My name is Tess, and I am an alcoholic.

Hope, like Faith, is one of my Higher Power's gifts. I can't do anything to deserve it. A gift is just that ... free of charge, and undeserved. It stems from belief and from grace. I can find Hope from other sources though; I can find Hope from experience. From my own experience and from yours. I can go to meetings and find Hope there. I can talk to another alcoholic and find Hope there. I can read the Big Book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, and many other books to find Hope. I have been to a doctor and found Hope. Hope is the true gift of the program. I have been given Hope that things will get better in my life as long as I stay sober. I have Hope that I can get through any difficulty sober with the Hope that you people give to me. I find Hope in all of my Higher Power's nature. All of nature gives me Hope and Faith in my own and your survival. Saying "Yes" gives me Hope. Saying "No" to mind-altering chemicals gives me Hope. Today, and for nearly twenty-seven years, I have Hope. I have had it since I came to my first AA meeting. Meetings give me great Hope.

Thanks!