I awoke with a confident feeling that my drinking (and drugging) career was at last, over. I had tried, for 2 previous years, going to meetings regularly, and had not be able to make it to 90 days. I was too smart for the simple program, so I thought. I didn't think that I was as sick as most of the people in the rooms. Turned out I was much sicker than I thought. My delusion and denial were as deep and covert as a navy seal team, and my disease was going to take me out. A series of unfortunate events happened. A final marriage separation, the loss of an important job, and the death of my best drinking and drugging friend got my attention. I no longer had a live in drinking buddy and designated driver or my favorite back up partner "Ronnie J." rest in peace. There are plataues in an uphill climb and downhill as well. I was starring at the abyss, and endless bottom from where I was sure I would not return. I returned to the rooms and with all earnestness began a program of recovery that included all of the suggestions. I was, at last, ready to "do whatever it takes" to get and stay sober. I knew that the first sentence in "How it works" was true as I had seen it happen for others in the previous 2 years. I could write a fat book about the wonderful journey and the many gifts that I have received along the way, but I'm still a bit lazy sometimes, so read Lin babba's, it's a reasonable facimile.
Thank you all for my sobiety.
-- Edited by StPeteDean on Monday 25th of July 2011 07:13:37 AM
Congratulations on a fine achievement. May you grow daily, as you progress along this path on your journey of recovery. I am glad that we met along this path, and I am definitely the richer for it. Thanks for all the fine work you do on this forum.
Hi Congrats on 22 Years. I have just past 9 Years now. At one point some people thought I would never make one year. Then I lost my job in 2007 and a number of people though I would give up and go back out--but I did not--just sought out others who had been through the same circumstances as I had.
By the Grace of God and My Higher Power I made it Through and plan on Continuing.
Congrats to you! :)Thanks for showing me it works if we work it.
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I think there's an invisible principle of living...if we believe we're guided through every step of our lives, we are. Its a lovely sight, watching it work.
Wonderfu lDean and truly a blessing thanks for giving back so selflessly and helping me in my journey thu the years.....Have a blessed and productive day!!
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
Dean, thank you for sharing your ESH with us, and for helping me stay sober. you picked up on doing what ever it takes a lot quicker than i did, i had to find my own deep level of desperation.... it took a very long time, but i am in the rooms now, and working to stay here and help others. it takes what it takes. period. i have a grandbaby now so it is even easier to stay sober. i want to live to see her grow, and be there for her like my grandma was "here" for me. God bless you and keep you always. jj/sheila
Thanks Brothers and Sisters for all the well wishes, best birthday present yet. I want to share with you something that I found. There is a site called www.aahistory.com that has a lot of interesting stuff. They also have a list of birthdays, like we do but they are all in order by the calendar date so once you have entered your info you're listed with the others that have your day of the year. Most people include their email, which is not shown. But when you click on someones name an email page comes up and you can message them to wish them a happy anniversary. I added my name 3 years ago and I get about 2 dozen happy anniversary emails from random members all over the world with nice messages, sayings, and little gifs and such. Then I go to the site and send a half a dozen to those people with the same date as mine. Try it out.
Dean, you're amazing. We all love you. Especially me :) Thank you for nurturing me through my early recovery. Forever imprinted within the history of my life. We never forget the people who make a difference in our lives & we always love them. At least that's how I feel about you. Thank you for being my big oldtimer sobriety brother.
You Rock!Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
The past 12 months have been "exciting" for me. Not one, not two, but three little health "issues" have come along that I never had to deal with before. The first two got me into the realm of Rx pain pills, however briefly. Last time around, not... just lots and lots and lots of antibiotics. Hoping the rest of 2011 and 2012 will be a little more normal... I'm not old enough to be running up all these medical bills... LOL.
Thanks again to all for the well wishes. I've overwhelmed and grateful. Barisax, We've got almost a dozen alumni from the class of '89 in here. At least 4 posted in this thread. It makes me smile.