Mary joined Alcoholics Anonymous 35 years ago, shortly after her father picked up his 20 year chip in the Program. Her father’s longevity and experience in AA was reflected in his willingness to let his daughter find her own way through the alcoholic mire in which she was stuck for years. By the time she came into AA in 1988, she had become emotionally, physically, and spiritually wrecked. A cry for help was all she had left. That cry, however, was answered by none other than her father who took her to her earliest meetings. Mary’s misery turned into a sincere willingness to get and stay sober. Over time, she got a sponsor, worked the steps, and began her service work as a sponsor. The various milestones in Mary’s sobriety journey represent the very worst and very best things that can happen in the life of a recovering alcoholic. At the end of each milestone were the blessings of continuous sobriety and greater gifts of experience, strength, that she freely shares with others.

I feel you’ll find Mary’s story to be an inspiring example of good long-term recovery in the AA. Her approach to sobriety is both enlightening and inspiring. So please enjoy the next hour with my friend and AA sister, Mary M.

If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series and my Big Book podcast, have a listen to Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio.

I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon.

[Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs and no one receives financial gain from the show. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]