A woman losing her mother and the Third Step were the subjects of the meeting today. In terms of sharing, the group were generous to a fault almost. Some of this is due to such a touchy subject. Avoiding the meeting turning into a wake is always a danger, where people begin losing their way, and a form of therapy can become the primary objective.
However most of those, who shared, kept alcohol and sobriety at the top of the list. For instance, what would be gained by getting drunk in the face of loss? Many could remember how awful they felt, when they lost parents while still drinking and drunk.
What was remarkable were the number of sober alcoholics, especially long time sober members, who could relate their relations in a sober condition and how, with the help of other sober alcoholics like themselves and their Higher Power they were able to assist their families at and near the end of their lives. They were well aware it was not about them, the individual alcoholic, but the person, who was dying.
Again it was a good reminder of how that Third Step works in our lives. Knowing full well we have the responsibility to do the right thing, But whatever is beyond our capabilities, out of our power, is in the hands of our Higher Power. And how surrendering our lives and will to the care of the God of our understanding strengthens us individually, so that we are able to handle what’s given to us. Not a few talked about this.
I could relate to the entire meeting, having faced and had to handle a number of my immediate family passing on right in front of me. But I was amazed at the number of sober member from this program, who came and stood up and supported me through all of this. Most of whom I really didn’t know, because I had gotten sober out of state, and had to come back to do the right thing. And there they were to come over and give me a break from time to time. And how many were there during and after all of this. They’re still my support today.
Especially it was the illustration of how this Third Step works in my life that I appreciated hearing about and what it means to me on a daily basis. Enough to think about each day. I know I try to put it into action each day, but I have a lot more to think about in the morning. Makes me grateful.