We are people who normally would not mix …

[Wisconsin_Al]

I was in Montreal on a business trip; I had looked up meetings in the area of the hotel I was staying prior to going. One evening I excused myself from one of the business dinners opting to go to a meeting instead, clearly I told no one why I did not need to.

Not knowing Montreal I looked on a map and decided to walk. It was further than I guessed but it was a nice evening. As I walked, the neighborhood started getting a little tougher, a little more like areas of NYC I knew to stay out of when I lived there. But I felt safe, just a little uncomfortable.

I get to the church where the meeting was being held. As I walked towards it I was approached by three people asking for money, not unexpected for this area of a city. I entered the church and headed for the meeting room feeling a little uneasy.

Once inside the meeting I noticed that I was the only one in business attire and immediately became self-aware of being out of place. The meeting started to fill up and one of those that joined was one that just asked me for money outside. The room had chairs in the back for those who only came in for coffee and cookies and not to take part.

Well all I can think of is I need to leave. But embarrassment is keeping me from getting up and walking out so I stay.

When the meeting starts and the sharing begin I listened. I listened to some who were homeless, some with problem beyond alcohol, and some with legal and financial problems I never considered for myself. But in all of this I heard about fear, low self esteem, depression, uncontrolled drinking, inappropriate behaviors while drinking, I heard about ME! I heard Hope; I heard about Higher Powers, I heard about recovery and I witness the program working in these people.

This was a moving experience; here were people just like me yet nothing like me. We were clearly people who normally would not mix.

I thank my Higher Power for that meeting; this was a wonderful meeting for me.

Al

[CAPTAINZING2000]

Al,

thanks for the reminder. i live in a small town. I don't see people asking for money where I'm from. I tend to always give a dollar or so when, I'm approached in a large city.

Sounds like, you learned to be humble. Alochol doesn't discriminate

[CarolD]

I got sober in D.C. and I miss the variety here in 'village AA'

On arriving in a city..I called for the nearest meeting to my hotel.

"Gay Lesbian or Trany?"

"Ah er no...just a drunk"

I attended the Alano Club several times. Never did figure out out that was the GLT group as they had someone for anyone!

Viva AA in Vegas!

[CAPTAINZING2000]

I've got a guy I've been aquainted with from Frisco. I've never asked him if, he's gay. he did send me a list of all the AA/NA/ meetings in the area. There's some strange stuff out there to b sure.

The most important thing, is the 12th tradition. I've got some pretty powerful testimony from the down and out and listened to a lawyer tell how his life was miserable with all his wealth etc. You just never know!!!!

[3legacy]

((((((((((Al)))))))))))))
I've been to meetings where weapons were checked at the door by an off-duty prostitute. Been to meetings where I was the only one in tennis shorts. Been to meetings where another language was spoken. Been to meetings where I was one of two members present without a hearing impairment. (The couple times I've attended Signed Meeting for the Hearing Impaired were totally awesome. The Signor told me it was OK for me to speak. LOL Language of the Heart does not always have to be spoken)

I've been to meetings where I was the only caucasian. Been to meetings where I was the only one allowed to leave the facility after the meeting closed. Been to meetings in the Capitol Bldg where it took two or three years to find out the gentlemen I'd been going to breakfast with were retired Senators and most everyone else in the group worked for the government in some way. My Home Group consists of alcoholics who are women & men. Their sexual leanings are their own business just as is their personal choice of religion or none at all. One member in my Home Group is of Russian decent who has been working on getting his US citizenship for the past few years. Another member(whom I sponsor) is Native American but also has personal cultural diversity & even gets confused sometimes by being part Hawaiian, Fillapino, & Black.

It makes this White Native-American(born here), once Redheaded Male Drunk feel good to see that all we really care about is whether you are an alcoholic possibly looking for the AA Way Out. Listening, hearing, sharing, & growing together with other alcoholics is a godsend for me personally. I have enjoyed many opportunities to attend a variety of different meetings. All in all, I personally favor meetings held by a functioning Home Group within the limited but effective general service structure in Alcoholics Anonymous.

((((((((WisconsinAl)))))))))))
Kiss Heart of Spirit
In Love & Service,
3 Legacy

[NoMoBeer]

We're all from the same alley....just different dumpsters.