Joanna's Story

My name is Joanna, and I'm an alcoholic ... . I walked into my first AA meeting on Friday, December 16, 1977. It was also the occasion of my 48th birthday! Do the math ... I'm no spring chicken, and I'm here to tell you anyone can recover ... any time. We're never too old or too young. . Since that time, I have neither used nor abused alcohol or any other substance that allows me to take a trip without leaving my chair. There have been days of despair, and days of unmitigated joyfulness in these 24 years. It's a journey of discovery, and a gift I still feel unworthy of. . I often stop and wonder ... "Why me?" The answer comes from my Higher Power, who tells me that, like you, I am one of His creatures, therefore worthy of all gifts He has bestowed upon me. . Sometimes, I find that bestowal difficult to accept when I see others suffering and falling by the wayside ... but that fact remains I'm still here after all. Just for today. One Day At A Time. . I came into the room that fateful Friday filled with self-loathing, guilt, remorse ... bankrupt in every sense of the word. You reached out to me, hugged me when I felt so terribly un-huggable, and loved me when I hated myself. I saw a Light in your eyes, and a deep yearning awakened in that black hole deep inside me ...I wanted what you have ... desperately. . When you asked if I could go 24 hours without a drink, I arrogantly replied, "Of course!" Hee hee! It sounded so simple, but it sure wasn't easy. . I remember detoxing on my bathroom floor, vomiting, trembling with fear, for several days. I stumbled, pale, and shaken, into the meeting rooms ... not just once a day, but three or four meetings a day ... for the next ninety days and beyond. . By that time, most of the poison had left my system and I became teachable. Folks began noticing a glimmer of new Light in my eyes. My fingernails and hair were clean! My clothes were pressed and clean! I was on my way! . The journey of discovery continues ... I can't wait to see what wonders are waiting for me around tomorrow's corner. All I need to do is not pick up a drink today, stay close to you, and the Light guides me along the Road of Happy Destiny. The longer I'm around, the more I am convinced there is a Higher Power at work in my life, may you find Him in your life now! . Congratulations to all the celebrants! Thanks for letting me share. Thanks for giving me back my life.