When I Last Stole Something

Gregory Stock’s The Book Of Questions prompts — When was the last time you stole something? Why haven’t you stolen anything since then?

I was 24, and I was used to stealing, and I was new to recovery, which meant I agreed to work an honesty program. How honest is stealing? It isn’t. So the last thing I remember stealing is the treasury from the support group I was attending. I had to pay that back and admit I had taken it.

Part of my amends to this day is to openly admit to stealing the treasury. I choose to continue my honesty program and not steal or have to make amends for stealing.

Gregory Stock’s The Book Of Questions prompts — How many of your friendships have lasted more than ten years? Which of your current friends do you feel will still be important to you ten years from now?

Many of my friendships have lasted more than ten years. My few high school friends have lasted since the 60s and 70s. Then my recovery buddies have lasted since the late 70s, into the 80s, and even until this year, I picked up a few friends.

If we weren’t all getting so old, I would say that they all will be important to me in ten years. Some of my best friends are in their 80s, 77, and then into their 60s, in retirement and close to it. No guarantees who will still be alive or if I will be alive in ten years.

My husband is my best friend, and he is 4 years older than I. I expect him to be alive in ten years. He stays fit. His brain is still working well (other than his politics). He has been in recovery for 34 years and has taken good care of himself.

Gregory Stock’s The Book Of Questions prompts — If you could mold to your liking your memories of any past experiences, would you do so?

When I had a respiratory code, I lost many memories. My husband will remind me of things I have no memory of. Without him reminding I wouldn’t know about them. So, once reminded, are they important memories? No. Not really. They are to him. I look at this question in much of the same way.

I don’t think that would matter. The memories I remember are okay that I remember and those I don’t remember are okay too. Especially after experiencing EMDR and being told I have body memories that more than likely come from earlier childhood.