Why the blog name, part two.

"I'm Hazel.  I'll share."  I have been in Al-Anon for almost 20 years.  All meetings have very similar format, structure and language so that when anyone goes to a meeting in any city, state or country, he feels right at home. 

In some meetings, when it is time for sharing, people volunteer.  It's sometimes called popcorn sharing. "I'm Hazel, I'll share" comes from these types of meetings.  Other meetings go person to person around the room and I might say "I'm Hazel" and then begin my share.  The two meetings I attend here in the Denver area are quite large so we use 3 minute timers. This gives each attendee a chance to share.  It is a challenge but a good discipline, also.  Sometimes, people say "I'll pass. I'm going to listen and learn."

When I was home for my 50th high school reunion June 13/14, 2025, our family also had a mini reunion.  I stayed at my Brother and Sis-in-law's and my Sister flew in from ATL area. One of our First Cousins also joined us. As my sister was leaving, she generously offered me the gift of one of her necklaces seen in this picture.  I accepted!

It wasn't until after my Sister left that the synchronicity hit me!  Many use the butterfly as a symbol for our program.  I found this on-line from another blog!

"... We in AA and Al-Anon have much in common with the butterfly, and many use it as a symbol. There are many reasons for this. Long before the time of Christ, the butterfly was a symbol of resurrection and eternal life. Most of us feel that in the program, we have found "new life" indeed... and the butterfly is a visual aid to remind us that we no longer think, feel or act as we once did. We were trapped in a cocoon of darkness, and have wrestled our way into the sunlight. The butterfly denotes both gaiety and happiness--chasing after them is fruitless for like the butterfly, they flit away. But if we become still and "at one' with God, sometimes one will light upon our shoulder... 
"...The butterfly is on earth a very short time, but it spends its time flying from flower to flower, taking pollen from one and giving it to the other, making sure that each shares life with the other... and seeking to make the world more beautiful after it is gone than when it came... that's what you and I are trying to do..." 

From al-anonrecovery.blogspot.com

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