OK everyone. I could make this a VERY long post, but I will keep it as short as possible without leaving too much out. The guy that took me came to my house. He came in, met my wife and daughter and dog! haha. He told my wife I made a great decision, and he would take care of me. We went to his house so I could meet his wife. Then we met up with another couple guys. One from Arizona who has been a great friend of his and he has 10 years sober. And the other guys is from a town about 90 miles away with 15 years sober. The guy that took me has 30 years sober. We went to one of the guys sisters house and just hung out for about an hour. They both met me, gave me a high five and said "always awesome to meet another drunk!" They don't hide who they are or the addiction they have. They laugh, joke, and even talk about their old drinking days and laugh about them! I just couldn't believe it! I thought it was like the plague, and you just pretend you didnt have a problem. They are the complete opposite of that.
After that, and many words of wisdom from them both, it was time to go to supper. We had a nice dinner (of coarse my money was no good there.) We even sat in the bar part of the restaurant!!! It was amazing to me to sit there and drink soda!!!! We talked more, and they all gave me their number and said to call any time, night or day. They said if I ever feel like drinking, to call them. If they can't talk me out of it, I can go ahead and have a drink! I found this amazing as well. I can't begin to tell you how much wisdom they shared with me. So just 4 alkies riding around in a car.
After dinner it was time for the meeting. We were the first ones there. There was a total of about 15 people there. I knew a couple of them from business encounters in town. They came in, said welcome to me and chit chatted and gave me their numbers! I can't believe how much love was in that room for me! I received my 24 hour chip, and a copy of the Big Book. I asked who I pay, and I was again told it "has been taken care of" and the guy who took me to the meeting had written a personal note on the inside to me.
After the meeting it was time for the "post meeting" at a local diner. Most of the group goes there afterward for milkshakes. So I didn't get home until a little after 10. It was so great to see all of these people laughing, having fun, and hanging out with a common goal in mind!
So as you can imagine I received soooo much wisdom from spending 5 hours with 3 guys with a total of 55 years sobriety between them. The guy who took me called me right away this morning and as soon as I answered he said "it is a great day to be sober isn't it?" What a way to start the day!!!! Oh, and I was also invited to not really a meeting today, but a bunch of AA guys get together for lunch every Tuesday and asked me to come. Obviously I am going!
So that is where I am at right now. I have a long ways to go, but I feel a MILLION times better than I did 2 days ago. God works in amazing ways. I do have my alcohol assessment today, and we will see what happens with that. I will keep you posted. They guys also said I should go deer hunting. They said God is always with me, and they are all just a phone call away for support while I am gone.
AHHHHHHHH!
Hugs to you all! I wouldn't be where I am right now without all of you! I just can't believe the love that has been given to me, all of this from a dieing Man that wants to save me before he is gone for good!