Pipe Smoke 05-15-02
I was torn ths week, between continuing my “hardcore” introduction to alcoholism and doing my semi-annual gratitude column.
When I began “Pipe Smoke” back in October of 2000, I decided that I wanted to highlight some of the ways that I stay sober. In that respect, I am doing my job of carrying the message to those who are sick and suffering. One of the most important tools that I use is Gratitude. Part of using that tool is making a gratitude list and I am enclosing my 20th anniversary list as part of this column.
Gratitude, What is it?
If this is your first exposure to the disease of alcoholism, let me explain something. Alcohol is a depressant drug. When consumed in large quantities, the result can result in a suicidal depression. To the active drinker the world is a very gloomy place. To the newly sober person who finds himself/herself having to suddenly deal with reality. It is downright scary. This person finally sees that he/she has to cope with the problems of today and the carnage caused by years of alcoholic drinking. Thank God we only deal with “One Day At A Time”.
Early on in recovery, we learn to start talking about our problems with other people. It helps lighten the load. Then we are told that it is okay to be happy despite our situation. We are then told that we must find someone, or something that we are grateful about. In the early days it is not easy. We are also told to make a gratitude list. We start realizing that we want to give thanks to our Higher Power, for events that have happened to us, and for people who have been a part of our lives. If we are successful in staying sober, we become more positive as time passes. Our list becomes part of our lives. ODAAT it grows.
Gratitude List
It is with much gratitude and humility that I am posting this, my 20th
anniversary list. Without the help of the people and groups listed below, I would not be the person I am today.
Alcoholics Anonymous
I would like to thank the membership of A.A. throughout the world. Special thanks to members in the following locals
Hanau Germany
Woonsocket R.I.
Worcester Ma.
Springfield Ma.
Bangor Me.
Newark De.
Leesville La.
Sober soldiers in the U.S. Army
Personal
I would like to thank my wife, Janet, my mother, Fran, my sister Laura and my brother Peter. I am grateful for our home, where I am surrounded by the love of our three poodles, Shimmer Ginger and Buddy. I can always count on Clancy the African Grey for comic relief.
Work
I am currently a grateful employee of Topor Dodge in Chicopee Ma. I would like to express my gratitude for the Topor family, my boss Mike Hurley and my co-workers. I am also gratefully employed by Dominos Pizza of Springfield Ma. where I work for Doug and Keri Delisle and their managers Eric and Tony.
Auto Racing
This is a list spanning some twenty years, thus I am just going to list names. Any questions willl gladly be answered via email.
Speedway 95 Unity Raceway
Carl Merrill Val Lesieur
Dick Berggren Anthony Vendetti
Don Hoenig Bill Slater
Monadnock Speedway
Hudson Speedway Tim Attaya
Dick Williams Dan Meserve Sr.
Oxford Plains Speedway
Lee USA Speedway
Robin Hartford Angelfire.com
Speedwaymedia.com
Yankeeracer.com
RaceNH.com Alan Claffee
Racing With Jesus Ministries
The ACT tour Waterford Speedbowl
Seekonk Speedway NEAR
Stafford Motor Speedway
Tom Curley
Thompson Speedway
Most importantly, I am grateful for you, my friends, those who read and
support this column. By the grace of God and 125hp. I will celebrate
20 years of sobriety on May 16th. You have my thanks for allowing me
into your lives
Racing Notes
The Modified Tour went to Waterford this week. Winning the event was
second generation driver Dave Berghman.
Trivia question: Who is Dave’s famous father?
Western Mass was well represented with three qualifiers. Tim Deroin of Chicopee finished 14th with Paul Supernant and Chris Kopec in 20th and 21st.
At NHIS in the BNS race it was Dale Quartery coming in 7th to represent
Westfield Ma.
Friday night at Stafford saw the Late Models running a 100 Lap event.
Monson’s Bill Davis finished 11th, with Joe Rzesztek in 13th and Mike
Modino of Feeding Hills in 27th.
Sk action saw a 10th place finish for Chuck Docherty and Johnny Lobo Jr
in 18th.
Smoker of the Week
In DARE action it was Eric Wesson of Monson taking the win. As the only
Western Ma winner, he is this week’s “Smoker”
With all the drivers and teams coming from the Monson area recently, is
it something in the WATER?
If you drive, own or crew on a race team that is based anywhere from Brimfield to the Berkshires, let me know. I would love to help you spread the word.
That wraps up another week. As always your comments are welcome. Till next time, run hard, turn left and stay straight.
For more of Pipe Smoke please visit http://www.angelfire.com/ma/kokoracer/.
To e-mail Pipe Smoke himself, e-mail PipeSmoke@YankeeRacer.com.
Sources: “Pipe Smoke”/YankeeRacer.com