Celebrating 20 years sober

Just a note to let you know that come this Friday March 30th I will celebrate my anniversary from Atchison! My name is Ed L. and at the time I was living and working in Chicago, however over these 20 years there have been some changes. I'm now living in my home town of Pittsburgh, Pa. I remember my days at Valley Hope as if they were yesterday, I thank my Higher Power every day that the Love and Care I received from Atchison has taken me on this journey. The staff and those of us patients at that time were so gracious. I have signatures from the staff and patients in my original Big Book, some of the people I do remember, some I don't. I remember so well that I didn't want to leave when my time came (30 days). I was so comfortable and feared returning to Chicago and the bars on every corner. But, I did what I was told, got a sponsor, went to meetings, sometimes two or three a day, and worked my steps. I made many new friends over these years and am very grateful to everyone who has touched my life thru the meetings over these years. Perhaps, some day I might be able to visit Atchison, that would be really nice, I suspect there have been some physical changes to the buildings etc., so with that I send my very best wishes to those who may be there in recovery today, it does work one day at a time (Oh how I hated to hear that) but thanks to my Higher Power it is still working! With Love in Fellowship and Friendship. And my Serenity Prayer for you, Ed.

By: Ed L.