“Who keeps us sober and happy?” the speaker asked. A chorus of merging voices declared, “Our Father” and then continued on with, “who art in heaven, hallowed be they name…”
The prayer was recited with each person holding the hand of another, forming a circle that spanned the circumference of the room below the sanctuary where I go each week to hear the gospel and celebrate the Eucharist. Misty eyes took in the scene. It had been a long time since we’d met in person, held hands and prayed together. Gratitude filled me up as I soaked in this moment.
The speaker was one that I’d heard before. His experience, strength and hope was extraordinary. As a family member of those affected by the addictions of others, these talks have helped me. I am learning to understand the struggles that my loved ones face through these speakers. I find that compassion grows. But most importantly of all, their stories always leave me feeling hopeful.
He spoke of AA members no longer with us who were a part of his story. His current support system was sprinkled throughout the audience. He spoke of the highs and lows, slips and falls.
And, if you were not paying close attention you would barely notice how many times the folks in this community welcomed him back while keeping him honest until he was able to keep himself honest–remain sober and then offer it to others. The miracle often sneaks in amongst the mess.
A phrase from his talk that jumped out at me, especially as a family member, was this: “They wouldn’t let me fall through the cracks.” He was referring was referring to his fellow AA’s. It is an unassuming group. It’s not what society thinks of in holy terms. But while I listen to the gospel upstairs, I realized that I am witnessing it here in this room, downstairs.
It occurred to me that I am in the room with shepherds, keeping an eye on their flock. There is so much to learn from them. If your loved one struggles with addiction, I recommend that you search online for an open AA speaker meeting. Go and listen. Get to know them.
For me, learning as much as I could about them and myself, separately, allowed us each the time and space to heal individually so that we could come together in a healthy fashion. It helped me to see that my higher power was at work through the men and women in these rooms. I could let go because I knew that they weren’t going to let my loved ones fall through the cracks.