I got a reminder today from a friend of mine. This friend was involved in trying to help someone. The situation, as described, was nearly impossible. I remember being in the same situation years ago.
The man I was trying to help kept going back to the bottle. I went over to his work place to see, if I could try to help him. His reaction was violent. He grabbed a crowbar and came after me. The only thing that saved me was his son. Whew! That taught me a lesson.
Al-anon has a saying I should have been open to at that time. Detach with love. Sympathy can become a dangerous situation at times. Learning to let go and let the suffering alcoholic hit their bottom is something empathy will allow.
Overtime I have learned that lesson. If I can’t help, let go. I’m not hear to argue. If an alcoholic doesn’t want what we have, that’s it. To push them may cut them off from the the program. Later down the line, when they’re ready, maybe, just maybe they’ll get another chance. Like they say in here; there’s wrench for every nut. And I may not be it.
Just grateful I’m sober today.