Anniversary

Steps
What steps have you taken?

It was 58 years ago this coming Wednesday that I snuck up the three flights of stairs to that meeting room at 55 1/2 East Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek, Michigan. A fellow was making a big urn of coffee and shook my hand suggesting I look over the 12 steps on the big display at the front of the room.  I read three of them.          

  1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. (And how, wife, job, health, attitude.  Everything.)
  2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. (I believed.)
  3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. (Why not try it?)  

The meeting soon began and I felt like I was among friends. I didn’t have a drink for 24 hours. Then 48. Then 96… That was 58 years ago now and it is still working. There were a lot of meetings. A lot to learn and I am still learning, but it works. They call it A.A.

2 Comments

  1. It was about 50 years ago in Battle Creek that my mom and I went to one of your creative writing classes. I’ve always appreciated the inspiration that you gave me. Just wanted to say thank you.

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