Page 36 - The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

BILL’S STORY 15
spiritual life through work and self-sacrifice for others,
he could not survive the certain trials and low spots
ahead. If he did not work, he would surely drink
again, and if he drank, he would surely die. Then faith
would be dead indeed. With us it is just like that.
My wife and I abandoned ourselves with enthus-
iasm to the idea of helping other alcoholics to a solution
of their problems. It was fortunate, for my old busi-
ness associates remained skeptical for a year and a
half, during which I found little work. I was not too
well at the time, and was plagued by waves of self-
pity and resentment. This sometimes nearly drove me
back to drink, but I soon found that when all other
measures failed, work with another alcoholic would
save the day. Many times I have gone to my old hos-
pital in despair. On talking to a man there, I would be
amazingly lifted up and set on my feet. It is a design
for living that works in rough going.
We commenced to make many fast friends and a fel-
lowship has grown up among us of which it is a won-
derful thing to feel a part. The joy of living we really
have, even under pressure and difficulty. I have seen
hundreds of families set their feet in the path that
really goes somewhere; have seen the most impossible
domestic situations righted; feuds and bitterness of all
sorts wiped out. I have seen men come out of asylums
and resume a vital place in the lives of their families
and communities. Business and professional men have
regained their standing. There is scarcely any form of
trouble and misery which has not been overcome
among us. In one western city and its environs there
are one thousand of us and our families. We meet fre-
quently so that newcomers may find the fellowship