Last January ninth I was sober 30 years and felt kind of bad because I wasn't able to go to large gatherings because my doctor didn't want me to risk exposure to Covid 19. Instead I met with my sponsor at a small cafe and had lunch. And then he presented me my 30 year chip.
Afterward, back at the office, someone asked me why I needed a sponsor after 30 years of recovery. That it seemed like I would know what it took to stay sober after so many years.
The reality is that a person who can read and understand the Big Book probably doesn't need a sponsor. Because if we do everything that the book tells us we'll learn to live sober. In fact, it's almost a 100% guarantee.
But the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous suggests sponsorship as a strong support for those in recovery. Especially those in new recovery.
Every challenge to our sobriety requires an anwer and who better to help us than someone who has several years sobriety and who hasn't taken a drink no matter what challenges they faced. My sponsor has faced health problems and many other challenges in his 47 years of sobriety, yet remains sober.
Generally when I have an issue to deal with and call him about it he'll end telling me that I know the right answer - and he's always been right. He's been with me through the last 25 years of my recovery, which included two divorces, the overdose of a grandson, two bouts of cancer, and several business challenges.
Would I have relapsed without his support? Highly unlikely. But it's always comforting to know that when I need sage advice I can dial his number.
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