How easy it is to see oneself through the words of someone else. Today I received a call from a friend, who has been sick and unable to get out and go to meetings. They were telling me how they felt in having to miss meetings.
A few weeks back, I went through a couple of weeks of bronchitis and was too ill to get to meetings. When this person said this today it really hit home. I know only too well what that’s like. I know that I started to come back before I was really in shape to attend. But I needed to be with others like myself.
One of the things of course is the reminder each time I come just why I am here. I’m here to stay sober and grow along spiritual lines, as the BB points out to me. I learned that from my sponsor and those old timers, who were willing to remind me that I can’t do this alone. I need all the help I can get. Doesn’t matter how long I’ve been sober. I have an incurable disease, alcoholism, which will be with me the rest of my life. I know only too well what lies beneath the surface of my sobriety. That next drink. No thanks.
So absence from meetings, especially involuntary as it is for my friend, I know is frustrating. My friend also recognizes what I have learned that we need one another. Like my sponsor pointed out to me. I’m not responsible for my being here and being sober. But now that I am here I am now responsible for my staying here and staying sober.
There’s more to this than what I am stating. But it’s basic enough for me to describe what my friend is going through. I’m just grateful that I am able to attend meetings and participate like so many others like myself. My hope is that the treatment they have to undergo will finally release them from what’s holding them back and that they will be here soon. That’s my hope.
Anyway I was glad that they called me and shared with me what they are experiencing. I’m powerless I know and can’t fix anything. Like many others they are in my prayers and thoughts.
Meanwhile I want to keep on doing what I’m doing. Attending meetings and being reminded of what I need to hear. Makes me think and meditate on what I need to do to continue to grow along spiritual lines and stay sober. Makes me also grateful for what I have been given by my Higher Power and all those I have met and learned from in here.