Four Years from Last Wager

In the category of “what a difference a year makes” yesterday compared to one year ago was significantly different. One year ago I was released back into the free world and spent most of that day getting my bearings down. Yesterday one year into the free world I had a very busy day at work but it was a wonderful day indeed. I went for my usual morning run and since I was headed to Colorado for the weekend I did a little more than usual. The workout was followed by me going into the office to get some things done. I had hoped to venture out of the office to see a very good friend but I could only breakaway for a few minutes in order for me to get a haircut. I had been long overdue for a haircut since my last one was Christmas Eve. My wife kept telling me I needed to get a haircut but I couldn’t find the time. Finally I decided to take the 30 minutes and go down the street to my barber where I got my haircut. These are the simple things of life and hopefully I will never grow to a point where I take these things for granted.

The day flew by at work and I could have stayed much longer but it was necessary for me to get home. My daughter was performing in the school’s talent show. My daughter and her friends weren’t successful in their audition; however; the teachers responsible for the talent show had asked my daughter and her friends if they wanted to perform the Star Spangled Banner at the start of the show. My daughter seemed very pleased to have been asked and she was practicing so hard this week in preparation for their debut. She wouldn’t say much about how the performance would go because she wanted us to see it for ourselves. I am so happy I had the opportunity to see her and her friend perform last night. I was pleasantly surprised how well the performance went and the fact that they actually sang the National Anthem I was very impressed.

The National Anthem is a very difficult song to perform and my daughter and her friend did a fantastic job. They didn’t miss any words and as they completed my daughter had her big bright beautiful smile on her face full of pride. I too had a big smile on my face knowing my daughter is an amazing and talented person. I wouldn’t say she is ready for American Idol but for an 11 year old in front of audience she did very well. We stayed to see a few acts in the show and there was some talent on display. My daughter wanted to stay for her curtain call but my wife and I had to leave in order to prepare for the very busy weekend.

I was headed to Colorado and my wife was headed to the ball fields for opening day. I did go back to pick up my daughter and to see the curtain call. She was still beaming with pride and energy at the end of the show and I gave her a big hug when I saw her. It was a great day and culminated with a great evening performance. We drove back home where I finished packing for the weekend and everyone was in bed early.

I had to wake up very early this morning in order to make it to the airport. Fortunately I have a very good friend who lives near the airport and I was leaving my car with this dear friend so I could save on the parking fees. I was out of bed well before dawn and on the road to the airport. My family had a few more hours of sleep remaining before their very busy day and I kissed everyone good-bye. I did have mixed feelings as I departed because I love my family so much and I love these types of days. Additionally I knew a big burden was placed on my wife’s shoulders (once again!) with all the running around she needed to do today. However; this was a special trip to Colorado to not only see my sister who is turning 40 but my mother and other sister who both flew to Colorado from New Jersey for this special occasion. My wife would do a great job as she always does and I knew my family was in her great care.

I made it to the airport right on time and everything went well as I boarded the airplane. The flight to Denver was without incident but it was a very full flight which is certainly the norm nowadays. Gone are the days of half full flights and I was near a couple of babies and a couple of toddlers. The babies were typical as they were fussy on takeoff and landing but when we were in the air they were great. The toddler behind me kept kicking my seat but I didn’t say anything because I could hear the father saying, “Stop that” constantly. It is just part of air travel and having two children myself I fully understood the father’s predicament.

The flight landed on time and I met my two sisters and mother outside the terminal as their flight was actually early. All the planning worked out perfectly and we were headed to my sister’s house for a great weekend. It was my nephew’s birthday yesterday and he was having a birthday party this afternoon. I went with everyone to the very nice birthday party and I was impressed as to how well behaved the children were all throughout the party. The affair was indeed very nice and the day moved along well.

Tonight my mother and I met a very dear friend at my favorite restaurant franchise P.F. Chang’s. We had a wonderful time the entire evening. The food and most certainly the company were great. I had hoped to meet with my sponsor as well but a prior very important commitment kept my sponsor away. It is really unbelievable how much Gamblers Anonymous continues to touch my life. The friendship I have with this dear friend started through the GA Program and continue to grow and grow through the GA Program. We talked about recovery which is always a great subject and yes, my life is enriched because of recovery. This was a wonderful day and I am so fortunate and blessed to be experiencing all this wonderment.