Just weeks after a milestone birthday, I broke my hip in three places. I’d been shooing a lizard off my front porch, and when the lizard leaped, I reacted to its sudden movement and hit the floor. I exited my house on a stretcher and spent months recovering.
During the mending period, I had time to think about how Al‑Anon applied to my current circumstances. Step Twelve tells me that I can practice program principles in all my affairs, and this affair was no different.
“Gratitude” surfaced first. A top orthopedist performed my emergency surgery because he was on call. My body now has mobility since I was approved for extended rehab. Family and friends were unwavering in their care and encouragement. There were reasons to be hopeful.
I had time on my hands but could do little. Whenever my brain switched into fix-it mode, I was reminded of my wobbly legs and weakened body. I was unable to be of service by bringing a meeting to someone who may need it, drive my granddaughter to soccer, walk the dog, or rescue a distraught friend. Bound by my body’s limitations, I was forced to focus on myself like never before. I thought of the slogans “First Things First” and “Let It Begin with Me.”
I was often impatient with the process. I resented carefree runners breezing by my door and felt frustrated by my slowness and uneven gait. Recovery was taking too long, and it hurt too much. Then I would remember, “One Day at a Time,” “Easy Does It,” and “Keep It Simple.” These slogans that had sustained me through the many crises of active alcoholism and beyond were very useful in this situation too.
I see daily proof that “this too shall pass.” I am healing, moving forward, and embracing existence. Once again, Al‑Anon principles have enhanced my life.
By Thea J.
The Forum, October 2025
Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.