Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Personal Connection

It was a powerful moment when a young woman I’ve known since she was a baby received a four year chip at the Sunday morning meeting. At one time we weren't sure she was going to survive her addiction. Before she got into recovery she had run-ins with the law that put her in jail - and nearly in prison.

Today she’s a healthy and beautiful 27 year old, raising a son and daughter with her fiancĂ©e, and attending college while working a full-time job. 

When I witness the transformation she underwent it reaffirms for me the miracle of the 12-step programs. She’s let her life be guided by the program and has diligently followed the steps for the past four years.

Before recovery, she was in jeopardy of losing her son, a bright and handsome boy who was one of the victims of her addiction. It was nearly a year into her recovery before she had him back in her life full-time.

When she shared from the podium she talked about having been around 12 step meetings all her life, yet never believing the principles applied to her. She said she was ashamed to get in touch with her family because she knew they knew she was dealing and using - and also what the solution was.

She spoke of the emotional setbacks she had when old criminal charges she thought had disappeared kept coming back to life. Yet she didn’t let these challenges stop her from working her program. Eventually all of the charges disappeared and she never wavered from her commitment to sobriety.

Each day I witness the power of the 12-step programs. And it’s especially wonderful when that power helps save someone close to us.

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