This afternoon I watched “Saving Private Ryan”. The whole movie is about sparing a mother who had lost 3 sons in Second World War battles from losing her fourth son, Private Ryan. A squad was sent into a battle zone to find Private Ryan and to send him home. The Squad that was sent after … More A Motherless Child

Years ago, I was trying to learn to date again after my divorce. It was not going well. In a conversation with my oldest daughter, I was complaining about my inability to enjoy dating. She said, “Dad, maybe your dates would go better if you did not treat every conversation as an opportunity to win.” Ouch. … More Thoughts About Being Right

There is a story of a hiker walking through the woods. He carelessly knocked over a beehive. The bees were very angry and began to chase the man down the path. He came to a mud puddle and jumped in. He sank into the mud, clear to his ankles. That may not sound very deep … More A Perspective Shift

When you get a compliment, don’t let it go to your head. Instead, take it to heart. Discounting the obvious and indulging in denial both lead me to disaster. Seven words spoken to me that gave me new life: “Let me take you to a meeting.” Burying my secrets is a one day at a … More No Condemnation

When I was in my mothers womb my mothers youngest sister died. Her name was Ruth. She was the darling of the family and by every account was a delightful young woman. I was told all my boyhood and the years while I was maturing that I was a gift from God. That was because … More Easy Does It

One time I fainted from hunger. It was on a Saturday morning. When I went through the kitchen to get some breakfast. My mom was sitting at the dining room table. She said I am sorry but we don’t have anything for you to eat. I nodded my head at her to let her know … More Bad Memories

About the time I turned 40 my Mom turned 70. I asked my “Mom, What do you know at 70 that you wish you had known at 40″? She instantly replied I wish I had known that you can accomplish more in one hour of praying than 40 hours of working.”

-The dependent and codependent life diseases are both deadly diseases. They cause a person to commit suicide one day at a time. -Pity and sympathy were a love substitute for me when I was afraid I would never be loved. -It is not OK for negative people to treat me the way they want to … More Good Ideas

Good Recovery Ideas…..-“WAIT” W.hy ..A.m ..I.. T.alking? .This is a good way to remember an important caution for us Al-Anons. -Said by a frustrated Al-Anon who found herself using stinking, old behaviors. “I wish I could pee in a cup to see if I was being codependent again”. -FEAR: False.. Evidence.. Appearing..Real. -I am powerless … More Good advice for Us Al-Anons