Dear Hossein,
Thank you for the photos of the tree planting ceremony. It made me wonder how many trees have been planted in Iran by second travelers since this ritual began within Congress 60. It is possible to image whole forests in the future being the fruit of this ritual. What a service this is to your country and the world. And how beautiful is the metaphor of planting and protection—of our recovery, ourselves, our family, our community, our country, and the planet.
I share your belief that surges in recovery initiation are possible when there are changes in understanding addiction and recovery—both among the public and among individuals and families affected by addiction. I think we can share that information in books, articles, and the expert interviews we do, but I don’t think anything is more powerful than a large vanguard of people in recovery sharing their stories of redemption in public venues. I don’t think most people see recovery as really possible until they witness people in long-term recovery with their own eyes. I think ideas about addiction and recovery will change through the personal testimonies of those who got well and then got better than well, as you suggest.
The suggestions you offered related to the grouping of addicts during their treatment was well-considered, aas members within these groups you identified experience very different needs as they seek to rebuild their lives.
I was pleased to hear of the results of your recent research. Have the results been submitted yet for publication? I look forward to receiving a copy of the study when published so that I can help disseminate its findings.
Congratulations to the Congress 60 Rugby team on their achievements this season.
Springtime is nearing here in the U.S. and here in Florida many people who live here during the winter will be traveling back to their homes in the North. That means that it will be much less crowded here in Florida as the heart and humidity rise into the summer. Rita and I like this time of year because it is a much slower pace and much quieter. I wish everyone in Congress 60 an enjoyable Spring holiday. We will commence our communications when the holiday is past.
Friends and Brothers Forever,
Bill