Friday, August 8, 2008

Anonymously Alcoholic


I was talking to my close friend (way back our Taiwan days) on the phone last week. As always, it’s nice to stay in touch and catching up what we’ve been through from being married, foods we missed back home to motherhood. Oh, she’s one of those very fine, modest and brilliant person I’ve ever met. She considers herself a daughter of an alcoholic Mom. Most of her frustrations lie on trying to reach out, establish a good and normal relationship with her Mom. I can’t really relate to her but I tried to understand, the best I can. Sometimes, it’s always a relief to have a real conversation (girl talk), if you know what I mean.

Anyway, she was so happy to tell me how her confession (to a priest) went on. Oh, I can still hear the enthusiasm of her telling me on how the priest was able to relate to her as they share the same sentiments. The priest gave her an assignment to read the book of Janet Woititz- titled “Adult Children of Alcoholic”. I was just so glad she finally was able to define the issue and resolve the struggle she had deep within. It may not be abrupt but I know slowly, wounds will heal.

Then, I told her how I was a little bit disappointed when I came back home for the fiesta and to attend the high school reunion last May. Old friends drink like there’s no tomorrow, they thought they’re so funny, dancing like a bold star, etc. I mean, to think that they’re all married and kids are at home. Gezz, I felt bad for them and they seemed stuck. I was even thinking maybe I’m getting old that I don’t have tolerance anymore. I don’t really drink or maybe occasionally because I don’t see the point of it. Spending money on liquor to make you feel better for a few minutes or hours then what? Oh yeah, throw up or you get sick the next day, grrrr.

Well, don’t get me wrong. My Dad drinks almost every weekend. He’s a cheap alcoholic though; one or two shots of beer or wine can make him dizzy. He just sleeps through it and the next day- he’s fine. Two of my sisters started drinking when they were only 15. My Mom’s brother drinks liquor as early as 6AM. That’s his coffee, I guess.

The most fascinating part though is when I met our big customer in UK. Oh, they just love drinking. Blaine told us about his trip to Germany on a trade show and how they manage to make a business deal despite being drunk. That’s how it works! You spend money to give them some drinks and you’ll get a good order in return. Awesome!

I’m just so grateful my Mom doesn’t drink nor my husband. We’re both too conservative about drinking. Well, I guess I gotta grab that book later this weekend. Hopefully, it can give me a better hindsight about the matter.
Shawie

4 Grateful Heart's Words:

SHIELA said...

It's good that you don't drink liquor. I do drink before occasionally...but since I threw up in front of my friends...I stopped. Ulaw kaayo...hehehe.

Patricia Rockwell said...

I observed various family members drinking while I was growing up. That, I am sure, influenced me not to drink.

Selerines said...

It's really a very very bad habit..... Instead of spending some money to drink, i will just give it to a beggar.....

Anonymous said...

It is good to hear that you don't find drinking important. To so many it is a way of life. I cannot understand the attraction. I don't like to drink and sometimes feel like the outsider at business functions because everyone is drinking.