Today is my sixty-something birthday. 2023 has been rough, so I don't feel like celebrating. My brother-in-law passed suddenly on January 29, leaving my sister to grieve him while also dealing with end-stage cancer. My sister died on March 10...six weeks after her husband. My two nieces now have no parents to go through life with. If there was anything to prop me up during that six weeks, it's the fact that I was able to be there for my sister . I was mentally stable and sober. That is a miracle. I have over 20 years of sobriety, but I think the events of 2023 were the biggest hurdle I've had to face during those years. Cheryl was my little sister; we were supposed to grow old together. It hurts to think of her. Her phone number is still in my cell phone, and I often think I should call her. And so it goes...

Today I'm going to a Detroit Tigers game with a group of folks in AA. There won't be a keg in the bus. I'm not telling anyone it's my birthday. I just want today to pass without muss or fuss. I'm still in mourning.

I hope everyone has a good day, everyone.