!
Hi Scott – Your story brought tears to my eyes when I thought of how a 24 hour chip which has little “value” (to most anyone else) is so priceless to you. That represents a wonderful milestone in your life; one which you’ll always remember and treasure. I’m very proud of you for all you’ve done and for writing about your progress. Undoubtedly you are helping many. Keep up the great job!
Barbara Swafford – Blogging Without A Blog’s last blog post..When Your Truth Is Different Than Mine
@Barbara – Thanks so much for your kind words and your encouragement. It is MUCH appreciated. I’ll send you some puffs after I post this
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[...] way, ready to face the outside world at this point. It had only been three days. (I was wrong in the post where I mentioned the little blue pill. They don’t give it to you for five days, it’s [...]