A 34th anniversary of a different sort.

On the morning of this day, a Friday, September 14th in 1990, my wife (RIP) drove me to University of Louisville Hospital where I was admitted into the detox ward and where I began a brand-new life at the age of 43. I tried to gain admission to regular treatment centers here in town but was far too sick. A big tumbler of wine slugged down in the parking garage was my last drink of alcohol, a moment which must never be repeated. I was there for about a week and will never forget waking up Sunday morning still with an I-V in my arm and feeling well for the first time in many, many years.

I'm forever grateful for the lasting support my family and friends so graciously gave me through the years and for the team of doctors at U of L that treated me. My family and friends provided the patience and love I needed as I started a journey of total rebuilding, as did thousands of AA meetings - many of which were out of state as I traveled for work.

Each year, this date brings back a flood of precious memories of the hundreds of special people that helped me along the way, from my first AA "home group" of crazy working men here in town to a retired cowboy and miner in Wyoming (and another in Utah) and a retired paper mill maintenance man from Gardner, Oregon who took me on a grand tour of the coastline during a weekend break. A gracious fellow working in a chemical plant in Newark brought me a packet of AA literature to direct me to meetings, while I got to see the Twin Towers still standing proud from the Newark Bay shoreline. These were all everyday AA members that needed to help me in order to stay sober and who extended a helping hand to a shy boy from Kentucky. That dedicated shower of love is what we all need during the worst of our struggles, along with good professional help.

These statements of sobriety dates must never be about pats on the back but instead quiet reflection and gratitude, and most importantly - an example for those still struggling to achieve lasting freedom from addiction and that yes, it's possible.

With love to all and have a great weekend!

KY..........