Table of ContentsMay Articles Online
About Grapevine |
Vol. 65 No. 12
Editor's NoteDear Readers, "I was on the other side of the world, but I was home," writes the author of "On the Road," recalling his relief at finding an AA meeting in an unfamiliar city. He also was describing the bond that springs from our common suffering, and the fellowship that is forged as we heal. Two other stories in this issue echo that theme. Explaining what it is like to be caught in the "asphyxiating grip" of alcoholism in Camaroon, West Africa and of seeing "whole lives swept down the drain into oblivion," the author of "Out of Africa" lets us feel the program's power to transcend barriers like age, culture and place. Recalling how AA took root in Izmir once the Big Book was available in Turkish, "On the Shores of the Aegean" helps us understand that we are part of a far-reaching Fellowship, about two million drunks all over the world. Other stories in this issue remind us how extraordinary it is that any alcoholic can form such connections. Once isolated and self-absorbed, the author of "A White Towel Experience" marvels that "with the help of God, AA, the Twelve Steps and my sponsor, I can carry on a conversation without ever mentioning myself ... I can say 'I love you' and mean it." Mourning the death of a sponsee, the author of "Beyond My Reach" tries to take solace in something his sponsor once said: "You don't get them sober. God does that. It is only your job to be ready for God to use you as an extension." But he still struggles to accept that "love may not be enough." "I hope the story about Jimmy might be. I hope my sponsee didn't die in vain." Having just lost a member of my family to this disease, I found new strength in this. It affirms the importance of each one of our stories, and the unfathomable grace each imparts. — In fellowship, |
