Sober over 47 years since 1961, Tommie knew Bill and Lois well. She did her fifth step in the car with them going to Ebby's funeral where they were three of the twelve AA members present.
Here original home group was in Cheshire, CT some 60 miles from Bedford Hills, NY where Bill and Lois lived.
She was the youngest of three daughters. Her dad had the same job for 46 years. Her mom played the church organ but they never talked about themselves - what was going on inside.
"I used to say I came from a dysfunctional family but I'm it. The rest of my family was fine."
"I truly believe that alcoholism is a feeling illness."
I chatted with Tommie at this event and have recorded her live at two other events. She is truly an inspiration and I am grateful to have joined AA in time to meet those who knew some of the founders well enough to take them off the pedestals I put them on and bring them back eye to eye.
NOTE: The original recording was a little off on the volume setting but is really very understandable. The message is powerful and well worth the effort.
(1 hr 16 min) (26.3 MB) (id#1636)