I Celebrated My Birthday In A Bar

Yesterday evening I went to my favorite restaurant………located in Springfield Oregon. My favorite waitress………waited on me. At the end of my meal I asked……….if she had any cake or ice cream. She told me no, and went to get a take home box. Suddenly, I am hearing folks singing ‘Happy Birthday’ in the bar area. I smile. I had planned to go in there to play video games. When I walking in……..shouted;

“Look who’s here!”

He had mistaken me for someone else, and, I saved his face by doing a W.C. Field’s double-take by looking behind me. I got chuckles. I went up to…….and introduced myself. Then………his wife, approached.

“Today is my birthday. Would you like a piece of cake, and some………………….?”

“I would like a piece of cake, and a hug, because today is my birthday! This is the last time I will be celebrating my natal birthday. I have thirty years sobriety.”

I got a meaningful hug, and as one we said;

“Happy Birthday!”

I then took a stool at a video game. Ten minutes later……….came by, asked me how I was doing, then fed $10 dollars into my machine, and wished me LUCK.

“Win something big!”……………….said.

I clasped his hand.

“You do not know how much this means to me!”

I thought about circulating, doing the room, and getting to know my neighbors, but, was afraid what would come out of my mouth – and my wallet!

“Let me show you a picture of me with grandson, who was taken from me! Here is my letter proving I am a member of Alcohol Justice. They want to tax drinkers, and booze makers. Would you like to see this done in Oregon? Here is a picture of the cover of ‘Love Match’. The author interviewed my late sister for a biography, then, quit the project. Last, but not least, here is my favorite page from ‘When You Close Your Eyes’ where our family incest is discussed. Now, what do you got – in your wallet?”

Most folks believe it is an Natural Right to own, and talk about Your Family History. I am the one exception. My history was sold to outsiders who are strangers to me. Being Terminally Unique will cause you to take your next drink. Family History, and Family Genealogies, consist of three elements, Name, Birrthday, Death Day! I was not told my abusive and alcoholic parents were dying, and are dead. How my sister died – I don’t own a clue! What do I got to talk, and brag about?

Everyone I did talk to were nice and friendly. No one had a problem with alcohol, but me. This is why I could not, and did not, take a Birthday Drink. I almost bought……..a drink, but, thought better of it. God knows what evil story might come out of my mouth!

“I have a brother. I call him ‘Dark Mark’.”

I thought about not posting the blurry photo of me in a bar, lest people talk. Years ago an old timer in AA said this;

“What people think of me, is none of my business!”

I am long way off from announcing this, because, MY FAMILY STORY might be up on the silver screen here in Springtucky, and then, I might not be allowed in any bar.

“Hey! Aren’t your the little fiend who locked your sister in a dark closet, then, ran and got your mommy so she could beat The Famous Rosamond with a clothes hanger? Get the hell out of here before I call the bouncer!”

Jon Presco

The Reasons for Anonymity

There are a number of reasons why anonymity is needed in Alcoholics Anonymous including:

* There is a bit of a social stigma attached to being a recovering alcoholic. Some individuals are happy to share their past history with everyone, but others are more reticent about this. This is because admitting their alcoholism could cause problems in their life; people might treat them differently because of it. The principle of anonymity means that they can benefit from the group without having to admit this information publically.
* People would be less likely to turn to AA for help if they believed they would be identified, or if there was any type of attendance record kept.
* At most AA meetings they will read the following warning: what you see here, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here. This is to remind members not to repeat anything they have heard in the meetings. Those who speak or share at the meetings will disclose personal information that they may not want to become common knowledge. If such information were to be divulged outside of the rooms it could embarrass them or even have legal ramifications.

https://alcoholjustice.org/campaigns-2/charge-for-harm

https://rosamondpress.com/2017/06/26/the-true-buck-justice/

https://rosamondpress.com/2017/07/17/anti-alcohol-activist-career-opportunity/

https://rosamondpress.com/2017/06/26/the-true-buck-justice/

“The Charge for Harm campaign supported various bills in Sacramento and the San Francisco “Alcohol Cost Recovery Fee” ultimately vetoed by PlumpJack wine-distributorship owning Mayor Gavin Newsom in September 2010.”

Big Alcohol produces, sells, and promotes products that cause harm and incur costs – to both government and its citizens. Appropriately taxing alcohol at state and federal levels will help reduce related harm and provide needed funds. We support state and federal increases in alcohol taxes and fees.