Because I Can...

I have a personal motto, a statement, that I have tried diligently to uphold throughout my recovery. The recovery program ETA suggests that each member establish ideals in several areas of our lives. As a dedicated member of ETA I have done so and, today, I would like to share one of those ideals with you. My personal motto is: "I'm just here to help." Isn't that catchy? In fact, it catches almost everything that I do. Think about it.

Now, I have a friend who is a normie and is in the recovery program ETAnon. She is a lovely woman and we've known each other for years. She frequently states that she must get new friends but she hasn't taken any action on this decision, so there you go. Seems to me that she's stuck with the friends she's got. What a lucky gal! For the purposes of this post, I shall call her Barbie.

Barbie had a dilemma a few months ago and she sought my assistance in resolving this issue (I don't remember what it was about). I gave her my own special brand of encouragement and made several suggestions she could try. When she closed her eyes, sighed and then put her face in her hands, I reminded her that I was just here to help.

With considerable enthusiasm, she replied, "I know! We all know that you are just here to help. We're going to put it on your tombstone, 'She was just here to help'. And if you don't quit helping me, it's going to be put on there SOON." This didn't sound to me like gratitude. In response to her rather harsh comment, I'm going to tell you a little story about her. It will help you get to know her. (See motto.)

Barbie had to go to the dentist for a toothache. It must have been really bothersome because Barbie is not too keen on visiting dentists unless absolutely necessary and/or there is not one single other option. As a result of the appointment, Barbie was scheduled for a root canal. She was not a happy camper. For two days, we all heard about Barbie's aversion to dental work, dental offices, dental hygienists, dental instruments, dental bills... you get the picture, I'm sure.

Finally, Barbie went to get her root canal. What a relief for the rest of the world! After she left for her appointment there was a small, private celebration which included anyone that had come into contact with her during the last couple of days. We were all so happy for her. The suffering would soon be over.

Later, she talked about her experience at the dentist. The work completed, the dentist walked her to the receptionist' desk. He said that he was going to give her a prescription for some pain medication and.. At this point, Barbie's hearing failed and her brain kicked into high gear. "You can't have pain medication!" Barbie told herself. "He wants you to take narcotics and you can't do that! You are in recovery! Pain medicine will screw up your sobriety! Tell him you don't want any drugs." Then another thought crowded into her mind, "You aren't an alcoholic or a drug addict, Barbie! Your friends are."

She actually told me this! Can you believe it? She told the whole group of her ETA friends! What a cuckoo clock! And we thought alcoholics were sick? We have nothing on those ETAnon's. I believe they get the prize. That doesn't mean that we can't learn from them, though.

In keeping with the principals of ETA, I am supposed to carry the message to others and I want to assure you that I've carried this message to every person I know. Now I've carried it to you, many of whom I don't know. Because that is the kind of person I am. Plus, I am just here to help.

Have a good and sober day.