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This is most likely going to be a very long blog so if anyone takes time to read the entire thing I want to say thank you! So this weekend was my AA conference in Greeley. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I am so happy that I went. I was one of the youngest people there, but I have gotten used to that. There were guest speakers who shared their experiences and one woman from Colorado Springs basically told my story. I was really shocked. She started drinking at the same age I did, felt many of the feelings that I felt while I was drinking and sometimes still feel, plus she was also sexually assaulted. So needless to say I felt very connected to her. I just sobbed listening to her talk because she was saying so many things that I remember thinking. I have always been fairly shy ever since I was little. I never had very many friends and many people regarded me as the weird girl in high school. I started drinking when I was 16 so I could fit in with everyone else. I felt that I could relax a little and be myself a little more if I drank and for the most part everyone liked me when I drank. It was the moments that I blacked out that I do not think people appreciated me as much as I thought they did. It is still a daily struggle I still feel like the weird girl and I can't seem .to see myself that others do, but I hope eventually I will get to the point where I am comfortable in my own skin

After all the speakers last night there was a dance. I wasn't really sure what to think of that either, but I have never seen so many old people have such a good time in my life. I danced with a guy who was on a oxygen tank and has been sober for over 50 years. These people truly are my inspiration and role models. He reminded me so much of Grandpa. He was an adorable old man and I have always had a soft place in my heart for old people. I also met this little girl who was 7 years old. Her Mom is a part of AA and they came and talked with me. This little girl was the cutest and wanted me to dance with her pretty much the entire night. It was such a great experience and even more amazing because I will remember all of it. I am so grateful that I got a chance to go and meet so many inspiring and beautiful people.

Hope all is well with everyone.