Laughter, Tears, and Love

For weeks I sat in the back of the rooms, silent when others shared their experience,
strength and hope. I listened to their stories and found so many areas where we overlapped -- not all of the deeds, but the feelings of remorse and hopelessness.

I learned that alcoholism isn't a sin, it's a disease. That lifted the guilt I had felt. I learned that I didn't have to stop drinking forever, but just not pick up that first drink one day. I could manage that.

There was laughter in these rooms and sometimes tears, but always love, and when I was able to let it in, that love helped me heal.

c. 2001 AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 344