I was introduced to Al-Anon shortly after my spouse had passed. I was lost at the time, and the group accepted me just as I was. It took time to understand the Al-Anon principles found in the Steps and Traditions, but over time I was changing into a different person. I never felt pushed into anything.
It took me a year to volunteer to chair a meeting. Now, I am the Secretary of my home group and involved in public outreach. I enjoy the sense of family that I feel at every meeting. It is such a great feeling to be accepted as I am and to try to give back in gratitude for all that Al-Anon has given me. I have been given a new outlook on life, and I have found my Higher Power and a new self-confidence to do more things than I ever did before. Al-Anon has changed my life for the better, and I am happy it did. It has connected me to all the people in my circle whom I now call friends.
By Howard A., Ontario
Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.