Beyond My Wildest Dreams!
“I realised the only way it would work was if I did it AA’s way and not Colette’s way. That is when my life began to change.”
My name is Colette, and I am an alcoholic, and a very grateful member of this wonderful Fellowship. What a week it has been. I have just graduated from university with distinction. This is a far cry from the little girl who walked through the doors of AA at the age of 28 battered and bruised with alcohol in 2009. I was a single mother to my young son, who I was unable to take care of. I could not take care of myself.
My journey in recovery has been full of ups and downs along the way, including a relapse back to the drink. I did not want to accept that I had this illness. I did not believe it was an illness back then. Eventually, in September 2012 I surrendered, and accepted that it was. I realised the only way it would work was if I did it AA’s way and not Colette’s way. That is when my life began to change.
I joined a group, a group I am still a member of today, I got a sponsor and got into service. As time passed, I embarked on the Programme of recovery. I realised that things had to change. I had to change and that this was not going to be an overnight job. It has taken years. There have been tears of both sadness and joy. I have worked so hard to get to where I am today.
As time passed things changed dramatically – that little girl grew up. I met my future husband and went on to have two AA babies. I decided to follow my dream and enrolled for college and then university and on Tuesday this week I graduated with a proud mum and husband by my side. This would never have happened had I not got sober.
Today I am responsible, I am a wife, mother, daughter, and friend. I was none of these things when I was out there performing on alcohol. If anyone is reading this who is struggling today, I can now say – reach out, get phone numbers, and use them, do not suffer in silence. Something I did for a long time in the rooms. Join a group and get involved in the Fellowship.
I am writing this filled with gratitude for this wonderful Fellowship; it saved my life and gave me a life. I was always told if you remain grateful, you will remain sober and one day at a time this has been my experience.
When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that I am responsible.
Yours in Fellowship,
Colette C
Wishaw Tuesday Night Recovery