Today, as I was communicating with a few close member friends in this program, I was reminded of something, which over time has played a big part in my getting sober. Not just me, but everyone I have ever known in this program. And what’s that? Other people, who have helped us.
I don’t know how to take this, but at the end of my drinking, a bar tender really saved my life. He was standing behind me and grabbed my wrist and said to me, “Can I help you?”. And help he did. He stopped me from leaving and killing myself and got the man, who helped me further that day. Every time I have told that story a few have said that he was my guardian angel. Hmm. Could be. I don’t know. All I know is that he saved my life. One of the people, who did.
The next was an alcoholic like myself, who like me was still drinking. He was a medic from Vietnam and he had been working on a man the day before, who smelled alcohol on him and brought it to his attention that he could smell it. Turned out that he was a member of this program. So, when this medic found out how desperate I was over alcohol, he went back, got the man’s number and called him. The man told him what to say to me and he did. That’s where the first hope in years came into me.
Over the years in here I have met sponsors and old timers, who have reached out to me and made suggestions, which worked in my life and began or brought about change, which I desperately needed. Even my first sponsor, who drank again and died, helped me, though he never talked about the Steps. What he did was to take me out on Twelfth Step calls almost everyday. Sometimes two or three times a day. As confused as I was I still learned a lot from him. Never want to forget that. That was back when there were no rehabs and most hospitals did not welcome drunks.
I owe so many. Even today, many years later, I still run into others, who share with me things, which often enter within me and change whatever it is I need. I think of those friends of mine, whom I have known over the years in this program, some close to the beginning, who reach out to me and offer me what I need. And then there is the new person or fairly new, who by their example and sometimes their words, can bring me back to reality in an instant, when I find myself forgetting things I need to remember. Sometimes they will say things which reinforce my sobriety.
And then sometimes the help comes to me, when I’m trying to share and help someone. I end up getting the benefit I never expected. I call it the “two way street” effect. Amazing.
All this reminds me of the program statement that I am responsible. I believe that and hope that I am able to respond in a way, which helps the person in need. Part of practicing these principles in all of my affairs.
Anyway just wanted to take time out and think about each and every person, who has played a part in my getting sober and staying sober. And, of course, that includes my Higher Power, who gives me hope and continually reinforces my faith in Him. My sobriety. I am grateful and need to say thanks to all.