Heckuva 4th, 5th, and 9th Step

Tanin · MIP Old Timer

Heckuva 4th, 5th, and 9th Step

Rob84 · MIP Old Timer

Interesting story. I have heard of such cases, like the book says, we must be willing to go to any lengths. Facing the consequences above I think would be preferable to a slow alcoholic death.

"Although these reparations take innumerable forms, there are some general principles which we find guiding. Reminding ourselves that we have decided to go to any lengths to find a spiritual experience, we ask that we be given strength and direction to do the right thing, no matter what the personal consequences may be. We may lose our position or reputation or face jail, but we are willing. We have to be. We must not shrink at anything.'

Fyne Spirit · MIP Old Timer

That's going to any lengths alright. There are some in our fellowships who would counsel against going to such lengths, the school that says you include your self in the others part of "except whent to do so would injure them or others". And I guess it's possible that others will be hurt by this, but not so much by the confession as by the crime itself.

But putting myself in her shoes, what kind of sobriety could I have living with a secret like that. Thinking every day could be the day I get found out, living in constant fear of discovery, and then there is the guilt and shame and the lonliness they bring.

Then there is the fact that we already have members that have committed such crimes, paid there debt to society and gone on to recover from alcoholism. Not only that, but in my experience, they make great AA members, actively carrying a wonderful message of hope to all who suffer.

So while it is a drastic step, it can be the first step on the path to a wonderful sobriety, something that could never be achieved if this action was not taken. The lady is an inspiration.

God bless,
MikeH.

Pythonpappy · MIP Old Timer

You're absolutely right Pickle, ... that IS a heck-of-a 4th, 5th, and 9th ... ... ... I'm thankful that I wasn't her sponsor ... that would have been a BIG test for me!!!

I had a sponsor long ago that when doing these particular steps, he followed thru to make restitution to the IRS, to complete his step work ... ... ... He was 'well off' by the standards of the day, and carried a lot of guilt for cheating on his taxes over a period of years before ... the amount was substantial in my opinion, and he went in and asked for a review, got it, and then set up a payment plan to repay what he owed ...

The result is that he was then able to live each day, guilt AND worry free ... He was comforted in knowing he had finally made everything 'right' with God and man ...

While in Nashville this past Summer, staying with my son, I ran into him during a meeting (several actually) and it was great to renew our friendship ... I didn't last but 7 months when I first knew him, but I will never forget some of the life lessons he taught me ... he is still working with many 'hard core' alkies just like the one I was 18 years ago ... thank you Al C. ... ... ...

justadrunk · MIP Old Timer

I arranged for someone to speak at our weekly speaker meeting, without really knowing them... just really liking what they had to say in a meeting one day, and since they mentioned they were from out of town, but not too far... I thought it would be a nice change of pace. We tend to get the same round of people otherwise ; )

So when this person agreed, I was really happy and excited to hear a new story!

When they shared near the end of their story about having killed a baby in a drunk driving car crash the day they relapsed after 10 yrs sober, my jaw almost hit the ground. Then they went on to explain about the rest of the family, the other kids injured seriously, and the mother with permanent disability. Finally after 6 yrs in prison, and corresponding with letters... the woman wrote to the guy that she forgave him!

He couldn't forgive himself, so he proceeded to attempt to take his own life. He failed and walked into an AA meeting in the prison, and has been sober since. Also completely turned his life around and is planning on telling his story whenever possible. It was all very shocking. He still works on forgiveness for himself, but each time he speaks in honor of the baby Cloe who he killed, he says he gets a little closer.

When It was time for me to close up the meeting, there is a prompt to reflect on something the speaker said.

Of course, the whole thing was striking. So all I could think to say is was "wow, thank you so much for your story and honesty. That could have been me and a few other people I know". I guess I meant it jokingly, since I don't know a single one of 'us' AA's, or anyone else who's not an AA, who hasn't driven under the influence at least once. But it's not funny. That should have been me. Why it wasn't? Not sure. It's not fair, but that's life I guess.

Pythonpappy · MIP Old Timer

Wow Tasha, ... that story could have been mine ... you're right about getting behind the wheel drinking and driving ... I've done it several thousand times or more ... guess God had different plans for me is all I can say at this point ...

Thanks for sharing this ... great story ...

stayhumble · Senior Member

Thanks for sharing this story!