Just weeks after a milestone birthday, I broke my hip in three places. I’d been shooing a lizard off my front porch, and when the lizard leaped, I reacted to its sudden movement and hit the floor. I exited my house on a stretcher and spent months recovering.
During the mending period, I had time to think about how Al-Anon applied to my current circumstances. Step Twelve tells me that I can practice program principles in all my affairs, and this affair was no different.
“Gratitude” surfaced first. A top orthopedist performed my emergency surgery because he was on call. My body now has mobility since I was approved for extended rehab. Family and friends were unwavering in their care and encouragement. There were reasons to be hopeful.
I had time on my hands but could do little. Whenever my brain switched into fix-it mode, I was reminded of my wobbly legs and weakened body. I was unable to be of service by bringing a meeting to someone who may need it, drive my granddaughter to soccer, walk the dog, or rescue a distraught friend. Bound by my body’s limitations, I was forced to focus on myself like never before. I thought of the slogans “First Things First” and “Let It Begin with Me.”
I was often impatient with the process. I resented carefree runners breezing by my door and felt frustrated by my slowness and uneven gait. Recovery was taking too long, and it hurt too much. Then I would remember, “One Day at a Time,” “Easy Does It,” and “Keep It Simple.” These slogans that had sustained me through the many crises of active alcoholism and beyond were very useful in this situation too.
I see daily proof that “this too shall pass.” I am healing, moving forward, and embracing existence. Once again, Al-Anon principles have enhanced my life.
By Thea J., Georgia
Feel free to reprint this article on your service arm website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA