Hello Friend, I was just thinking about you and thought it would be nice to drop you a line.

I'm Bob, an alcoholic.

The only things I know about you are: You are an alcoholic like me, because you say you are. You are sober like me, because you say you are, and you are struggling now, because you say you are. When I chatted with you the other day, I could hear and feel your pain. I can only assume that you are going through some hard times, either mentally or spiritually. Maybe a time when faith seems so very far away. This is why I wanted to drop you a few lines. I too have gone through some very trying times. I have had lengthy periods of depression and/or self pity. At times, I have felt that I could no longer go on. At times, I felt that I was indeed different from others. At times, I have felt that no one could possibly understand how I feel. These moments, these days, these weeks come to us all. We all have days when we simply feel like square pegs trying to fit into round holes. My friend, if you remember I shared with you how after over twenty years of sober and drug-free living, I returned to drugs after a few years on heavy medication for an illness. I was devastated. I did not think I could ever return to a drug and alcohol free life again. I did not feel worthy of ever being accepted by clean and sober people again. I felt like an outcast. So my friend, this is my message to you: At times we all feel as though we are not as good as others. At times we all feel like we are alone. Ah, but remember this my friend, ...IT IS A LIE... Our disease lies to us. Our disease always wants us to feel bad about ourselves. Our disease always wants us to feel less than. With all the strength that you can muster from your Higher Power, ignore the lies. Listen to your heart my friend, your heart will not lie to you. Your heart is your pipeline to your Higher Power, to the God of your understanding. Take good care, my friend. You are in my prayers. I hope this letter finds you with the beginning of a twinkle in your eyes, and a smile on your face. We will travel this journey together, one day at a time. God Bless.
- Bob