By Evan Swigart from Chicago, USA (Bloody Mary) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsA Guardian Angel Bill Hogan September 6, 2016 1 The Wheeling Country Club was still where Stratford Springs restaurant is located today. I was home for just a couple of weeks from a treatment facility for alcoholism and our friends were having a brunch for the folks in the neighborhood. It was the beginning of the holiday season, and it was my social debut as a very different person. I was nervous and frightened without the social lubricant in me and a bourbon and water to hang on to. I didn’t know where to stand, what to do with my hands, what I would say if someone asked “have you been away?” or any other innocent, meaningless question. Out of habit, I guess, I walked over to the bar. One of my old bartender buddies came over and set a bourbon and water in front of me. Gene knew everyone in town and their favorite drink. When I said I wanted a soft drink, he made a big joke of it not knowing my circumstances and said with good nature that they were out of soft drinks. I was embarrassed and confused and would have dived into a hole if one were available. With that, a very large bartender I didn’t know came over, bumping Gene out of the way, and with a big reassuring smile showed me every bottle of soft drink and offered to make me a virgin Mary. He put me at ease. Later, just before we sat down to eat, the big bartender walked out from behind the bar to where I was talking with a group and said, “Mr. Hogan, I just want to wish you a happy New Year.” Then he turned and returned to his position behind the bar. I never saw him again. It has been a number of years but I will never forget his kindness or stop wondering how he knew my situation. Our guardian angels are always with us, or we wouldn’t be here. I am very lucky, I got to see one of mine. Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) One Response marlene midget September 14, 2016 Mr. Hogan, Thank you for sharing your story of a Guardian Angel in your time of need. It will help others who are trying to stay sober and beat addictions. Sankofa. Log in to Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment.
marlene midget September 14, 2016 Mr. Hogan, Thank you for sharing your story of a Guardian Angel in your time of need. It will help others who are trying to stay sober and beat addictions. Sankofa. Log in to Reply