A Portable AA Group

WHEN the call came that afternoon I virtually shouted: "Don't leave the lobby--just hold on--I'll be right over." This way our first AA call after arriving in Rome two months before. Too bad it had to be from someone having trouble! Shortly thereafter I entered the hotel to find the most relaxed, sober, self-possessed retired army major from Dublin, Ireland, that one could imagine. To prevent mutual embarrassment I didn't mention that over the telephone his brogue had sounded exactly like an Italian trying to speak English through a gallon of whiskey. But with proper perspective gained, the ensuing conversation led to an awareness of how interestingly unique the practice of international fellowship in AA can be. Here were a major from Dublin and an American sergeant discussing an aspect of humility in an old Roman hotel. This wasn't exactly like putting on a sport shirt and going to the regular Thursday night meeting at home!