Of all the opportunities I’ve had as a direct result of my DUI, the opportunity to serve has been the greatest. Though I’ve had that opportunity before in my life, I’ll admit I don’t often search it out. Still, I’m comfortable doing it and get a goodness recharge in the acts. Charlie told me early on that I’d need to get in 40 hours of community service before I went to court, so my service time was also unencumbered with the evaluations and intentions that came later, when I was in group. In hindsight, this goodness recharge may have been what strengthened me for the challenge (I’ve experienced this kind of fortification at several critical moments in my life).
My family has a lake house in northeast bumble, GA. We are blessed to spend many summer weekends there. That being the case and the season being summer, my mother suggested I volunteer at the local Habitat for Humanity thrift store.
The thrift store was in an old, cinder block building on the edge of town. There was no central air, so in the summer the doors stood open, the industrial-sized fans humming along in the background. I sorted, I cleaned. I appreciated having learned to fold a fitted sheet during my time housekeeping in Scotland:) Most importantly, I met people there.
I met Agnes, the manager, who managed that place right into a much better storefront in town just a few months after my last shift.
I met Rose, a ninety-something, beautiful black woman who used to make beautiful hats for a living and makes them now for the pleasure it gives her.
I worked several shifts at the thrift store. The heat and the work wore me out, but wonderfully so. Months later (long after my 40 hours were complete) I had the opportunity to participate in a Habitat build and took it. My admiration for that particular organization and it’s volunteers soared when I met people on their third, fourth and umpteenth builds. It soared even more when I worked side by side with the future homeowner. How wonderful to have been exposed to so many facets of an organization!
I went on to work with other organizations, too. I worked at the local co-op, with Rainbow Village and with I Am B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. I pulled different lessons from each and came away with a better understanding of their missions. My service served me well.
Since completing the hours needed for my DUI, I’ve continued my work with some of these groups in one way or another. I am actively involved in I Am B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L., a mentoring program for young women. I am plugged in to Rainbow Village events and do what I can to market their efforts. I have not only collected food for the co-op’s pantry, but have also directed community members there for the services they provide. These things do not take an inordinate amount of time, but they are gestures that contribute to the organizations’ success and I am happy to make them. Happier still that my DUI presented me with the opportunity to plug into these groups and learn how to make service an integral part of my life.
COMING NEXT:
“The End”
Then (assuming I still have your attention), “The Plan” for Sober…how can we transform a personal narrative into a community conversation?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I have to say I think it took so much courage to put this out there for the world to see. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks, Christine, and you’re welcome. It took me a while to get to the point where I was really ready to do it but I am so glad I did. The editing process has been amazing, too. It’s one thing to go through these emotions when you’re in the midst of it, another thing entirely to relive them later. The exercise has been good for me and I’ll be interested to see where the path leads next.