Two Days, Baby

The group passed around a generic birthday card for me at the meeting yesterday.  A lot of pleasantly generic greetings showed up: some people that I don't know very well felt obligated to write something and some people that I know well didn't know what to write.  One guy drew a picture of me in a hat which was definitely unique but a little weird.

While I'm uncomfortable with official rituals I was still overwhelmed with the obvious affection that was coming at me.  It's one thing to see it on an individual basis, another altogether when there are a bunch of people involved.

Here are a few of my favorites . . . . 

Thank you for all of your good energy and help.  Your friend, Twitch.

This from a woman who is almost as high-strung as me.  I called her "twitchy" one day and she's never let me forget it.

You rock!!  Love the doves.  Amy

Amy is kind of California flower child who has tattoos of birds all over her body.  I told her the story about a couple of mourning doves sitting on my chimney right after my mom died, and cooing away.  The noise bounced around the flue, sounding almost amplified.  I have no doubt that it was a message from mom.

Steve  I sought my soul - my soul eluded me.  I sought my God - my God I could not see.  I sought my brother - and I found all three.  Loretta

From my wife's sponsor.

READ AND ACCEPT.  So much love here for you . . . evidence of a higher power.  Rob

Rob is a first tier friend.  He knows I don't accept compliments graciously which is a kind of reverse egotism, like refusing gifts and ruining the joy of giving a gift for the gift-giver, when the proper response is: "Thank you."

Some people confused "are" instead of "our" and using "your" instead of the contraction "you're" was common.  The word guy in me couldn't look away.  Lots of exclamation points.  No need to shout, people, I'm right here.

LSD Boy wrote something nice so I guess I haven't pissed him off too much.  (Note to self - you have something to work on.)

It was mentioned more than once that I always speak to the new people.  This makes me happy and it's true.

Here, though, was my favorite: 

Steve - This is my second meeting.  Thank you for the inspiration and walking the path ahead.  Happy Birthday!  Evan S.