So, I finished the Clapton autobiography and, while I admire him greatly and am passionate about his music, something triggered some anxiety. Then, as I read, I noticed so much of the same verbage that I received from Beebe in his letter and emails - AA lingo that must be universal - that it simply reminded me of a place I no longer need to return to. It's over. Done.
Once again, I have nothing but good things to say about a group that has helped millions find recovery, it's just that the personal me didn't react well to seeing the same exact words on these pages. The words jumped off the page and set off sparks in my brain. For someone whose life has not been tainted by the AA mindspeak, it's a terrific read. Spare, haunting and not given to typical celebrity autobiographical cliches. The chapter in which he describes the death of his young son is particularly heartbreaking and the fact that he dealt with it not by sliding back to addiction is probably miraculous. I think it's terrific that he's devoted his life to the continued sobriety of others with the establishment of his rehabilitation center, "Crossroads". I am simply stating it was not a positive experience for me at this time in my life.
"We Own the Night" - go see it. Joaquin Phoenix is especially terrific in this movie, although you must listen carefully to understand him. I would see it again. It was a tad formulaic - like "The Departed" without the pure genius, but an extraordinary tale of love, family, loss and brutality.
Mike texted me yesterday with the following message - he had seen a poster for the new Halle Berry/Benicio del Toro movie "Things We Lost in the Fire" on a bus shelter. The tag line was: "HOPE COMES WITH LETTING GO". It was the most beautiful sentence I'd read in a long time.
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