One Year NA Chip

Boy, that is wonderful!

My first thought is a letter where you tell her what this year has meant to you.
Tell her what you've seen, the befores and the nows. How has it affected you, what do you feel now?

Then, maybe a gift certificate for a massage?

So happy for both of you!!

Pati

I would say a gift is certainly appropriate. As others have said, something personal. This early on in sobriety or being clean a person is usually very much into holding onto anything from the program and this a neccesary step. So anything relating to the NA program, a piece of jewelry for a woman or a watch for a man with the NA logo on it would be nice. I would stay away from engraving anything with O. year on it, they will be recieving a 1 year chip anyway and they will hopefully make it to 2 , 3 and 4 years and beyond so after that O. year is up anything that said 1 year would not be relevant and gaining time in the program is very important to the person, but anything with the logo or symbols on it would be better and a nice reminder. You can also just get something personal and meaningful to the person, a special book, journal or anything that they would like. The previous posts of a letter would be nice, but be sure to keep it only positive and not do comparisons(as in before and after) as that can have a negative effect this early on. It is O. thing for the person to admit their changes but for someone close to point it out before healing has really begun can be damaging, not always but it is a possibility and so I would avoid it. It is so great you want to do do something special for this person and no matter what you do, even just being there for them will be a gift. Also, the gift certificate for a massage is an awesome idea from the previous poster. If it were me, I would be so grateful for that, but if they have kids, make sure they have a sitter as well, so they can use the certificate. Good luck and god bless!

I have personal experience. You can send me a personal message with any questions that you have.

They'll be receiving a plain medallion/aka coin and key tag from either their homegroup or sponsor. NA doesn't have anywhere as many medallion choices as AA, but receiving an enamel, triplate, or special medallion from their family in addition to their coin will be deeply meaningful. DO make sure to get the 4 cornered NA medallion, and not the AA triangle, unless they go to both. There are many places to buy medallions. Here's O. : http://www.network12.com/medallions/medallions.htm

Obviously, avoid having alcohol at a NA-Birthday party. DO have cake :). People in the program celebrate 2 bday's... bellybutton and cleandate. O. candle per year, just like a regular bday cake.

If anyone is going to be giving speeches (especially from family) guilt and shame usually still runs deep at about a year. Talking about all the stuff their currently doing is great, making a comparison as to how they're doing now compared to how they WERE is a big no no this early in. They may well be able to do it with, but it can be crushing and heartbreaking when family does it. So save those speeches for another time.

<grinning> And coffee is almost always a super safe general gift (but gifts aren't expected). I have yet to meet anyone new to the program that doesn't drink enough coffee to get a sloth to run a marthon in record time.

Whoops... I should add... in NA the terminology is "clean". However many years clean, clean date, first got clean, etc. So when looking at coins or other gifts, avoid things that say sober or sobriety... unless, as I mentioned before, they're also in AA.

:) :) :) Congratulations!!!

And if anyone is in Al-anon associated with this relative, don't forget them as well. They may well have a different date, but it's frequently the same as their SigOther if this whole thing is new.

Whoops... I just keep adding on. 1 year isn't a notorious relapse date (6mo and 2 years is) but expect emotions to be running high. There may well be some drama in the weeks preceding or following their 1 year bday.

Nothing immediately comes to mind, except that I often look on redenvelope.com for personal gifts. They have some unique things. Good luck finding the right gift. What a wonderful accomplishment.

hi. im going on 2 yrs sobriety and as a 1yr gift to myself i purchased a necklace with the aa symbol on it and i wear it everyday as a reminder of how far ive come and what ive acomplished. i found it on ebay, they have lots of aa stuff and they are very nice and resonable. i hope this helps. ps. get them a cake too, its a very big deal!

Denise,

What about a hand written letter sharing how much that person means to you, fond memories, and rejoicing in the potential for a wonderful future together.

It's something that will last forever.

You're nice to be such a thoughtful friend.
K.

I do not know if you have to necessarily give a gift but acknowledging the accomplishment, no matter which way you choose, will be enough for this family member...I am sure of it.

My Mom lives 2 states away but we send her flowers and give her a phone call on her anniversary. My sister and I bought her a nice piece of symbolic jewelry when she hit her 5 yr mark. FYI: My Mom is at 7 yrs and going strong!

Whatever you decide will be appreciated...no matter what.

I've never dealt with that, but I think you should do something personal. You don't say male or female, but put something together that reminds them of the family that can help them.....a scrapbook maybe.....if it's a guy, then something relating to he friends, sons, family who have helped. Showing how much you love them for getting through this and to continue on for the right reasons is about the best thing you can do. Maybe an ID bracelet, with their name on it and on the back put O. year Sober! They have some very nice ones.......I would try to get something that when looked at says, "I can keep doing this". Just a thought. Good luck and Congrats to the family member.......