My name is Pam, and I am an alcoholic.

I own a small retail plant shop in a small southern town. During a very stressful time last week, while planting some large hanging baskets for a local cafe, I had a Bill W. experience! Thank goodness the cafe's handy man was there to help me attach the necessary hardware for the baskets. It wasn't easy. We had to work on a tall ladder. Soon after we started working together, I noticed how easy he was to be with, and how easy it was for us to complete this difficult task. When I went back to my shop to get the heavy finished baskets for hanging, he came along and helped me carry them across the street. For some strange reason (I can't remember why), we started talking about alcoholism. He told me he was an alcoholic. I asked if he knew Bill W. "Yes!" he said with great enthusiasm. I smiled and thought, it's "Easy Does It!" The job was easier because I was working with someone who practices "easy does it," and lives a sober life. He told me he had fourteen years of sobriety, and I told him that next Monday ... God willing ... I would have nineteen years of sobriety. What a great birthday gift ... to make another AA friend! Easy Does It!

- Pam