Blessed Dear Friends!!!

I departed the office last night before the Monday evening Gamblers Anonymous meeting. I hate to belabor the point but in my quest for balance I would not attend the meeting last night in favor of going tonight. I wanted to see a very dear friend of mine who had once again “came through” for me and my family.

I had written about possibly attending a baseball game a few weeks ago with my son and we couldn’t make it but through the miracles in the program my dear friend had “somehow” acquired tickets to a Los Angeles Angels (that looks weird!!) game next week not only for my son and I but for our entire family. My dear friend was bringing the tickets to the GA meeting tonight and once again I am eternally grateful for all the friendships I have attained in recovery.

This dear friend not only brought the tickets for the game but “schwag” (a term for goodie bag) for all of us. These dear friends are so thoughtful because in the “care” packages were two backpacks; one for my daughter and one for my son. My daughters backpack contained two large packages of “Cracker Jacks” (a baseball game wouldn’t be complete without this snack!), an Angel’s baseball complete with stand so the players can sign, and an American Girl magazine. My son’s backpack contained the Cracker Jacks and baseball along with baseball cards and fun book on baseball. Also my wife and I were given a very large package of peanuts; once again a baseball game wouldn’t be complete without peanuts!!

I was once again blown away by the thoughtfulness of these dear friends. As if this weren’t enough this dear friend invited me to play in a golf tournament this Saturday and as the “activity” schedule was checked I could attend the golf tournament. These are the same friends who came to visit me when I was in the “real” prison so I wouldn’t have to be alone for my first Christmas away from my family. These were the same friends who made it a point to come visit me as soon as I arrived at the fire camp and many times thereafter. I won’t forget those visits and the incredible selflessness of these dear friends.

These are people I didn’t know over three and half years ago and now they are very dear friends. Actions speak louder than words and these dear friends have very special actions that continue to touch my life so much.

I brought these incredibly thoughtful gifts home to my family and my wife was also blown away. My daughter was very grateful and all my son could say was “cool” as he rifled through the backpack. He quickly opened the baseball cards and was very impressed with everything he had been given. Wow; these are incredible people and I am eternally grateful for all that they have done and continue to do for me and my family; THANK YOU!!!!

Today was a “normal” day at the office and I was awaiting word on my proposal. I did get some feedback and it was positive. I have a very good relationship with this person and I could tell that the proposal was right where it should have been; not too low and not too high. We still need to address some specifics but the end result was “we will work something out”.
The Gamblers Anonymous meeting was very good and once again I cannot say enough about this program. It continues to bring so much goodness into my life and I am eternally grateful to the program and the incredible friends I continue to make. While I was at the meeting my wife and daughter were attending a meeting for my daughter’s involvement in the school band.

Last year she played the clarinet and does seem to like as she expressed interest in continuing to play. Apparently my daughter is slightly ahead of the other children out here because the other children will be just starting to play their instruments whereas my daughter has a year under her belt. This is good and we will see where all this plays out.

My wife informed me today that our daughter’s math level is of the 7th level even though she is in the 5th grade. My daughter has the “toughest” teacher in the 5th grade and we believe this is a good thing for our daughter. This teacher gets the students prepared for the middle school and does provide challenges for the students. My daughter is a very good student and she needs to be challenged. Once again everything continues to work out for the very best in every aspect.