I once wrote to the Roundabout in June 1982. I was thirteen months sober then. On 12th May this year I was 28 years sober, unbroken apart from a time in and out of hospital due to ill health and an operation.

I am writing to thank all the members who were here in AA when I came in May 1981. Some are still with us and some have passed on to be with their Higher Power. My sobriety has had its share of highs and lows, but I always found someone to share with, be it a sponsor or fellow member and I’ve done likewise.

I live in the now and keep things in the day. It isn’t a race, it’s a time thing – a give time time programme. We all do our programme differently to suit our daily plans, like handing our will over to our Higher Power. Many meetings were essential when I came in and it still applies today. I need the long-term members, newcomers and the ones who go out and come back. If you are a newcomer please stay, if you go out come back and stay then you don’t have to come back! AA works but we must want it. It’s hard but it gets easier daily. Be the tortoise not the hare - find a Higher Power.

With AA’s teachings I have never needed to lift that first drink. The compulsion left me many years ago but I never get complacent and know my disease that we call alcoholism is arrested on a daily basis.

I’d like to thank the Maryhill Afternoon group for allowing me to celebrate 28 years at their meeting on 18th May. I would also like to thank Alcoholics Anonymous for saving my life and helping me over these past 28 years to maintain and sustain my sobriety. I wish each and every member well on their daily recovery. Money can’t buy this gift that we have to work hard to keep.
God Bless you all.

John (Electrician), Glasgow