Third Family, Different Take

So as long as I remember I have always heard people ask my grandparents, "Why do you take them to your meetings? That is no place for a child." Up until the age of six I never really understood. You see these people were talking about the people I refer to as my third family. My first family is that which I was born into. The second being the friends I cave collected over the years. Then we have my third family; the family I have gained from my grandparents Alcoholic Anonymous meetings.

　

When I was old enough I realized people thought that it was wrong for me to know these people. That they even thought of them as bad influences. That is one thing I have never understood, how are they bad influences? These are people who admit, "YEs, I messed up, I have an addiction, but I'm not letting that be all I am. I can be stronger than this addiction. I can live my life without alcohol." How is that a bad influence?

　

These people, my family, have taught me so much through their experiences. I have learned about the "ol' timers" and about how "drinking isn''t an option". I have learned that you can be stronger than something that's pulling you down as long as you fight it. They refuse to drown their sorrows. They know that a drunk life is not that is worth living. There is one quote that I have heard as long as I can remember. First; Drinking is not an option. I know where pick up that beer will eventually lead." These people are stonger than half of the other people I know.

　

These people have always treated me like family. I have memories of many of them that makes me smile, cry, or laugh. I remember my "colagne loving uncle" teaching me to play pool prior to a meeting and helping me play against my grandfather. Me and my "chocolate grandfather" picking on my grandparents. My "loving cousin" asking my granmother for a recipe and me and my mother exchanging looks of shock. My "crazy aunt" being loud and complimenting everyone. I really adore my third family.

　

I have learned more than I can ever say from these people. I would never give up knowing these people. I love and respect these people more than they know. My grandfather has been in the program for 22 years, which is no small feat. My grandmother has been in for 20 years, also no small feat. But as I have always heard the first day is the most important. Nan and Pap, and the rest of the family, I am so immensely proud of you all. I love you guys.