Sober 16 years since 4/10/2001, Robert shares a great definition of restless, irritable and discontent.
With a wry sense of humor, he shares how he went from the values he learned from his father whom he describes as "honest as the day is long", to stealing candy bars, to writing his own prescriptions for pain pills.
The rationalization and justification is astonishing.
He came into AA first in 1990 but did not work the Steps or get a sponsor in more than name only.
By 2001, he was facing prison time, in a locked recovery unit and running out of plans.
He got a sponsor who showed him the power of the Big Book while also doing service.
At two years sober he came downstairs one morning to find his adopted 15 year old son dead from suicide. His wife called 911; he called his sponsor.
AA showed up that day in force. "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times."
He found grief and guilt counseling outside AA and discovered after a time he could help others with his experience, strength and hope.
He recently chaired the Atlanta Roundup and is a member of a very active home group: The Fifth Traditions Group in Atlanta.
(47 min) (16.2 MB) (id#1907)