Hi all, I'm Derryl, an alcoholic.

I was brought up to always "be." "Be" the perfect daughter, "be" the best mother, "be" the best wife. And, oh boy, did I fall short. Because I didn't know who "I" was. Underneath all the makeup, the pretense, the effort, I was never just told to "be" myself -- perish the thought! So in AA, I've tried to "am" rather than "be." I "am" Derryl, I "am" an alcoholic, I "am" good enough. And God loves me just the way I "am." I thought He loved me too much to just leave me this way. With His help, and with yours, with sobriety practiced one day at a time, I am authentic. I am real, and continue to try to stay true to what you've taught me. I "am" a sponsor; I am not "being" a sponsor. I "am" glad to be here today, and I'm glad you listened to my ramble. Thank you!

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