Finally, a useful tool emerges from my childhood...

As you know each and every year I fill out an assload of Christmas cards. This year was no exception. I always write a little thoughtful paragraph to the person I'm mailing it to letting them know that even though I don't talk to them on a regular basis, I still think about them. It's true, when you move around as much as I did; it's very hard to keep in touch. People grow up and start busy hectic lives of their own. Some times they aren't so busy and hectic, but rather unfulfilled.

When Michael and I first moved in together we lived in a little crappy apartment, we went to school full time and both worked full time. After several months living at the apartments someone from Michael's work asked him if he would be interested in an apartment he had added onto his house. This fella wouldn't take no for an answer, so we agreed to look at it.

The fella is Norman. He's up there in age now, maybe mid to late seventies. He wanted some tenants because his kids didn't come around very often and he was worried about some thing happening to him and his wife (Catherine) and no one being able to help. Norman worked part time with Michael and had taken to him after several months bitching at him. He was a war vet and worked very hard his whole life. He never shuts up and has an opinion on every thing. He had a beautiful home in the country. We asked the price for rent. He said, "How's about $275?"
Score! We lived in that apartment for some time and enjoyed it quite thoroughly. When we left we didn't want to leave Norman and Catherine alone again. Enter our friend Sam.

Sam was Michael's friend from high school. He's kind of quiet, at least until you get to know him. He looks a little mean, errrrr gruff? He has a big frame, a menacing goatee mustache combination, and lots of body hair. NO, you freaks not like planet of the apes. It's manly hair. Oh never mind... Anyway Sam has lived there ever since we left which was about seven years ago.

I sent them all a Christmas card, not expecting anything. Sam decided to call us. We chatted briefly; it was a little awkward after three years. In the following days we received a call from Norman and Catherine. That too was awkward. While we were talking to Norman and Catherine, Sam asked if he could talk to us again. Apparently Sam had to walk outside to say what was to come next...

Michael got off the phone and proceeds to tell me, "Well that sucked." I thought he was referring to Norman's long-windedness, but he wasn't. Sam didn't remember talking to either of us. He was too fucked up. Apparently he has a severe drinking problem. He's had it for a while too. He said he had cleaned himself up before, but always went back to it for some reason or another. Now, keep in mind we haven't talked to him in three years. If he's telling us this, he must be desperate for help. So that's what I plan to do, help him. He had told Michael that he was dumping all the alcohol out on New Year's and going to detox himself.

Michael and I talked it over. With the kind of habit he has going he shouldn't be alone. I told Michael we should help him. We should invite him out here. I can help. So we agreed and called him. Michael was met with some resistance, and then Sam asked to speak to me. Michael told him that when it came to these matters I know what the fuck I'm doing. As sad as it is for me to admit that, he's right. I have more experience detoxing people than I'd like to. He wanted help and that's the biggest step right there. So after a few logistical problems and helping him over some emotional hurdles, Sam will be arriving here today.

I can't say that Sam and I have much in common. I was a different person when I knew him. I do know that anyone who has the balls to tell someone three thousand miles away that they need help is free to the Nina help pile. I will do my best. I also know that even though Sam and I are very different he always had a soft spot for me. I'm looking at the situation he's in and I'm thinking that several things are causing the drinking. Most of the factors pertain to routine and environment. So maybe treating this as vacation will also help him. I can just imagine how dull life is back in that tiny tiny town. If you have family and friends there I suppose it would seem homey. If all your friends have moved away and you are very shy socially, I could imagine what kind of hell that would be. Anyway....I suppose I shouldn't go on with all my opinions....

Usually I bitch on this blog about how everyone always needs some thing from me no matter how big or small. When it comes to matters like this I know I am needed. I will not bitch about how unfortunate it is that I will not be able to walk around the house nude anymore. Instead I will say I'm fortunate to have people in my life that in their darkest hour trust me to guide them into the light. Now that is powerful...