This started as a reply to our new friend, Misu, but I decided it was an anecdote worthy of it's own thread.
Kinda funny story...stay with it until the end. I live in a small town; pop. 8000. I work in sales/copywriting for one of two independant radio broadcasting companies here and we compete FIERCELY for advertising revenue. My enemy plays dirty and I work for the underdog. Our fomat is Alternative and our competitor is Classic rock and Country. So anyway, I walk into my first meeting, feeling insecure and scared and who's chairing the meeting but my enemy; the Owner of the other stations!! He didn't recognize me, but any of his sales people would have. They all hate me. For real. Solid hate. My clients tell me so.
After a week of meetings I decided to choose a potential sponsor. I told the Owner who I was and who I worked for and that I wanted him to be my sponsor. He thought for a minute or two and said "Of course I will. We have a lot in common. This will be good for both of us." We set some ground rules, of course, most importantly "who you see here and what you hear here, please let it stay here" and we added "but on the street, the gloves are off and may the best man win!" This man has become the single most important living man in my life and has shown me Love I never knew I was worthy of. I had the honor of presenting him with his 30 year medallion at our group's annual open meeting & picnic. I Love my enemy.
The point is...in AA it's truly all for one and one for all - no matter where we come from, what race, creed, color, nationality, gender, sexual destiny, age, means or station in life. When you're in AA - you have millions of friends you've just never met yet.
WOW!!!!!! That is crazy, and awesome!! Y'know, I have found some folks in the rooms of AA over time from all walks of my past. And I was terrified to tell my boss (a physician) about my disease/recovery, but I had to, as one of our employees wrote herself prescriptions for narcotics and was arrested. I knew I HAD to tell him then and there that I am an alcoholic/addict IN RECOVERY. What happened was that he gave me a BIG hug and said he had a ton of respect for me, as someone in his life has a drug and alcohol problem (a sibling), and it has been frustrating over the years trying to get him straightened out.
It is really awesome that he knows too, and I no longer have to be anonymous at work. I know, off topic a little, but how COOL for you to be sponsored by the enemy that you now LOVE!!! LOL
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
I love it AM!! One of the psycological profile indicators of alcoholism is that alcoholics are risk takers. God I just loved hovering outside the box and taking chances. I love the unusual...always have. HP is the field leveler for me always. I can see you giving him his 30 year chip and telling him you want it back when you get the time. Thanks for the share
This story sounds to me like each of your HP's were in action for you both. Very inspiring. I have been waiting for the day a former "enemy" shows up in a meeting in my small town. I sincerely hope I can heartfully welcome them with open arms. It would be so hard to offer to sponsor. I'm thinking of someone in particular, that I heard went to rehab. Definitely principles first! I believe your story exemplifies the positive power of AA at it's best.
When I remember that in all reality its just one drunk talkin to another, and let everything else not get in the way I do best. Nice story to share with the group, thanks.
