So I went to a night-meeting tonight - something I usually can't do because of kidz-n-wife-n-whatnot but I sure am glad that I did!
There was a woman there who's been working hard for a couple of years and kinda like me has a small collection of 30 & 60 days coins and just one 90. Neither she or I even know what color a six-month coin looks like.
A week ago her house burned to the timbers. Her, her husband and their 4-year old son have nothing left but the clothes they were wearing when they got out. Everything else was either burned or water-damaged beyond repair.
Of course, being a town of 8000, the community support was phenomenal and they now have all their essentials covered from donations of food, clothing, housewares and cash. Tonight someone brought her a Blue Book and a 24 hour book.
Tonight she got another 60-day coin. Tonight, a week after watching her family's home being converted into heat, light and waste-particles.
At no point in the last week did she say "f**k it". In the face of homelessness She did not take a drink.
I am inspired by her acceptance, courage and wisdom. I am in awe of what God gave her. When we closed the meeting she was next to me and I swear that I could feel God's energy flowing from her hand into mine, out the other and right on through the circle.
If I had any reservations about Step 3 and the Promises being fulfilled - those reservations were sure as heaven blown away tonight!
OMG!! I've actually got tears welling up in my eyes!! Happy tears that someone who has had all that happen & not drink! She's truely dedicated to working this AA program. Also, this gives me a much needed kick in the arse. I've been in self pity over my work & $$ situation & then I can always read or hear of someone who's sitiuation is worse than mine is. This woman is an inspiration to us all!! Thx for posting!! I really needed to read this!!!
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God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Rheinhold Niebuhr
Great Story Aquadude. One thing to keep in mind. It's easier to stay sober through those "oh shit" situations than the times of smooth sailing. Because, let's face it, people are almost expecting the alcoholic to have a fallout and are watching. It 's what happens when no one is watching that's more challenging to keep a handle on. Another thing, having your house burn down, and the apparent after math is also going to force you to live in the now, the right now. When we are doing that, staying sober is much easier. When that inner idiot starts talking about a drink because everything is going so smooth, tell him to stfu!
