Going through the BB again, A Vision For You, reminded me of a number of things. The number who got sober with the help of our co founders was described in that chapter.
But then Bill writes about alcoholics not being able to meet people like himself, but being able to get sober in spite of being isolated, by studying the BB. How all it took would be willingness, patience, and labor. Yesterday I went back and thought about those who helped me to stay sober. Men, who had failed but their stories helped me to change.
Today I was reminded of another man, who also helped me change, whose story is almost right from this chapter. He was an alcoholic, who was isolated from any men in recovery. It was at the end of World War II in Europe. There he was alone and only with a BB he had found. He read it and got sober. He came back to the States and then met Dr. Bob and others like himself and helped many an alcoholic.
Then less than twenty years later I got sober and met this same man. Previously I had run into another man, who had come in close to the very beginning, but who had prejudiced my thinking, so much so that my sponsor and those old timers were concerned. But then my sponsor and some of those old timers arranged for this man to meet and talk with me. And he changed my whole way of thinking.
It was something that woman had written in the BB in her story Freedom From Bondage which came into being in my life. She said that she didn’t always get what she wanted, but she always got what she needed. And that’s what came about after I met this man and he put the thoughts I needed into my mind and helped me to change and remain sober. I got what I needed and can never forget that.
I don’t have to go back and rerun what my thinking was before we had several talks. He demonstrated how he had worked these Steps and what I needed to do. And over time I was able to follow his example. I have always thought about him, even though time and geography separated us. Nevertheless his words and his example are still there when I need them.
At some point in his studying the BB he must have thought he might never have the benefits of those who wrote this book. However his reliance on his Higher Power was a great example to me, because he did find the people he wanted and needed and he was able to pass this along to me. I think how much I owe his generosity to take the time to do what he did. And I know that what was freely given to me is what I need to pass along to others like myself.
Then another thought hit me. What that woman who wrote Freedom From Bondage was all about. Resentments and their solution. Interesting. That’s for another day.
Anyway just being reminded of how valuable my sobriety is to me. Wonderful is what I think. And all those who have helped me is amazing. And my thanks to my Higher Power.