Hi Family my name is Paul and i am a grateful recovering alcoholic

it is by Gods Grace this fellowship AA and each person here i am alive and sober today

i have not had to take a drink since August 17 2003

just as each person here i am a miracle proof that this program works if we are willing to do whatever it takes

as many of you know after nearly 8 yrs sober i went back out for more research so many of you would not have to

after a few years back out there there was another path of destruction had reached that point of complete incomprehensible demoralization not wanting to go on living wanting to truly die

was dead in every way slowing drinking myself to death and not caring weather i lived or died for i could not go on as i was

But my higher power who i choose to call God had other plans spared my life and brought me back home to AA where i truly belong with people just like me people i need

i still remember that feeling of being completely lost hopelessness shame guilt etc and i need to keep that fresh in my mind for if i ever forget where i came from or what it was like i am in big trouble

the people welcomed me back showed me that special love we in AA have for our fellow alcoholics

i am a hard headed alcoholic but that research mission made me realize the true power of this disease we suffer from how cunning baffling and powerful it truly is laying in wait to take us back

my sponsor walked me through the steps as laid out in the big book and my sobriety has been launched upward on onward my faith & trust in God is stronger than ever before

this room has been a God send to me i came here at barely 2 months sober and people here welcomed me

would not share or speak other than to say Hi you see i was told by someone that what i had to say didn't matter for i had relapsed

a new comer i was helping one day ask why i didn't share and i told her because what i had to say didn't matter

she said Paul what you said helped me to get and stay sober you saved my life

was like a slap along side the head made me realize how selfish self centered i was

we are all brought together for a reason and we all have a message to pass on no matter if we are just coming into AA returning or been around for years we all do need each other

this room has a special place within my heart and soul just as the people of AA do

they got me into service work chairing meetings than welcomes and newcomers they helped me to become a active member a part of AA rather than just being here they knew what i needed when i didn't

i am an alcoholic there is no cure for this disease but i can stay sober if i take my medication and do my best to follow Gods will each day

helping others sharing at meetings living this program & practicing it principles in my life weather here in the halls or in the world outside

the past is gone but today can be used as a lesson to become the person God meant me to be by living and working this program giving back freely what others gave to me

each person here has some part in my sobriety today for with out all of you i could never have done it and i have to thank each of you

God has brought us all together to work together each day as it comes making the most of each day

We are a fellowship of men women of all ages who normally wouldn't mix but together we walk through what ever we face together hand in hand helping each other

it is more than just not drinking it is about change i must always remain open minded willing to change and do what ever it takes

would like to share a short poem with you all

We can't change the past-
But we can gather up
Its lessons and move on,
Stronger and wiser.

We can't control the future-
But we can send our dreams
Ahead of us
To help prepare the way.

We can live each moment,
Heart and soul,
And cherish this day's
Greatest gift-
The gift of now.

May peace with the past
And faith in the future
Gently guide you
Through each precious
Moment of today.

**Author Unknown**

if you are new to AA welcome to our family we will love you till you can love yourself you are the most important person here today Keep coming back

May we all ride upon the wings of angels living life to its fullest each day giving thanks to God (of your understanding) AA and this fellowship for a new way of Life Free of Alcohol

My name is Paul O and i am a grateful recovering alcoholic i am no longer ashamed of who i am thanks to God this Program and each of you my true family one closer than my own

it is an honor to be a member of this fellowship and to all of you in my life today

Thanks for allowing me to share & for my sobriety today love you all GA