[Magdalen] 30 Years of Sobriety.

[James Oppenheimer-Crawford]

Anonymity of the program has always served well, but in the past several
years, it has become a bit less of a stigma for a person to say they go to
meetings.  As the chaplain's liaison for my unit, I was sent to a number of
conferences, much of the core heavy lifting of which was done by folks who
were attending meetings.  The ability of some folks to come forward and
talk about their life has been something of an inspiration for others.

Most recently, we watch a sort of take-off on Sherlock Holmes in which the
lead character is wrestling with his addiction and is attending meetings.
And we observe, week by week, how his handling of his own addiction has
made him a happier more deeply human individual.

Bill had no idea how much help he was going to inspire for so many people
of all walks of life.

James W. Oppenheimer-Crawford
*“If you have a chance to accomplish something that will make things better
for people coming behind you, and you don’t do it, you're wasting your time
on this Earth.”  -- *Roberto Clemente

On Sat, Dec 27, 2014 at 12:56 PM, Ann Markle <ann.markle at aya.yale.edu>
wrote:

> Heather, David, and all, thank you for your 12-step stories -- and
> congratulations, David!
>
> I am a baby-beginner in 12-steps, having come in first in 2010, but going
> "on and off the wagon" (of food addiction) and now having 3 WEEKS tomorrow
> of abstinence again.
>
> I have learned how crazy I was without the program though (and not just in
> the food addiction), and could recognize that same craziness in my life
> again, which is what drove me back to my program.  I now attend 3 meetings
> a week and talk to my sponsor 4 days a week, and my food and my life are
> back under control, one day at a time.
>
> It's always heartening to hear the stories of people with years and years
> in.  I am grateful to you.
>
> Ann
>
> The Rev. Ann Markle
> Buffalo, NY
> ann.markle at aya.yale.edu
> blog:  www.onewildandpreciouslife.typepad.com
>