Home > The Diaries > (24)

The Diaries

One day out -- free at last

Previous | Next

One day out: Free at last, free at last, thank Goddess almighty I'm free at last (sorta -- still have 2 1/2 years of probation)

Hello, everyone, from this side of the "house" doors. I am home, sorting through 18 months of clutter in my unused house (don't ask) and settling into a world of quiet, lightening bugs, creek baths and happy dogs. Because of all of you, I am here to share this moment. Just came back from the first noon 12-STEP that I've been able to attend openly for way too long, enjoying the smiles and hugs of my friends, sharing with them that I am free -- and that I have been free for the past 13 years, 3 months and 9 days (2/02/94 -- my sobriety date), as long as I keep doing the next right thing and living one day at a time.

I will write more this weekend once I get my computer home. I have already started the final piece, "what I've learned", and I will send that to all of you when it is done. But first the important stuff. The May 19 homecoming party is "ON" so plan to join me next Saturday at my farm. Come whenever you'd like. Folks who get there after noon can eat and then take a hike on the farm with me. (Bring comfortable shoes/boots, bug repellant and a change of clothes if you want to do that.) We'll probably eat dinner around 5:00 pm-ish (please bring something for the table) and sit around the bonfire thereafter. Please bring children, friends, folding chairs, blankets and musical instruments. You are welcome to camp out for the weekend.

Out of deference to my two dogs, please leave your pets at home. And in anticipation that Uncle Sam might send some unwelcome "guests" to the party, please don't bring anything that would get you (and me) in the kind of trouble that I have only recently escaped from. (By doing that, you can experience my abstinent world for one day, compared to my 2,555.) There will be a wide range of folks there so come be a part of the co-mingling of my cultures. I really look forward to seeing all of you, some for the first time. You're the ones I've been waiting for.

I hope to see many of you next weekend. Again, if you're traveling, feel free to arrive Friday night and stay through Sunday. Y'all come (and if you can't, holler at me anyway. It is always a blessing to hear from as
many of you as possible.) Bernie

Previous | Next