You Inspired An Action, Teresa

Pain Pills
1
Hi Teresa, I wanted to tell you something I did.
You, more than anyone, has been an advocate for being open about addiction. No need for details here, I know you know what I mean.
Yesterday I pulled into a parking place in town. There was a store that had been turned into a church. A very noble idea this church has too. Apparantly they help homeless people and distribute food to the needy as well as hold church services.
What struck me was a written message on the window. I sat in my car and just looked at it for I know ten minutes.
It said:

Murderers, sex offenders, drunkards, drug addicts, you are all welcome here.

I looked at that and felt indignation rise up in me.
I went inside and asked to speak to the paster/preacher/priest....whatever.
I told him that message was highly offensive. The very nice man looked stunned.
I explained that to put those of us with the disease of ALCOHOLISM, not that outdate word drunkards, would look at that and feel shame.
We were just lumped together with murderers and sex offenders. I gave him a quick education.
Shame keeps us sick. I certainly didn't see diabetics or any other diseased people added to that.
When I finished he cleaned the window and changed the message.
Boy, that felt good.
Chalk one up for education!
So perhaps, Teresa, all those times I heard you talk about speaking out, not being ashamed, and doing our part to educate others about our disease, had really sunk in.
Just wanted to share that with you. So often all of us here feel at times that we aren't heard and it's nice to know that we actually are.
Love, Kat
2
Kat, so much for stigma...really who would ANYONE say hey, thats me? Ahhh, no one.
Good for you!!!!!!!

Hugs.
3
Hey Wendy, you know what really got to me?
I've told my daughter about my addiction and recovery. It was very hard for me to be able to do that. I hated the possibility of her feeling shame.
I just imagined my daughter reading that.
Love, Kat
4
I hear ya kat, your right. it was demoralizing.
5
OMG... kat... I really dont know what to say.... I am sooo grateful not for myself but for all the addicts and alcoholics that you saved from feeling even more shame.... the very signs that was probably meant as a comfort.. a beacon in a storm if you will could have stripped someone of what little dignity they had left.... I am sooo proud of you my friend... I hope it wasnt too hard for you but it was an important step for you and your recovery. I am sure that person you spoke too probably felt a feeling of admiration for you that you have no idea about... this I am sure....

I want to say sooo much but I just dont have the words... aint that a switch..lol... anyway thank you for sharing that with me .... I would be lying if I said that I wasnt a little .. I dont know the word.... just... well it is nice to hear that someone is listening here.... thank you....

My God Bless us all...

Teresa
6
Kat,
You go girl! Glad it was changed. That is awesome.
take care
gi
7
Kat,
Thats awsome, and thats 12 step work, you carried the message big time with that one. I'm sure it wasn't intended that way, but thats how I'd have taken it too.
Should just have simply read All Are Wecome. Anyway, Great job Kat. The good thing is, you'll never know just how many people you've helped by doing that, and thats a great example of doing one thing good each day that we keep to ourselves and let others find out by accident. Since alot of people will probably enter that place now, that maybe wouldn't have before, you probably don't need to do another good deed for at least a year! lol you get extra credit for that one!

Take care..............Bob
8
hey,kat

Im so happy to read that.....I just sitting and thinking of the ones you have helped.They were cold,hungry,homeless,and scared b/c of that sign.I know i wouldnt of enter if i was in need.For them to compare us to murders,and the others.Thanks for shareing.....I bet you have made a differency...crystal
9
Thanks guys. I'm half asleep here from talking to Amy so late and having to do an essay on assassinated Presidents. (what fun) Hope my daughter gets an A.
I didn't see this until now.
What felt so good about doing this was that I felt no shame at all about my disease. I didn't really think I did anyway, but I must have. A year ago I don't think I would have confronted someone and openly explained addiction along with the fact I was one.
I think Teresa was right when she told us that it's almost an obligation. Sometimes we have to be willing to educate the public or we will forever be seen as character flawed people.
I feel different from this experience.....and I like it.
Nite, Kat
10
No character flaw showing in you ....lol..... and sometimes we have to be willing to take that leap of faith just to see what good will come immediately and in the long run.... for us and for others... the fruits of this will be and has already been seen in you now and as bob said the long range effects on others you may never know directly ... just know that you did good and I am sure you helped many....

If we cant or wont advocate for ourselves how can we expect others to advocate and stand up for us?....

Teresa
11
I'm telling you, folks, when my HP talks, people listen.

All kidding aside...

Kat,

I'm so proud of you. Thank you for standing up for all of us (again).

Love,
Gina