Belonging

THE WOMAN who had invited me to lunch with some AA members, in the summer of 1960, introduced me as a newcomer. The others greeted me and went back to their meal. I told my newfound friend Jane that I wasn't hungry. Actually, I was shaking apart and unable to eat. Every time I tried to get the cup to my lips and the coffee sloshed out, Jane "just happened" to turn away. My brain was in a fog, but I recognized her tactfulness. By drawing me into the fellowship at that table, she was leading me to the unity of AA.