Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Tis the Season to be Sober

For some people that is. Sadly only a small percentage of us recover from the nightmare of alcoholism. It's been a long time for me and I am very grateful.

But I will never forget the pain and the guilt and the despair from those days . I don't want to . It's a memory that I keep green. Because it's a reminder of what would happen if I picked up a drink , and how blessed I am today.

And I remember the fear and worry that consumed me as my very first sober Christmas approached. I could not imagine getting through Christmas without a drink-and New Years-we used to call that amateur night.

I did make it- and the reason was that my AA friends were there for me. A constant reminder of something we tell each other all the time. "You are not alone". And so it is today.

We have a wonderful tradition for the holidays. It's called the Holiday Marathon. And it takes place in our AA clubhouse in Aberdeen.

During the next ten days our clubhouse will be open from noon to midnight. And many of us volunteer to be there for any member who needs help, or just wants to talk. Especially the new people, many of whom are young and alone , living in half way houses, and separated from there families and loved ones.

And on Christmas day there is the turkey and all of the trimmings for anyone who cares to join us.

So if you ask how AA works, the answer is simple. " Just fine thank you".

Merry Christmas everyone.

6 comments:

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Bravo Bud....I think it's great that you have this ten day Holiday Help....Indeed, AA works just Fabulously!

Thanks for your comment on "trash"...lol!
I'm glad it held your interest...The Shredder People FINALLY came, late this afternoon...Well, Late yesterday afternoon....And it was amazing to watch this huge pile of stuff be trashed right there on the truck!
I'm going to take a bit of a break now...Well, not completely, but I will not be foraging around through my stuff as much as I was...After the New Year I will get back to it, in earnest.

Ginnie said...

You are so right, Bud. We, in AA, are never alone. It's wonderful people, like you, who share their experiences and give us hope and a whole new outlook on life. Happy Holidays, my friend.

kenju said...

The only experience I have had with alcoholics was with my former son-in-law, who tried AA for a short while, but eventually succumbed to the charms of booze again. I am so glad to know that you have not, Bud. Good for you!

barbhap said...

Yes, it works just fine, thank you! and I am soooo grateful!
What a wonderful tradition.. the Holiday Marathon! Merry Christmas!

kenju said...

Merry Christmas, Bud!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Just came by to wish you a truly lovely Christmas, Bud! May your day be filled with ALL good things!