21 years sober and still working the steps

[admin]

Hi, just popped in here to see if any one was posting to this new board, and too see and say hi to Tiger.

I am an alkie sober in the program of AA for 21 years now, and still life is baffeling some itmes. I find my self still reaching for my big book, reading as night comes, working with others, and working the steps of recovery. I heard not long ago in a f2f meeting, "thank God, I am still teachable" still willing to learn a thing or two.

I have a step son that is 14 years old, and for the last year he has been out of control. In the last four months he started doing things he way. He made the rulls, this is makng the long story short. People that know me here on these boards have heard me talk about this matter. We have had the police here many times in the past four months, this kid is drinking and drugging, and all he wonts to do is "Party" he said, and doesn't know why he can't just come here once in while to clean up and then go again.

He is has been missing for the past two weeks now, doing it his way. I am worried about him. I and his father set down boundies and he will not go by them, so he left, taking a bed roll and back pack.

Now I find my self working with others in recovery more so today than yesterday, and reading my book. I am on my knees praying and trying hard to turn it over to my HP.

No matter how long I stay around AA and stay sober I find my self working the steps, reading the book, and tooooo calling my sponsor. Today I am ok, my needs are met, I have a good home life, and I am working a program of recovery.

I am just venting, and thought that this might be a good place to do just that. Thank you for letting me do so.

love Kathy

[admin]

Hi Kathy,

Even at 21 years you are a good example of the old AA adage
"Eternal Vigilance Is The Price Of Sobriety"

God will reveal the answer to your prayers regarding your son. I know from experience.

Many years ago I recieved a phone call from one of my sons. He was a practicing alcoholic plus some drugs. He said "Dad, I need money for a lawyer. I was caught driving drunk on a revoked driving license and I may go to jail"

I don't know where the words came from but I replied"You would be better off going to jail before you kill yourself or someone else"

"He replied "you are a lousy father who still don't care about me" and hung up on me.

Needless to say I went into a real "guilt trip"

*Three days later* I went to my home group of AA and spotted a young fellow I had never seen there before.

His comment was "3 years ago I called my father who was on AA asking for help to avoid jail. My fater told me 'you made your bed and now you have to lye in it'. I was so mad, I went to jail, got sober, found AA and today I am grateful that my father refused to help me"

As he continued to comment I could see quality in his program. He was livivg the program.

Now the awesome part. I have attended thousands of AA meetings over the years. I had *never* heard that comment before or since then.

That was God speaking to me - The guilt left!

Today, my son who called is sober 11 years. He calls me almost every week or two.

Yes Kathy, God will answer you prayers for your son in His Time and In His Way.

Tiger

[majestyjo]

I need the program just as much in today as I did when I came in through the doors 24 years ago. They key was MY program and finding out what worked for me. The program works when i work for it. It is one day at a time, so what I did yesterday won't keep me sober in today, but it gives me hope for a better tomorrow, especially if I have learned the lessons along the way.

My journey has been one of transformation. The person that was is no longer in today. Just for today, I choose not to let her back into my life. To do that, it is necessary for me to stay clean and sober.

[majestyjo]

Grateful to be coming up on 29.