Marble Ceremony
At the end of each program, clients who have successfully completed participate in a “Marble Ceremony”. Please refer to “Visitor Guidelines” if you plan to attend the Marble Ceremony.
The clients plan the program which may consist of drumming, singing, and speeches. Each client is given a certificate of completion. Coffee, juice, snacks are provided upon arrival. A luncheon of sandwiches and fruit will follow the ceremony.
During the weeks leading up to the MARBLE CEREMONY, clients design and sew a marble bag. (see photo of some marble bags below) At the ceremony, the clients are given a marble which they put in the marble bag. If, at any time, they relapse back to using substances, they are asked to give their marble bag to a clean and sober friend to keep for them until they gain sobriety once again.
The name “Marble Ceremony” came from Alcoholics Anonymous as follows:
In Memory of Charlie Marbles…. His Story
Two marbles, called desire and drink. If you have that awful craving for a drink, throw away ONE of the marbles. If you must drink, throw away the other marble; now you have lost ALL YOUR MARBLES.
Some AA’s lose their marbles more than once – KEEP COMING BACK
DON’S STORY
One day I realized that my higher power was perfect. Since this was true, I could do nothing for him, but he could do everything for me. How does one talk to a higher power that is perfect? He knows my needs, my wants, my desires. But above all he knows what is best for me. His way, not mine. I asked him to help me without whatever problem I had when I touched my marble. It must work, because whenever I have a problem, any kind of problem, I touch my marbles. Believe it. My problems have disappeared. It works for me, it might work for you.