"I am responsible . . . When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help,
I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible."
I want to show the world that a sober alcoholic can live a life that is "happy, joyous and free" and not a daily struggle. That life can be good after putting down the drink and the drugs. And, also, to give some hope to the loved ones of the alcoholic and addict. Life can and does get better but it takes work.
Back in 1988 when I was first introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous, I was not sure if this could ever be accomplished. I thought that I would begin a life that was boring and glum. But as the Big Book suggests, "we are not a glum lot". We can have a fun and full life.
Since getting sober, I have been able to live a full, interesting and fun life. My wife and I have been able to travel (we have visited England, Wales, Scotland, Hawaii, Colorado, Utah, California, and Nevada), take cruises and live the good life.
To some, the idea of getting sober can be the worst thing that can happen. To them, that would be a sentence to a somber and terrible life.
But, I am here to tell you that life after getting sober, can be great. That is not to say that I do not have the normal problems that occur to everyone as the result of living.
I have had friends and loved ones die. I was a pall bearer for a niece that died of a prescription drug overdose after she had been introduced to the program of AA but decided she did "not need those little meetings". I have had a friend kill himself because he did not do the work and get rid of resentments. I have lost jobs (both by being fired and laid off).
But, as the result of working the 12 steps of AA, I have been able to build a very nice, fun filled life. I try to live each day as it comes (one day at a time). I trust God, clean house and work with others.
When my granddaughter was born, she was diagnosed with Methylmalonic Acidemia and we were told that she would probably not live 6 months. For some, that could have been taken as a death notice. But, I made a decision to turn her over to God and enjoy her as long as he would allow her to be with us.
This little angel (Ayla is her name) is a blessing to all that see her. She does not know that she has a disease that can kill her. A disease that has taken many a child before her. She only knows that she has today, which is what we all have.
Today, I am able to watch her with joy knowing that she has a good life. And, by having her in my life, I am able to enjoy each moment a little more.
One more thing, I am so grateful for the doctor that has put so much time, energy and research into this disease. This doctor, Charles P. Venditti M.D., Ph.D. , has done so much to help Ayla and the other children that have this disease. He, along with the other individuals that are working on a cure, are truly a blessing.
I have been sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous since Feb of 1988 and for that I am truly grateful. I will not say that AA is the only way to get and stay sober. I will say that it is the only way for me to get and stay sober.
I attend 3 - 5 meetings a week, work the 12 steps of AA and work with other alcoholics to help them stay sober.
One of the biggest steps that I have taken to stay sober is to find a Higher Power (that I choose to call God) that loves me and does me good no matter what. My God does not punish or keep track. Like a friend says "God has forgiven me for everything that I have done and loved me while I was doing it."
I firmly believe that as a sober member of AA, my primary purpose is to "stay sober and help other alcoholics stay sober" and that is the direction of this site. This site is not to convince anyone that I am right or to convert anyone to my beliefs. It is just to relate some of my ideas and experiences that I have gained by walking on this planet for a number of years.
You will see many references to "God" in my posts. This is a reference to my Higher Power. This is not meant in any way to infer that my Higher Power is better than yours.
My God is not a religious deity, but a Spiritual being. My God, is not the God of my childhood because AA has taught me that I can redefine my beliefs. My God of today has forgiven me for all of my perceived sins of my past and loved me while I was doing them.
If you have a spiritual guide, one that loves you and does you good no matter what, great. If not, you can borrow mine.
Hopefully, I will be able to help someone get some relief from the disease of alcoholism by sharing some of my experience, strength and hope regarding the sober life. By no means am I an expert regarding sobriety or AA, I am just a guy that has been around the program a while and loves the results.
Sobriety is not for those that need it, it is not for those that want it, it is for those that do the work. Do the work and you will reap fantastic benefits.
I am a grateful alcoholic. Not that I have the disease but that I have found a solution, Alcoholics Anonymous.
Have a look around and hopefully you will find something to help lighten your day or possibly help you or a loved one get relief from the disease of addiction.
