When I Last Stole Something
And friendships and memories prompt from The Book Of Questions
Gregory Stock’s The Book Of Questions prompts — When was the last time you stole something? Why haven’t you stolen anything since then?
I was 24, and I was used to stealing, and I was new to recovery, which meant I agreed to work an honesty program. How honest is stealing? It isn’t. So the last thing I remember stealing is the treasury from the support group I was attending. I had to pay that back and admit I had taken it.
Part of my amends to this day is to openly admit to stealing the treasury. I choose to continue my honesty program and not steal or have to make amends for stealing.
Gregory Stock’s The Book Of Questions prompts — How many of your friendships have lasted more than ten years? Which of your current friends do you feel will still be important to you ten years from now?
Many of my friendships have lasted more than ten years. My few high school friends have lasted since the 60s and 70s. Then my recovery buddies have lasted since the late 70s, into the 80s, and even until this year, I picked up a few friends.
If we weren’t all getting so old, I would say that they all will be important to me in ten years. Some of my best friends are in their 80s, 77, and then into their 60s, in retirement and close to it. No guarantees who will still be alive or if I will be alive in ten years.
My husband is my best friend, and he is 4 years older than I. I expect him to be alive in ten years. He stays fit. His brain is still working well (other than his politics). He has been in recovery for 34 years and has taken good care of himself.
Gregory Stock’s The Book Of Questions prompts — If you could mold to your liking your memories of any past experiences, would you do so?
When I had a respiratory code, I lost many memories. My husband will remind me of things I have no memory of. Without him reminding I wouldn’t know about them. So, once reminded, are they important memories? No. Not really. They are to him. I look at this question in much of the same way.
I don’t think that would matter. The memories I remember are okay that I remember and those I don’t remember are okay too. Especially after experiencing EMDR and being told I have body memories that more than likely come from earlier childhood.
About the Creator
Denise E Lindquist
I am married with 7 children, 28 grands, and 13 great-grandchildren. I am a culture consultant part-time. I write A Poem a Day in February for 8 years now. I wrote 4 - 50,000 word stories in NaNoWriMo. I write on Vocal/Medium daily.
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📢 Raise Your Voice Thread: 01/08/2026
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By Raise Your Voice by Vocal6 days ago in Resources
Comments (10)
This was very moving, there's very little written of what came before one was born.
Your words touched me more deeply than I expected—sometimes we write through pain, and sometimes we heal through someone else’s. Thank you for reminding me that stories like ours matter. I’m also someone who writes from a place of struggle and silent strength. Following you now—and I’d be honored if you ever visit my corner of Vocal too. We rise when we lift each other.
Sometimes an impulse is hard to control the question is Why. Until you find the answer recovery is tricky. I commend you on your open and ‘honest’ approach and for sharing your story. Congratulations on TS
You write in Medium too? I have been writing there for more than 2 years now. https://medium.com/@seemabiotech83
Congratulations 🎉👏🎉
"This was such a raw and reflective piece—thank you for your honesty. The way you weave recovery, memory, and aging with grace and humor is quietly powerful. It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t erase the past, but reshapes our relationship with it.
Oh wow, it must have taken you a lot of courage to admit to stealing and returning the money. Kudos to that!
Your honesty and self-reflection here are incredibly powerful. It’s not easy to speak openly about past mistakes. Thanks for sharing.
I love your Book of Questions series. The pieces are always excellent & full of wisdom!
We can all learn some things from your answers to these questions. Good job.