2 of us walked into AA. He was 12 stepped, & I came in by accident. He died yesterday of multiple organ failure after being told of AA 23 years ago. The man that called us relapsed. I stayed & earnestly worked the 12 steps, & despite myself I got well. God is faithful to us alcoholics if we are willing to take these steps. Thereis no doubt of that. But how many earnestly want to?
In 1996 before my sponsor went back to India, I spent 14 six hour sessions every night, seeking for God's direction in my life through my sponsor. I am grateful to him for making that sacrifice for me. No pain no gain.
We got 2 in my home group. Both in their mid 50s, both smok crack and both have came in over 20 years. Precarious, in awhile and out awhile. I got to know them well. I am scared of what they got. All talks and no walks. I got it this time. It is different this time. I feel different this time. I know why...
Their demons are much larger than my sobriety. Emotional abuse. I got bored. I must exercise tolerance. It is an effort to listen to their share. Love is not easy. Multiply that by hundred, that must be how my wife felt. Constitutionally incapable. Lonely and sorry, I know. I am no better.
Yes lots of examples in AA, thanks for being a good one. HOW Honesty, Openmindedness and Willingness, you just can't buy it.
I don't think you made it hear by accident though!!
My 1st sponsor was trying to get hold of this guy that just died. Both our companies had the signature NCR, so the call got to me by virtue of an error. Let me tell you the rest of that story. That week before that call, I prayed to a God that I did not understand, for help. This call that came was in answer to a prayer, but God did it in such a way that it looked like an accident. I am grateful though.
He only asked me one question. Do you want to stop? I could not understand why nobody else asked me this, the psychiatrist, my wife. They always asked me to cut it down & control my drinking. This man asked me a simple question, & took me to a place where help was given. All I had to do, was accept the help given. The other man rejected the offer & died of alcoholism.
I realize today, that the greatest challenge fo an alcoholic is admittance & acceptance.
Some are sicker than others!! Certainly is a very valid statement and reminds us how grateful to be "one of the fortunate ones" who "WANT" this and definitely needed it!!Have a blessed and productive day Gonee!
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
