ARE WE SO DIFFERENT???

At a meeting the other night I sat and listened to people like me that are struggling with problems that everyday life brings us. I wondered, other than introducing myself, Hi my names Ron and I'm an addict is my life that different from anyone else. The answer to me is the way we deal with the stress. Instead of just looking for a solution to the problem or just thinking it isn't all that bad, it gets compounded ten times. I listened to a man that was very angry that a fellow friend or co-worker stated that he started smoking again so he should start smoking crack anytime now. He was very upset at this statement. He really wanted to tell that person off or worse!! I have been dealing with those kind of comments and stereo typical statements and looks from some of my co-workers for 3 yrs now. I have come to the conclusion that I feel a bit sorry for them, they try to make my life the topic of the day to deflect what might be happening in theirs or how unhappy they are. God forbid that someone might say something to them that might be close to the inferiority issues that they have........or not.
For you people that want to pin point other peoples misfortunes and hardships in life, take a step back and think about feelings before you speak,,,It hurts and is very damaging to someone who might be trying to do the best they can for just that one day, may it be a cigerette or not.
I honestly sat back and just wondered if you would say those things if you were to go downtown to one of the worst areas of addiction and see the pain in the people's faces that live that way each and every day.
What if you see someone down there that is close to you, someone you loved that was fighting with addiction. Would it be wrong of me to say that they belong there? There's no hope for them!
I myself believe they don't want to be there and hope they fight their way out.
Maybe I'll say something simple to them like a hello or goodmorning or just a smile, you never know what might start someone back in either direction???
Choose your words carefully before you speak. You might not have realized the harmful impact they had on someone.
One day a person, the next day a drug addict. I prefer, a person with a drug problem.

ONE YEAR CAKE..AND A NEW DAY BEGINS TOMORROW

I had the pleasure of attending my nieces one year cake today. I have to admit that I use to worry sometimes just what kind of support she has and what kind of dedication she has to the program. I am no longer worried...
You are so beautiful and full of life now. I look at you with respect and admiration of your accomplishments and where you are in your life compared to a year ago.
I use to worry and I will continue to worry but it will be for each day for your continued sobriety.
One year is an incredible feat, yes it is but I would like to congratulate you for each one of your 365 days of staying clean and sober. Each day was a test and you have passed them to have the life you have now. It is 11:16pm and in 44 minutes the test starts again for another 24 hours, for another 365 days of that and for the rest of your life.
You have chosen the road that has brought us together again. It is a road that took me awhile to find too and now we can walk together my special Niece. I am so proud of you and I love you with all my heart.
You have made your Mom and Dad, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, Cousins and friends believe in you again.
Oh and of course last but certainly not least....Your beautiful Son who might not be able to appreciate what accomplishments you have overcome but he is so much happier for them.
LETS NEVER FORGET THE PAIN AND TURMOIL THAT ADDICTION BROUGHT TO OUR LIVES AND THE PEOPLE WE HURT, THEN SURELY WE WILL SUCCEED...I BELEIVE DO YOU?