One of the things, which is so important to this program, is very significant in the Fifth Tradition. And that is the primary purpose of the group, to carry its message to the alcoholic who suffers. I never ever want to forget this, although sometimes groups do. Like today.
Today an individual, who was suffering from grief of a loss, spent their time talking to the group about this. I couldn’t help but think about why we are there. To help others. I know it’s a very difficult thing we all go through from time to time. I know most of my family died during my sobriety. In fact I had to return to my home, after living over forty years in another city. What brought me home was that I was asked to come up and take care of my mother and younger brother, who were dying. I spent at least three months taking care of them, until the both passed on. With the help of one friend I went to meetings everyday. I never spoke at these meetings as to what was going on. I did the Fifth Tradition as I was taught by my sponsor.
That doesn’t mean that I didn’t talk to someone before or after the meetings. Just during the meetings I did what I had learned in here. Carrying the message of this program, trying to help others to get what others like myself had achieved. Sobriety. Never want to forget that.
Anyway I had to think about this, and when my turn came I spoke about this. I wasn’t alone either. There were some, who also had the same thoughts. What I’m saying is nothing new. I have seen many personal problems raised in meetings. People who felt they needed counseling. And like we were told that there are counselors, psychologists, ministers, and even attorney’s, all outside of meetings to deal with these things. Or maybe just friends. But the main thing is in that Fifth Tradition. Even that long form of that Tradition tells us that “the group ought to be a spiritual entity, whose primary purpose is to the carry its message to the alcoholic, who still suffers”.
I have to be grateful for all those old timers, my sponsor, and alcoholics, who want to stay sober, who have helped me to focus on what it is we need to do. To begin with, to stay sober today. One day at a time. Not to project into the future, but to stay right here where we are. Not to go back or forward.
Need to thank my Higher Power and all these members, who put these Traditions into the program and have saved it from destruction.