This month is the one-year anniversary of moving to an assisted medical living facility with all the necessary preparatory work and stress. This was necessary because of the surprise emergency surgery and hospitalization of my wife. After this passage of time, I can say we have done just fine in our new abode and believe without question we both were eligible for this manner of living. The process took all the stress and energy necessary for what had to be done and there were times I wondered if I or the children would be able to complete the transition without emotional or physical breakdown. We stumbled along for a bit until one morning following another early morning “To Do” list to the kids, I was met with a chorus of ”Hey Dad, what happened to easy does it, acceptance, let go let God, and you’re not master of the universe?” I stopped. Wow! The kids had heard a lot from me in my years in the Program.

I had forgotten the obvious. We decided then and there we would start following those ideas, and we got done, on time, with no emotional family damage, and even with some moments of laughter all wrapped up by these words of counsel from the Big Book and Bill W. and Dr. Bob.

You can’t get a lot done if you’re in a mental knot, nor thinking clearly, and your attitude doesn’t encourage others. “Easy does it” adds confidence to what you and others are doing.

Sometimes in life we just must accept something. I’m not talking about acceptance happily or angrily… take it as it is, just that. Make the best of it. That’s the key to living a life of serenity. “If you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it…”

“And Dad, look around. Who’s on your side? That’s right, your Higher Power. Think if we ask for His will for us, a way will open up? Can you find better support and assistance?”

I muttered to the kids, “OK, OK, I got it. I remember it now. Stupid. When I needed it, I forgot it. Thanks for the reminder. I am not the world-know-it-all, or its master. I need all the help I can get, as we all do. Let’s get ‘er done with some class and intelligence and love and support… and we did just that. Thanks to Bill and Dr. Bob!

Jim A/Traditions, Lebanon OH.