That First Call

I tried hard not to go to that first meeting. Why did I have to go meet these new people? I was sure they wouldn't understand. No one ever had before and believe me, I told everyone who would listen to my problems. Finally I forced myself to go.

The topic of my first meeting was "success." I knew absolutely nothing about success. I hadn't succeeded at anything. Most of all, I was not successful in solving our problems at home. I was the last person to share during the meeting. I was very embarrassed because all I could do was cry and share that I would consider it a success if I could ever speak in a meeting without crying.

Two wonderful women took me aside after the meeting and gave me their phone numbers. They said I could call them anytime. One of the women called me before I had the chance to call her. She invited me to a meeting the next day and she eventually became my first Sponsor. We enjoyed five wonderful years together—sharing, going to meetings, and working the Steps.

After moving to a new state recently, I needed to find some meetings. I had flashbacks of trying so hard not to attend my first meeting. However, this time I had my Higher Power to lean on and the gentle help of the members from my old group. I learned from my time in the program that I needed meetings and the people who attended them.

I found a new meeting and made some new friends. Whenever a newcomer attends our group, I give her my phone number. More importantly, I get her number and make that first call.

By Neina C., Virginia
The Forum, March 2006