Mere words can never express the many thanks I have for my dear friend and wonderful Sponsor. She was there to pick me up, to encourage me, and to give me hope when I finally accepted that, yes, I did need Al-Anon.

Many days and nights she was there to talk and cry with me, to laugh and share with me. She listened to me like no one else had ever done. She had already been down the same road I was traveling, so she had already experienced similar pain, tears, anger, disbelief, frustration, and despair. And she had survived it all!

My Sponsor continues to work her program. While living the Twelve Steps, she is showing me how to live, “One Day at a Time.” She has given me so many hours of guidance, hope, and shared experiences. She has given me new hope, a firmer foundation, and the belief that things in my life can get much better.

Thanks to her, I know I can change no one else and I am responsible only for myself, but I must determine what I will and will not accept. I am learning day by day to “Let Go and Let God” and always to consider “How Important Is It?”

I am grateful to my Sponsor for giving up so much of her time and for always being available whenever I felt low and discouraged. I appreciate all of the encouragement she gave me as my mentor, supporter, and friend. She is constantly reminding me to “Keep Coming Back.”

Most of all, my Sponsor has helped me realize that I deserve to be a healthy person. She convinced me that my life is worth something and I can survive the effects of this family illness by using the Al-Anon Steps and program.

One day, I hope I can share some of the many lessons that my Sponsor has shown me. Maybe I can encourage new people who will walk through the doors of Al-Anon.

By Cindy, Mississippi
The Forum, July 2004

Reprinted with Permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Hdqts, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.