We are very grateful at A Home Away. Last Saturday we hosted our 2nd Annual Alumni BBQ, and what a sucess. We had former guests come from far and wide, and some from just across the lake, to  celebrate their sobriety in  the place where it began.  I commented to one of our former guests about how lucky John and I were for the grandchildren. “Oh,” he stated, “which one is your grandchild?”. I smiled big, and said, “All of them!” And there were a number of happy children present that have sober parents today. Some of them born before sobriety, some after, and one still in utero. What lucky children for their parents new lifestyle.

There were a lot of hugs and tears, and  reminiscing. The kids took full advantage of the pool and the sunshine, splashing and laughing endlessly. Everyone else took advantage of the opportunity to reconnect, make new friends, and enjoy Chef Rene’s iced cappuchinos and fruit punch. After a few hours when we got to the actual BBQ, the meal, as expected, was amazing. People are still talking about Chef David’s chocolate cake masterpiece. I don’t know how he does it!

After we were all full, we moved down to the lower level of the patio. We put our chairs in a big circle, surrounded by blossoms and birdsong, and had a ’round of gratefuls’. Each person present (about 25 of us), had an opportunity to express what they were grateful for. There was overwhelming love surging through the circle as alumni shared about moving from the depair and death of addiction, to hope, light and peace.

Jim Copeman, our music director brought his drums and assortment of percussion instruments. Along with AHA’s own drums there was a music maker for everyone. Jim lead us in a few pointers, then in a melodic and hypnotic series of drumming sessions. It was an incredible experience, sitting into the late evening,  the magnificant moon rising up to shine off the lake, and being a part of a drumming circle of miracles. Everyone had indeed moved from the discord of their lives to harmony with the universe. Thanks be to God.

And not to forget our beloved friend Cocoa, who seemed to enjoy the day almost more than we did. Thanks be to Cocoa!