It was because the AA meeting I went to at the prison was beyond sad.
One of the inmates shared that she'd talked with her mother, whom she's seen only once in nine years, earlier this week, and she told her mom that next year she'd be straight and sober for Christmas. And Mom said, "I love you, baby, and I can't wait for that day."
Two days later her mother died.
As always happens when an emotional issue arises, the women took over with more comfort and wisdom than I could ever muster. The daughter was sad and angry and she wanted the world to stop. How dare we carry on with our lives [that's the editorial "our"] when her heart was broken?
Well, that meeting stopped for her, at least for a little bit.
Those of us who have lost a parent know "it gets easier" and "time heals." It's true. But I couldn't bring myself to say it to her, she was so very raw.
What I said – and what I've shared only with my husband, until last night and, now, with you – is that when my dad died, I wanted to die, too. I didn't see much reason for "keeping calm and carrying on." I just wanted to leave this world as quickly as possible so I could see him again. That may sound silly or maudlin or deranged, but it's how I felt, and if there's one thing you have to do when you're sober and grieving it's FEEL.And boy, does it suck.
Her mother lived half the country away from southern West Virginia, and yes, the Bureau of Prisons granted the inmate a furlough to go the funeral. For two hours. And so she's not going. She felt it would be too hard on her children to see her for only two hours at their grandmother's funeral.
Already she's thinking of others instead of herself. Already she's thinking things through and making good decisions. Already she's healing.
So what are the gifts in this scenario, since this month's writing exercise is supposed to be all about the gift?
For me, it was seeing a hundred women wiping away sympathetic tears, offering their own experience, strength and hope, stopping time for that young woman, wrapping her in their collective arms. The humanity and compassion they showed their sister will stay with me long after this season's tree lights are put away and the wrapping paper has been tossed.
The gift of compassion is one we could all use a little more of, and one we could all give.
What other gifts am I missing?
3 comments:
Thank you for taking meetings into the prison. My son's addiction took him to prison for almost 2 years..and he does remember all the people such as yourself who did not forget people like him.
A woman addict did a guest post on my blog a long time ago. She told a story like this, but her dad died while she was in prison.
Thanks for sharing.
I know someone who was in prison for a probation violation for 6 months. Many of us would never have gone away for 6 months for his infraction but we are not on probation. His grandfather died while he was in. His father wasn't in the picture while he was growing up so his grandfather was like a father to him. Even though anyone with common sense could see he was in no way a flight risk (he would be out in a few months), they would only let him go to the funeral if he paid for all the labor (thousands of dollars) for a guard to accompany him and he'd have to be in cuffs the whole time. Needless to say he did not go.
Lou, I will pray for your son and his continued sobriety. Young people seem to have such a hard time not picking up again.
Mauishopgirl, you have no idea the stupid things that can send you back to prison on a parole violation. My heart aches for everyone who violates and returns, and there are plenty of them who do. I believe the federal system requires the inmate's family to pay for a guard while on furlough. They're not in the business of making life easier, they're in the business of housing more and more prisoners. Sad.
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