March 20, 2005
Last night we heard a petite, 50ish Latin-American woman who didn’t drink until she was 30, and by 40 was in a Dutch prison for 4 years for smuggling drugs. She was effortlessly hysterical, in an inimitable way that can be described in no other way than completely authentic. She described contacting AA from prison, and a woman coming from practically across the country every week for four years to be her sponsor. Her transformation was such that the guards petitioned the Queen, and on the one day each year, her Majesty’s birthday, that she pardoned a man and a woman, “Lola” (I’ll call her) was granted her freedom.
Afterwards, when all the participants go up to hug the speaker, I asked her who would play her in the TV-movie. She laughed this high girlish laugh and we agreed it would be Norma Alejandro.
I tell you, I sometimes wonder why more non-alcoholics don’t go to meetings just for the live theater.
Today I will be going down to see my friend Ileana, give her a copy of my poetry book, (the last one), and watch a French film on DVD together. There is much to be said for respecting one day a week as a day of rest. In prison, Sunday was the longest day, and what I wouldn’t have given to do exactly what I’m doing today.
MCO 2005
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