And Then There Was Technology
IRONICALLY, I came to the Rooms in early 2018 to support my then partner as he had a drink problem. I was mesmerised by what I heard - how the Programme was helping and had helped folk. Sadly he wasn’t impressed and after a couple of meetings didn’t return. It wasn’t until June that year I came into the Rooms for myself. I read the Steps and Traditions, attended for a few weeks then was put off by something someone said and in any case I could do it alone - how wrong I was. I learnt my lesson big style, returned in November and have never left the Rooms since. It’s been a topsy-turvy time since. Moments of grandeur, lying, blaming and being deceitful - the list goes on. I had three sponsors, reached Step Four then started again. Thankfully with another sponsor I am at Step Eight. Step Nine is going to be challenging as there are some people I need to make amends to face-to-face who don’t have video conferencing. I’m going to talk to my sponsor about this.
Where am I going with this story you may ask? Well it’s this. The Rooms have been a life line in more ways than one to me. I was suspended from work for four months and was allowed to return in April of last year with a provision that I kept going to the meetings, provided I had no more episodes of sickness for the same reason, there would be no disciplinary action and a timescale of a year. My HP certainly has been with me as that year came to fruition yesterday, Easter Monday. It couldn’t have been more appropriate. I have found a whole new world of friends who understand my illness. The meetings are places where I can go say how I feel. I get encouragement (instead of criticism), support, understanding, peace and comfort knowing that what is said is genuine and from the heart. Working full-time and having a dog, I haven’t attended many meetings outside Sunderland, although when I have, I’ve felt the same friendly greeting and warmth of friendship.
The prospect of no meetings terrified me along with isolation. I work in the NHS and although I have health issues to me it was a no brainer - work/isolation, virus/death by alcoholism. Then along came video conferencing. Alien to a lot of us. I’m not one for picking up technology very easily. My grandson shows me what to do on my iPad and my son on a laptop. The latter seems stupid as I use a computer all day at work but take away my mouse (although I now know I can use one with a laptop - I’m learning!!) and I am lost. Like my addiction to alcohol, I am addicted to video conferencing My church has just gone with the flow as have the meetings I go to in Sunderland - even have a quiz night on a Saturday (I’m always the one with the booby prize, but hey someone has to be last!). A good friend gave me the link to meetings he goes to and knows of in London and I’ve been visiting them. I’ve made new friends and contacts and enjoy the experience of listening to folk in the wider world - it’s just totally mind blowing for me. I can’t remember the last time I actually watched a programme right through on TV - if I’m not using video conferencing then I’m either on the phone or messaging friends. Lola my Labrador is enjoying me visiting meetings using video conferencing as she gets more cuddles when I sit still for longer than usual so she snuggles up beside me. I’ve heard a lot of people say they can’t wait to be back in the Rooms and see folk properly face to face, share a packet of biscuits, celebrate birthdays with a buffet - I feel the same but by the same token I’ll really miss video conferencing.
Whatever your HP is, it has bought something along to help us through this lockdown. Bill and Bob suffered from isolation but I don’t think since AA started has there ever been anything like this. During the war there were restrictions and blackouts but folk still socialised, communities looked after each other. Back doors were never shut - the door always open if you needed company. It makes you wonder about Mother Nature. Is this payback time for not heeding the warnings we have had for many years.? You don’t know what you’ve missed until it’s taken away from you. All kinds of values are being learnt during this time. Stay safe and well - we are never in total isolation; our HP is always by our side.
Best wishes
CAROL-ANN, Sunderland.