The Blessing

I’ve met so many new people through my new job. I’m, unfortunately, one of “those people”... a person who is truly terrible at remembering names. I’m getting better.

A few weeks ago I met one of the field workers. We were introduced through a mutual co-worker. He is an alcoholic. A recovering alcoholic because as he says, “I’m still an alcoholic. It’s not called alcohol-wasm, it’s called alcohol-ism.” He knows who he is. He knows who he wants to be and who he doesn’t want to be. He knows he is always “one drink away.” He carries the “coins” in his pocket. He reminds me of another friend.

He is a biker who used to ride with Hell’s Angels, though he never wore their colors nor bore their patch. He still does poker runs. He’ll be going to Vegas in the springtime.

His name I will never forget.

My friend Jim has found his freedom and his faith. If you’ve ever been on a motorcycle, you know that kind of freedom. As for faith, Jim can both bless and baptize you. After a minor injury, he stopped in to see me. We talked about his health, his well-being, and a myriad of other things. I was having a horrible morning and he could sense it even though I thought I was doing remarkably well at hiding it.

He asked me, “Has anyone told you today that you are special and absolutely wonderful just the way are?” I said nothing. He continued.

“Has anyone told you that someone loves you very much and is grateful you are part of their life and this world?” I just listened. Sometimes we forget to just listen.

“Then can I give you this blessing today?” Yes. Thank you. I just smiled and nodded at him.

It was the nicest thing anyone had said and done to me that week. It reminded me of my friend Teri who got me reading Anne LaMott because, “She has a knack for finding God in the oddest places.”

To Thine Own Self Be True
(That's what's on the coin - but some of you already knew that.)

Sometimes we just have to count our blessings. And all that being said, please allow me to introduce my friend, Hennessy. Since Kevin has left the Gut for bigger and better things (you know where to find him), I’ve asked Hennessy to help me out here at the Gut. I’ve had the pleasure of being part of his inner circle. I’ve read some of his work because he trusted me enough to do so (and vice versa).

They say a writer cuts himself open and “bleeds” all over the paper. He definitely delves emotionally deeper than I allow myself and I have enjoyed everything of his that I’ve read. I think you will too.

So Hennessy…Welcome and thank you for saying yes.