Can’t help thinking what a privilege it is to go to meetings, where chances are that I will see someone new or is coming back from a “slip”. The meeting always changes over to the first three Steps and usually the members present are able to tell their stories of how they got sober. Their experience, strength, and hope. It is an ever present reminder of what the BB says: Once an alcoholic, always an alcholic.
I know for me that these kinds of meetings are always a reinforcement that nothing is worth a drink today. I like others are reminded of the need to look at my character defects, which might possibly buy me that next drink. Plus, I am reminded that not taking that first drink and helping another alcoholic is my primary purpose.
Additionally I was reminded today that I’m still recovering. My alcoholism is not over and never will be, as long as I live. It also reminded me of how important meetings are to me.
Anyway, looking at the person, who was coming back, elicited a sense of compassion in a lot of us. Her pain was obvious to all of us. I hope she gets the help she needs. However it did make me grateful that it wasn’t me. And, I pray that it may never be me.