Hello! My name is Starlene. I am not a member of AA, but I am married to a recovering alcoholic who is a member. My husband Glenn celebrated eight years of sobriety recently. I think there are several reasons he's celebrating ... a loving God who gave him the desire to want sobriety, a loving family who have always been there for him, and never giving up hope that someday he would return to a sober life. But the main reason is the loving Fellowship of AA. I thank God every day that Bill W. and Dr. Bob met that day in 1935. There is no doubt in my mind that AA saved my husband's life.

I met Glenn in his seventh year of sobriety, so I didn't experience his years of drinking, or what it took for him to get where he is today, but I do know what it is like to live with an alcoholic. I was previously married to one, and sadly, he is still active. One thing that Glenn has given me is an understanding of what he and my ex-husband suffered. It has helped me to forgive, and let go of my past. I've been able to let go of a lot of guilt, since I now understand I was not to blame, and couldn't have healed my ex-husband.

Glenn has also helped me to grow spiritually. I've always tried to not only to "talk the talk," but to "walk the walk," but in sharing with Glenn and watching him, I realized there was so much more I could be doing. In working the program, Glenn has found the tools he needs to live sober one day at a time. That includes dealing with the many trials and tribulations that come into our lives each day.

I've been going to AA meetings with my husband since we first met, and I sit and listen closely to the discussions. I hear so many say they want what Glenn and many others have, and my answer is, "Follow their lead ... work the Program, be willing to go to any length, and you can have it too!"