I have enjoyed sobriety for 36 years. The cure for my addiction has brought me so many gifts and miracles it is hard to name the most important one. A God of my understanding who is present to me when I need him, also a wife who has stood at my side and in front of me for 67 years. A child died from this addiction at the prime of his life, bankruptcies, and business failures—I cannot relate to you the pain I have gone through. But, we have had many joys too, which I would not have experienced had I not been sober. 15 Grandchildren, 16 Great grandchildren, with two more on the way, business successes, and grief assistance from stalwart members of our recovery members.
At 72 years of age, I headed to the seminary, and after 3 hard years of study, I was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church. These last 11 years have been a miracle. I don’t have the words to explain the joy and love I have found in my duties as a deacon. This is my 87th birthday so I will retire at the end of the year. What a ride, and if I hadn’t got on my knees 36 years ago, I would have missed all the beauty of living a sober life.
—Bob L
