At our meeting today a young man spoke up and announced that he had been in the program a while, but had not been going to meetings, studying the program, or listening to his sponsor, for quite a while. And that helped a lot of us, who have been in a while, to listen and respond, because it was nothing new for us, but one that helped open us up to reach out and help.
I know for myself that it was one of those subjects, which made me go back and remember what it was like, when I came into being sober. I listened to a lot of old timers responding, and yet some, who were fairly recent members. All of this was helpful for that young man, when he was asked to respond at the end of this meeting.
I know that, when I was asked to respond, that my mind had gone back to my own beginning in this program and what it was like. I mean, there I was, unable to stop drinking alcohol, and suffering from despair and depression, and headed off to commit suicide. Back then AA was not well known. At least to me. I knew nothing about alcoholism or the program.
Anyway, as I was on my way to finish my life off, I was stopped and a young medic, whom I drank with, came and told me that he had found out that there was a place, where alcoholics met and stayed sober together, and, if I wanted to go there, he would take me. That stopped me and I suddenly had been given hope, for the first time in a long time.
I told the young man that I prayed to God, as I understood him, and surrendered my alcohol and became willing to do what I could to never drink again. I awoke the next day and alcohol was gone and has never really come back. I came into the program and was able to get a sponsor, with a lot of time, who told me that I didn’t know anything. I only thought I did, and I had to change and begin to listen and follow directions. And it worked.
He seemed to change, when the meeting was over. He came up and talked to me then, and later on out of the meeting. For me it was encouraging. I could only hope and pray for him, probably like a lot of others in the meeting. I know it was a keen reminder for me. It once again opened my heart and mind to why I am here.
I am here to stay sober one day at a time. To go to meetings, to be able to communicate and study, to pray and practice a life that is spiritual, to continue to change and do what this program teaches us, and to help others like ourselves to get sober and stay sober.
I know that over time in here I have seen what happens to those, who like this young man was not practicing this program. A lot of times they go back out and, not only drink again, but they die.
Anyway, it was a reminder to me that I am here to, not just stay sober, but to be grateful to my Higher Power, and all those in here, who have helped me along the way.