Hi, my name is Jo-Anne and I'm an alcoholic.

Because circumstances (and the Internet) made it possible, I reached out this week to make amends to a man I'd been involved with in my drinking days. I had not treated him well at all, and I sent an email to make my amends. I've been sober 16 years, and probably hadn't talked to him for 17. He responded so well ... we reminisced and finally, talked on the telephone. He reminded me that, amidst all the drunkenness, there'd been times when I'd conducted myself well, and had been a person of laughter and kindness. By making this amends, I have made a new friend, AND gained some insight to the good qualities I have always possessed. Alcoholics Anonymous took nothing from me except the insane craving for alcohol. And, it has given me self-respect, freedom from nameless fears and the ability to see my own childish demands for security for what they really were. For this, and so much more, I thank my Higher Power and the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Thank you for my sobriety.