Story submitted by: Melissa R.
Sobriety Date: 02/14/2012
My service Journey starts when I had 3 months in the wonderful program of AA. My sobriety date is 02-14-2012, I had been a dry drunk for 2 years before I was brought to AA for the support of my husband. I did not know at the time, that I would end up becoming addicted to not only the program but also to service in the program.
I had been in the program for about 3 months when I was taken to my first assembly. I of course had been making coffee and cleaning up after meetings during those first few months. While at the assembly I was accompanied by 4 other alcoholics. We were standing around trying to figure out where to go and what to do. All of a sudden a women comes up and asks our group who the GSR for our new young peoples group was and they all pointed at me and said she is. I was dumb founded because I had no idea what was going on and my only reaction was “I am the what for the who?” I was told to go with the lady and to just be quiet and pay attention. So I did what I was told, I went to my first GSR orientation meeting. I was hooked. After spending 2 years as the young people’s GSR and chairing different meetings, I was then nominated for the District 15 DCM position. I learned really quick what being a DCM entailed and just a few months after becoming DCM, The district decided to bid for the 2016 Area 46 Convention. This was truly a learning experience. I got to meet so many new people in the program while at the same time trying to help work out the details for The Convention at Ghost Ranch. It was truly a test of not only my ability to stay sober but to also keep my character defects in check.
When my term as DCM was coming to end, I could not see myself not doing service. I started to talk to all the different Chairs for the area and became very interested in Public Information. So for the next rotation I was offered the Public Information Chair position. This was a big learning experience for me. I not only got to help spread the word of life saving program but I also got travel all over Area 46. I went to every health fair and public appearances as possible. I learned exactly how needed the AA program actually was and the people who worked so hard to make sure that AA was available to anyone who needed it.
Once my rotation for PI was up, I decided to run for Area 46 Secretary. It was close but by the pull of the hat I gratefully was nominated as the Area 46 secretary. I never realized how much work the Secretary actually did for the Area. I was so lucky to have the two previous secretaries at my disposal. Both Ana G. and Rosie F. were a great help and they still continue to be.
I was thinking of taking some time off from service after this rotation but after careful thinking, I have realized that service in the wonderful program has a huge impact on my sobriety. For me taking a break from service is like taking a break from sobriety. I can not afford to do that. I know that I have another drunk in me, but I am not so sure that I have another sobriety in me. That is not a chance that I want to take. This program and all the service I have done has not only kept me sober but has shaped me into the person that I am today.
I am truly blessed to be a part of this program and to have been given the chance to try to give back to Area 46. I know I could never repay the gifts and blessings that this program and my family of friends in it have given me. I can only hope that I can continue to serve in any and all ways that are possible.
I am Responsible
When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help. I want the hand of AA to always be there. And for that I am responsible.