Monday, September 11, 2006

9/11/06

This morning I picked up the books I read every morning and it nearly took my breath away when I saw
"September 11"
at the top of the page.
I didn't wake up with that foremost in my mind.

I am grateful today that I got to experience that moment in history and many other moments of personal, national, and global history - sober. I am grateful that I know that no matter what is going on, I just have to be "where my feet are". I only have to live in this moment, at this time, in this place. I am grateful that I know that I only have to do the footwork, and the rest is out of my hands. I am grateful for a loving God.

"On the day that the calamity of Pearl Harbor fell upon our country, a great friend of AA was walking along a St. Louis street. Father Edward Dowling was not an alcoholic, but he had been one of the founders of the struggling AA group in his city. Because many of his usually sober friends had already taken to their bottles that they might blot out the implications of the Pearl Harbor disaster, Father Ed was anguished by the thought that his cherished AA group would probably do the same. Then a member, sober less than a year, stepped alongside and engaged Father Ed in a spirited conversation--mostly about AA. Father Ed saw, with relief, that his companion was perfectly sober. 'How is it that you have nothing to say about Pearl Harbor? How can you roll with a punch like that?' 'Well,' replied the yearling, 'each of us in AA has already had his own private Pearl Harbor. So why should we drunks crack up over this one?" -- As Bill Sees It, p. 71

14 comments:

Mama Dukes said...

'just be where my feet are'

and hopefully my feet are in the program

Gooey Munster said...

And what pretty toes on those feet yo have.

Thank you for the rememberance and proving that no matter what happens, remaining sober can be done.

Rex said...

Amen.....just be where my feet are.

Tennessee Santa said...

We can stay sober in spite of anyone or anything. I liked your post from as Bill Sees It. 911 isn't just an emergency number any more.
FAEA

Anonymous said...

I am grateful you are such a kick ass human sharing sobriety & hope :)
Thanks for sharing~

Shannon said...

that was a cool quote from as bill sees it thanks MC
and I love that " I only have to be where my feet are"
now
here and now
today

Unknown said...

" I am grateful for a loving God."

Amen

Pam Jarnagin said...

Thank you for this beautiful post, and for your wisdom, Mary Christine.

jake said...

Great post MC....

Mike said...

I just came by to say...

"Nice cup"

I got more out of your post than you know.


Mike

Petutes said...

I want to say beautiful post and great rememberance of that fateful day of our lifetimes. The quote is awesome! I have to be where my feet our. I'm prouder to be an American.
Karen :-)

Greg said...

maybe I should go buy "as bill sees it." profound! nice post mc

Trudging said...

Powerful, thank you for sharing.

When JFK was shot I was in my crib, sleeping(that is what my Mom says at least). When the first space shuttle went down, I got high. Iran Contra hearing I was totally wasted. Sober is much, much better

JJ said...

Thanks MC. Something we will never forget.
I still see you,
JJ