The First Tulip of Spring - there really are disadvantages to being first...It is snowing outside. It is supposed to be a very short-lived storm. I hope so. I am ready to see no more snow for five or six months.
My daughter is taking the bus to work today from my house. It takes exactly one minute longer than from where she was living. You just never know about bus routes.
A few months ago when I had night watch at my house and we were answering the phone calls for the local AA central office, after a few calls a couple of the guys asked me how I knew the bus routes so well. I can pretty much rattle off - take the 21 to the 76 to the 38, etc... no matter where a person needs to go. These guys were looking at me in the context of my current life and I guess that seemed kind of strange to them. So, I explained...
I never rode the bus until I was sober for 5 years and lost everything. When I didn't have a car, and the weather wouldn't permit riding a bicycle, I learned to ride the bus. And I got really grateful for the bus. When I was sober for 10 years and the debt of child support was absolutely crushing, I got rid of my car so that I could afford the child support - and again, I rode the bus for a few years. It was trickier then because I was working full time and going to school... but I did it. It made me more appreciative of things. And I paid every cent that I owed, and that kind of thing used to be stressed.
When other people rush around to give someone a ride or a car so that they can avoid public transportation, I wonder what wonderful experiences they are missing. For me, it was something that I am still grateful for.
Especially when I get into my nice warm car and drive where I want to go - when I want to go there.
8 comments:
As you often do, you stand as an example for me in so many ways. Bless you for that.
Blessings and aloha...
I love to see people come to AA meetings via public transportation. It tells me something about their character.
I also love to see people come to AA meetings in vintage and classic cars. It tells me something about their obsessions. LOL
I do public transportation when I go to cities where it is reliable and good. The Metro in DC is a good example. I also used the trolley in Denver. Here, the buses are not reliable and there is no subway. I used to bike when I lived closer to work. It was great.
Oh, Mary say it ain't so! The snow I mean!
Yes! If I know that someone is within walking distance or a bus ride to a meeting, I suggest that is how they get there. If the meeting ends after dark,I will offer a ride home. I have been called mean and cruel for this. I was willing to crawl to meetings, and I still am! Love Ya!
We've got the same kind of hardy tulips in Chicago. Hopefully also the same kind of hardy AA and Al-Anon members prepared to do whatever it takes to get to a meeting! Thanks!!
I too became a fan of public transportation. Today I am driving a friend, who relapsed after 19 years, to an appointment. This is the second time in less than a week. While I am grateful to provide for her what I can, I admit I questioned what effect this would have on her. This is actually none of my business. She phoned and asked. I have nothing preventing me from doing so. And I get to be of service, fellowship, and pick her brain a little about "what happened". All insurance for me which after my close call yesterday, is a welcome thing!
We don't have public transportation where I live so I am happy to provide a ride to a meeting I attend. There is a fine line between helping and hindering. That is why I keep coming back.
♥namaste♥
And everything everything that happens is for greater purpose. So what you accepted in sacrifice to a better purpose, to care for your kids, is now used to help others regularly as well.
WONDERFUL EXAMPLE!
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