IDAA Spokane, Harley Motorcycle Ride Spokane to Burnaby

What a wonderful time I had at the Spokane IDAA. Of the some 25 I’ve attended this one is special especially because of the people.  I must have known a dozen or more incredible people I’ve spent close time with over the years. As I said to John, it really is like ‘Same time Next Year’.  “But without the sex,” he responded.  Yes without the sex. Indeed the sex and intimacy meeting in Al Anon was one of the best.  I really enjoyed a lot of AA. I’d come from the Internatioanl Conference in Vancouver and was immersed in principled and fellowship.  I loved the in depth discussion of the steps and spirituality.  I enjoyed the banquets.  Meals were great.The speakers were outstanding.  600 people. A whole lot of recovery.  I loved Art and his Son Jay doing the count and giving out the big book.  So good to see Marv.  A delight to see Herb and Brandon Dave after just seeing them at the Intrnational.  I loved seeing Madeleine at both. Her house and retirement and kayaking all sound divine and well deserved,  I really enjoyed John and Jennifer.  Akron Dave was the best.  I connected most with people from cyberdocs.  All theses little screen people full blown.  Cole,a magician, suddenly appearing full sized in all her glory caught me off guard.  I had the same feeling about Ben a face I see on Saturday morning suddenly full bodied.  Luna the service dog was regal, I missed my own pup thankful Laura was caring for him.  So many discussions about cats and dogs and all these friend I’ve known a quarter of century telling me their kids have finished college. How did we get so old. 

I loved sorting out my Motorcycle at Lone Wolf and Vintage enjoying the rides and the brakes from the Davenport Grand Hotel and Confernce Centre.  Spokane is such a beautiful city. I am so thankful for Tommie as she organized our dinner and I delighted in Elliott’s Neighbourhood kitchen.  Tommie is immersed in recovery in retirement and gives me hope for the future.  So many of us discussed hearing aids this time while others had acquired canes.  I didn’t feel alone and afraid. My colleagues are going before with courage and humor.  

The Saturday night speaker, Lithuanian, surgeon, psychiatrist, horse jumper, mother, amazed us with an extraordinary tale of suffering joy and resilience.  It’s so important to be among to the greats. I felt like I was at times among those who’d been on the space station.  Famous names and down to earth folk who were working programs to increase their love and care.  Two more friends had died and I recognized them when we had silence for those we’d lost. Adam made me laugh.  Corrine and Carole remain so beautiful.  I loved seeing Julie but missed the dance.  There were so many I’ve known nd shared with.  Charles, my psychiatrist friend warmed my heart with his wisdom.  In past meetings I’d made every psychiatry break out but this one I was focused on Dick’s early bird and the Cyberdocs.  Attitude of Gratitude.  There’s at least a dozen more I was close to but now they are just a swirl of love and joy.  I am so thankful to be sober and with a higher power and with others who work to be better each day.  It’s truly humbling to be among such greats and to feel their love and care.  I laughed so much and cried a little.

I left early Sunday, at 630 am.  I thanked God for keeping me safe on the ride down and was glad to be away praying all day to stay awake and live.  It was a magnificent ride among wheat fields and evergreens.  I find the Cascades a challenge just like coming into LA.  Curving high speed highways with racing trucks and cars crowding all round and intense attention.  I was so glad to be through and coasting into Seattle. Then up the well known number 5. Despite my Nexus Card being out of date the kindly customs waved mine through. It’s right on the computer and for a year now I’ve been waiting for Canada Post to sort out its strike threats and get me a new card.  I’m waiting on a bank card replacement.  So much for slow mail all much longer delays.  Yet humans who are kind and with it.  I was glad to be back in Canada. I love coming home.  Then I was home,’

Dog ecstatic, running in circles, jumping up and down, bringing me toys. I was glad I’d stopped and bought him a bone. I hugged my dearest friend Laura and was so glad to be back in my Thor Hurricane Home.  I drank several cokes and ginger ales.  Dehydrated. The ride had been hot.  I was glad to unload the leathers and get into shorts and t shirt.  Laying down on my couch in the air conditioning. Thank you God for keeping me alert and alive. Thank you God for such a wonderful conference. I even enjoyed the CME but mostly the people. I truly am blessed to know such angels.  Next year Chicago.  I am so thankful for this year.  It’s been such a rush returning from southern Californian, Fountain of Youth, then Harrisons’ and buy the Thor and driving the camper truck with Vespa to Ottawa and returning towing the motorboat.  Then taking the Thor to Sunshine Valley and returning for the international and motorcycling to Spokane and back.  All the while I’ve maintained my practice and continued to learn with audiobooks and study.  It’s a wonderful life thanks to God , sobriety, a design for living, and the love of friends. I’m normally fairly reclusive but these intense weeks with so many people celebrating life have been so rewarding. 

Now I’m back to my routine and looking forward to it. Thank you Jesus.