Did You Miss National Sobriety Day?

Dr. Bob’s story of the AA Camel

Dr. Bob, physician, and a cofounder of Alcoholics Anonymous – “. . . would explain prayer by telling how the camels in a caravan would kneel down in the evening, and the men would unload their burdens. In the morning, they would kneel down again, and the men would put the burdens back on. ’It’s the same with prayer,’ Dr. Bob said. ’We get on our knees to unload at night. And in the morning when we get on our knees again, God gives us just the load we are able to carry for that day.’” Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers (1980), page 229

My Story

I stopped drinking in 1980 when I was attending a family program at Hazelden Treatment Center. While there they asked for family members to attend the program without drinking during the entire program.

I thought that would be no problem. I had been going to a family support group for almost two years at that time.

While attending I was asked to have an assessment. I agreed to do that and was as honest as I could be at the time. I wondered why I was being asked as my husband was the alcoholic.

When we finished the assessment, the assessor said, "You can feel free to attend AA meetings." That is what I remember. It probably wasn't what he said. I remember thinking, I'm already not drinking, why go to AA?

At the time I thought it was for old men. When I started the family support, I walked through a room with old men that was AA and they told me that the women were in the back!

Thankfully, it will be 42 years on September 26, 2022, since I found it necessary to take a drink of alcohol or use drugs.

I also haven't gotten down on my knees in prayer, although I do pray regularly. I have adopted other methods to include prayer daily.

Many do this practice similar to the camel and believe it contributes to their having a good day and evening.

Camel Prayer

“The tasks of the day can pass with ease

when a camel or I start on our knees.

One Master we serve, the camel and I,

and stay for that day completely dry.”

By fredjoiners, Alcohol Self-Help News

National Sobriety Day and National Sobriety Month are meant for celebration and to bring attention to addiction.

Since my mother died between my two support group birthdays and my sister died on my family support birthday, I chose to celebrate the whole month of September and even the following week to have the days recognized.

I have started to work on a spoken word for a celebration later this month. Here is where I am at. The grandson said that it should be 2-3 minutes if it were a rap. It is not, so maybe this length will do.

Recovery is my discovery

Twelve steps, and the culture

Creator God has been an adventure

My long-term recovery

I don’t drink alcohol or take drugs

I now prefer hugs

No more anxiety, panic, or depression

I have had more than one counseling session

Too well adjusted to qualify for mental health care now

My insurance won't pay and anyhow

Then they have trouble with a diagnosis

And there is no cirrhosis

I am not healthy as can be

However today I am okay with me

Recovery is beautiful for me and mine

I didn’t mind giving up the wine

I joked about being a wino in early sobriety

Many laughed, and yet, many knew out there in society

Recovery has kept me sane,

and in my lane

This life is the very best,

It can be a test, I do not jest

My recovery has been a rediscovery tis

Of who I am and what my purpose is

I discovered a kind and loving spirit

Called giizhemanidoo. Love I git!

Is it going to meetings and speaking

I live a day at a time, always seeking

I just love my l ong-term recovery and all of you

Hugs to you and you and you too BAE and Boo!