I remember my first Christmas after attending meetings in September 1993. While I didn't drink for nearly four months, I did not get a sponsor and therefore did not work the steps. On Christmas Eve, I was out shopping for last minute gifts for my wife who went with me to that first meeting and took the suggestions of sponsor/steps and stayed sober to this day. On my shopping trip, I happened by one of my old package stores which was next door to a 7/11. Euphoric recall set in and I felt that having not taken a drink in such a long period of time, I could stop in and buy a pint of my favorite adult beverage, which I did. Then proceeded to the 7/11 for a big gulp for mixing purposes. You already know about the progressive nature of the disease so I won't continue to the part where I came home after midnight, stumbled up the stairs, wrapped her gifts in newspaper because I couldn't find the xmas wrap, and then passed out in the bathroom after hurling my mexican dinner. I got another silver chip the next day but repeated the same mistake expecting different results (no sponsor,no steps, no chance of sobriety) and then finally in 1998 I could no longer live that way. April 28, 1998-25+ years ago I put the plug in the jug, embraced the life saving suggestions, and haven't had a drink of alcohol since. My wife has stayed sober since that first meeting in 1993 and we are both eternally grateful to have found the solution after suffering the problem for far too long. The men I sponsor have added to the psychic change and spiritual awakening that has continued one day at a time. Merry Christmas to all of you on this thread and if you are ever in Fort Worth, look me up at the 7am Harbor Club meeting.
Len J.