Carrying the Message

About twenty-three years ago, I first joined AA in Newark, N.J., and going to those initial meetings was indeed heartwarming. I was barely sober, knowing no one and more than ready for any excuse to bolt from the place. But so many men and women greeted me, introduced themselves (first names), and asked me to sit with them and have a drink of coffee with them, that even at that first, difficult meeting I felt welcome. I completely lost my embarrassment and felt that I belonged. At meetings all through this area, the atmosphere was just as warm.