the manners instilled by my parents choices and “must-dos” pros and cons cleaning Mom’s wounds relapsing addicts coming back to meetings getting Mom out of the house admitting when I fall short daydreaming Seeing Marc W.

Walking a little slower Speaking a little slower Listening a little more carefully a pink sky daylight and darkness sunshine and rain food and water land and seas trees and flowers days and seasons

a surprise IRS check a desire to love Mom no matter what! Christmas decorations God’s will for real: the “yes”, the “no”, the “I’m still here.” Less than 24 hours before seeing Timothy and Casey-Lee!!! Great teachers 12 Steps Robbie’s help and service virtual visits with my kids the willingness to pray other people getting…

a slim chance a fat chance a snowball’s chance a second chance Seeing move-in day for my youngest son and his “girl” … a/k/a “the Frans!” skilled workers Mom’s friendship and her efforts regrouping comforting Mom in her old age 22 days until California trip! the absence of fear cards from Alfred and Michael

Barbara H. The power of 12 Step meetings (NA) breathing (a personal favorite of mine) do-overs Celebrating Jo G’s 20 year anniversary!!! a new tattoo dancing around my house being asked to sponsor another recovering addict

Service to Mom the laughter of others Mom’s smile Not knowing a thing about what the future holds a forgiving heart the successes of others Remembering / forgetting Amanda’s bridal shower Hitting NYC with Pizzo!

Running water (hey, how about it!) My sponsor Making it through oral surgery Drama-free living Waking up and standing up Picking up Francesco from work Marc W’s friendship Frank Sinatra!! A booked vacation Chihuahuas! Honest people Telling the truth Shedding tears (ahhhhh! relief!) Little “D’s” life and legacy

Ben Franklin inventing eyeglasses! a developing life taking a “still using” addict to an NA meeting my sister and brother-in-law’s love excellent hygiene (oh yeah!) doing better/being better another chance my cousin Daria a/k/a “little D” the manners my parents instilled in me making new mistakes