Friday the 13th

Speaking of an emotional roller coaster...For the past few days I have felt pretty down & angry. Today, however, was the bright spot in my week that I've been needing. I (nervously) went to my first Al Anon meeting. It was a fairly large meeting of at least 30 people...so big that they never even got around to me in the circle as people were sharing. I actually found that to be o.k. with me for my first meeting...to sort of sit back and take it all in instead of feeling compelled to share. I also told a few more friends about our situation today and was so touched by the positive support they extended. When Rich first entered rehab, I emailed a couple of his friends to let them know about what was happening, and I was so disappointed that one of his "close" buddies has yet to even respond. I think that fear of abandonment has kept me from continuing to share with others and reach out for help. Today's experience taught me a valuable lesson: I have to show others respect by giving them the chance to experience & feel their own set of emotions about this process of recovery. Thank you to all of you who have been praying for our family...no words could ever express how much we have been blessed by your love.