I was reminded today of the Doctor’s Opinion. The reason for this was that I was thinking about what it has been like over time staying sober. And that reminded me of what the doctor had to say about two alcoholics he treated. They were his thoughts before he closed that chapter. His reaction to men, who seemed totally hopeless, yet there they were before him sober and sane and well.
I looked back on what he had to say and thought about my own life, which was probably just like theirs. Their despair and completely deflated lives. And yet there they were coming back and talking to him and his inability in the one case to even recognize the alcoholic sitting there. He knew his history and experience and the man was unrecognizable to him. The other was an inspiration to him, when he needed a lift.
I was thinking about this when I received a note today from a long time friend in here, whose former sponsor had just passed away. I knew whom he was talking about and it raised some memories and that reminded me of who and what I am. In fact in a sense I almost felt like the doctor did, when he was remembering these men. I was remembering myself like them. That’s because I know I was just like them.
And what I was doing was taking time out to renew my thoughts on why I am here and what it is I need to be doing each and everyday in here. To remind myself that I am a chronic alcoholic, who needs to stay sober a day at a time. That also reminds me that I cannot stay sober by myself. I need to not only practice this spiritual program, but to continue to go to meetings and share with others like myself and to be reminded of what it is I need to do to stay sober.
And I also need to stop and express my gratitude for the power and help I have been given in staying sober by my Higher Power. I truly am grateful for all the changes in my life, especially the freedom from alcohol. Thanks.