October, a good month for me.

I hit seven years without a drink this month. I told my sister that I had gone all this time without even a little tiny drink when no one was looking. She gave me a funny look, I guess she believes me, she didn’t call me a liar or anything, But she still doesn’t want to hear anything about powerlessness, or defects of character. We sat on my cousin’s porch the other day, me drinking diet cokes and she sucking down brews, and we had a good time. She didn’t bust my chops, and I didn’t say a word about AA to her.

My wife is pretty sure that I did this thing based on self will alone. She is OK with AA, and very glad I quit drinking, but she doesn’t understand alcoholism, or Alcoholics Anonymous. She doesn’t need to. I am the one that needs to understand. She wishes I didn’t take a meeting into the local detox every Tuesday night, but she understands it is something I have been doing for a long time, and she keeps a plate warm for me when I get home.

I have two daughters, beautiful and smart. They don’t remember their old man as a drunk, passed out in the middle of the living room floor. A gift I never even thought to ask for. It was a while ago that I was this raging, ill tempered or pathetically remorseful sot, My sponsor tells me to keep those memories green, so I remember what it was like for all of us.

Life is good
Richard

Congraduations on your seven years. Every year my life has gotton better. I always think that it can't get better, but it does. Keep doing what you are doing and you will probably still stay sober.
Good Luck,
Jim S