People All Over the World Join Hands

By Jim Gillen

It’s a funny thing; perhaps as I am getting older, I tend to look back on songs to where I can trace certain “eras” of my life. The younger generation equates the above title with Coors Lite as the theme song! Lately, I’ve been hitting some of the funky trails, musically speaking that is. And “Love Train” has been jumping out.

When I look at the premise of Recovery, it’s based on love and understanding, joining hands, regardless of background etc. You know, a Love Train I have been running around preparing for National Recovery Month (September), with an emphasis on our State Rally For Recovery Event on Saturday, September 11, 2010. It will be held in downtown Providence, at Roger Williams National Memorial on North Main Street. And it has been a lot of fun. Very energizing. Very warm fuzzy and Love Trainny!!

The thing is, all too often in our lifestyles and certainly in my line of work, we experience heartbreak, disappointment, unrealized expectations, unfulfilled potential and the sadness when someone, who for lengths of time has done well, only to experience a setback.

These “setbacks” can be devastating. Often a strong run, mission, jag, fall, relapse… well you may know the terms… can crush for what someone has worked long and hard. The results can crush someone’s spirit. Good people facing the harsh reality that, at best, there is the long road of starting over.

Many is the time I’ve heard and said “If only I could turn back the hands of time, just one day, I wouldn’t have done this” Alas, time waits for no one. Some mornings I look at the old guy in the mirror and ask, “Who the heck are you”… Time, it marches on. And the reality of relapse, the acceptance of addiction, including alcoholism as an illness is key to beginning that recovery process, whether for the first time or for the 50th time. It is not fun. However, in the long run, it is so worth it.

People can survive under very tough conditions. If they can only channel that incredible resolve, they can thrive in the recovery way of life. So as I (hopefully) close out a week with strife, challenge, struggle running rampant around me, I never, ever allow my self to lose hope. Not in others who may be struggling, not in myself.

See, as corny as it may sound, I believe in the Love Train mentality. I believe in the undying, undefeatable spirit of people, no matter what the history or circumstances. Even if the person doesn’t feel it, doesn’t think they have what it takes to go on, I believe in them, as I hope they would in me.

There were people who believed in me when I didn’t think I could go on. There are people who still believe in me. Think about it: “Don’t you know its time to get on board,” “And let this train keep on riding, riding on through.” From The O’Jays July 13th and August 10th from 1130-1230, catch the music of the Recovery All Stars at Public Square Days at Kennedy Plaza. You know I’ll be rockin’ a backpack!!!