Staying on the bus

What is your destination? Over the past year and a half I have seen so many loose sight and "give-up," some I hear from on occasion, others I get the news that they are no longer with us because this disease has taken them out...it is only by the grace of God that I am not one of those today.

I have learned that RECOVERY (especially early recovery) can be like a bus ride. We get on the bus knowing that we have a destination, a goal, a place we want to get to. And on this ride we meet others who get on the bus...we chat, exchange stories, smiles, hugs and support. Some people you even give an extra dose of support to. We talk about what it was like, what happened and how are life is today....

Then someone gets off...there is a void on the bus, a heaviness a sadness. Overtime they become a faint memory all while we stay firm standing together knowing that we have not reached our destination. Determined for a better life with less hurts. That people that leave too soon leave an irreplaceable mark on our lives, a sweet memory in our minds and a motivation to keep on keeping on.

We are tempted at times to escape and run...but we stay grounded and rooted. Others continue to get on and some get off real quick...but the light you shine into that persons life for the quick moment he or she is in your life maybe what saves their life when they go back out...the light may be and encouraging word, a hug, handshake or even smile...don't miss that precious opportunity. When that person is in their darkest moment with a drink in their hand, a needle in their arm, or a mouth full of pills our LIGHT  on the bus ride maybe what saves them.

This journey we call RECOVERY is full bumps and turns, stops, and detours...but it our job to be joyful...to let our new found appreciation for life, to shine so that is contagious to the newest person on the bus.

And for those who may have got off a little too soon...we will keep a seat warm for when you are READY it is never too late and you have never gone too far.... you are loved. Recovery really does rock and it is for everyone.

So I ask you again...what is your destination?