How I've changed since
my first meeting

The topic was “Let Go and Let God.” My friend and I were amazed. I remember feeling better that day, just being in the room. I kept coming back, wanting to feel even better. I read some Al-Anon literature and found all of my secrets exposed. These people knew everything I had done and loved me anyway.

They knew about my threats to leave the alcoholic, how I poured alcohol down the drain, and how I drank with him so there wouldn’t be as much. They knew about my searches in the garage for hidden bottles. I realized that not only was I not alone, but that these strangers understood me and loved me. I kept attending week after week and started feeling much better.

My life has totally changed from that winter eight years ago. I am no longer afraid. I have the strength to take care of myself and my children.

I have faith that things will work out just the way they are supposed to. I will be forever grateful for a room full of strangers at that first meeting and to the Al-Anon program for giving me back my life.

By Diana B., Oregon
The Forum, February 2008

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