Burnt
Bridges Banquet
Samaritans'
annual Burnt Bridges Alumni
Celebration 
honors those who have
gone through Samaritans'
programs over the years
and who continue in their
recovery from alcohol
and drug addiction.
Each year, alumni from
across the country, some
with over thirty-five
years of sobriety, gather
at this event to celebrate
recovery and renew old
acquaintances. In a moving
ceremony after dinner
and a speaker, the alumni
form a circle around a
small bridge which represents
their link to a past life
of addiction. And
while the Burnt Bridges
poem
is read, each participant
touches the bridge with
their candle and watches
it burn. This ceremony
touches not only those
participating, but also
their family, friends
and others who have come
to the event to join in
their celebration.
Burning
of the Bridge
Bridges
are built for many purposes,
and can symbolize many
things.
Some
bridges cross troubled
waters, delivering the
traveler to safe, friendly
shores.
Others
span the distances between
people, connecting each
with another's life, joys,
and frustrations.
Some
lead in new directions,
promising a brighter future
on the horizon.
These
bridges enrich our lives
and we are grateful for
them.
But
the bridge we burn tonight
symbolizes a connection
with our past.
A
past without the warmth
of love, without joy in
the morning, without peace
in the night.
A
past full of dependency,
despair, and feelings
of hopelessness.
A
past we have left behind,
but will never forget.
We
burn this bridge with
serenity and with peace
of mind.
We
burn this bridge knowing
that our bitter yesterdays
are over and our tomorrows
are full of hope, and
love, and freedom.
Tonight
we stand humble and grateful
to be with the healthy,
and to be living full
lives.
Our
hearts and souls rejoice,
and we are thankful.
For
tonight, we are free,
we are well, we are whole
again.
