The room in the basement is lit by florescent lights, and you note that one of the bulbs is still out as you listen to Mark’s story. A wistful thought for more comfortable chairs passes through your mind as Mark finishes and Elliot stands to share. He’s been coming to these weekly meetings for just over a year and doing well.

“I lost my job the other day,” he offers ruefully. Worried sighs sound from the group. “Nah, I think I’m OK. Company’s laying off people, and they needed one less welder.” He shrugs. “Makes me wonder if I should try getting back into teaching, though. Yeah, I know it’d be tough with my drinking history, but I might be able to make it work.” You wonder if his layoff has anything to do with his car dying suddenly last week. And he was on crutches because of a short fall down his stairs at home the week before that. A string of luck like that could make a man fall off the wagon.

After a couple more people share, the meeting breaks up. Elliot, as usual, hangs around to help put those uncomfortable chairs away.

“You know, I appreciate the help, Elliot. You think you’ll be all right money-wise? Did you get any kind of severance?” [Telepathy 3 succ.]

“Yeah, we got a bit of money for a few months. He is telling the truth – he and his wife and kid should be all right. But there is a stray thought about his brother and managing two bands, both recently]

I smile. “Good, man. That’s great, I’m glad. Keeping on top of stuff like that, taking control, it’s important. And don’t be shy about applying for unemployment and assistance. You paid into it, you earned it. Just look at it as an opportunity, a chance to remake yourself. Are you serious about teaching?”

“Yeah. My credentials are still good, if tarnished. Maybe I’ll send out some resumes,” he shrugs. “Only costs a few stamps.”

“Do it, man. Grab hold of this and make it what you want it to be. Don’t let it knock you down.”

“Yeah,” he says, seeming energized. “Yeah, I’ll do it.” He puts the last chair away. “Thanks, man.”

**

Friday morning, while you are setting up for a meeting, a woman walks in uncertainly, blonde hair hastily pulled back from her face, dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt. “Are you Jim?”

I smile. “Yes, I am. Our meeting starts in a few minutes; you’re the first one here today.” {First Impression 1 succ.}

“I’m not actually here for a meeting. My name is Nancy Patten, I’m Elliot Patten’s wife?” She waits for you to nod in recognition. “I know you can’t say what happens in the meetings, but is Elliot all right?” Worry creeps into her voice. “He’s had some setbacks recently.”

“Well, you’re right, I can’t speak about what happens in our meetings, but perhaps you can tell me about what’s happened recently.” I pull two chairs to a corner. “So, what has you worried?”

“He’s had a run of bad luck recently,” she starts. “He hurt his ankle and his car broke down. Now he’s lost his job. I just want to make sure he’s not thinking of drinking again.”

I pause, rubbing my chin. “Would you say you’ve seen any signs of him drinking? When speaking to him about it, what has he said? Have you spoken to him directly about it?”

“I ask, but I’m not sure he would want to worry me by telling me how much he wants a drink. He seems a little envious about his brother’s recent success, too, so I don’t know if that is adding to his stress.”

Jim pauses a second, looking at her, gathering his thoughts, “Well, I can understand your worries, Nancy. Elliot is going through a rough time right now; you already know that, as do I, and I can honestly say that, speaking to him, I’m not too worried about it. But if he starts drinking again, there’s nothing we can actually do to stop him. It’s his choice, we can only support or ignore him. He came here and chose to stop; if he chooses to start again, it’s just that, his choice. That’s a big part of all this. No one can make you stop, no one can stop for you. The weight is on your shoulders, the power is in your hands.”

---

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