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5- History- Dr. Bob Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous |
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 Robert Holbrook Smith was born on August 8th 1879 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. After graduation from Dartmouth College in 1902, he completed his medical training at Rush Medical School in Chicago. While attending college, he became a steady drinker; a situation that progressed until his recovery. In 1915 , some 17 years after he had first met her, he married his high school
sweetheart Anne Ripley and brought her to Akron. Even though he became a successful surgeon, he continued to struggle with alcoholism.
In 1935 Dr. Bob met Bill Wilson, a New York businessman and entrepreneur who was struggling with his own alcoholism. The two immediately became close friends, with Bill showing Dr. Bob how he, Bill, with spiritual help, was finally able to recover from the effects of alcoholism,. Dr. Bob had his last drink on June 10, 1935, and that is considered to be the founding date of Alcoholics Anonymous. In 1939 the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, written by Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob and other early members
of our fellowship was published, and the fellowship that came to be known as Alcoholics Anonymous was born. Dr. Bob was called the "Prince of Twelfth Steppers" by Bill Wilson because he personally treated more than 5000 alcoholics without charge. Also, it was in Dr. Bob's home that some of the basic ideas essential to the A.A. way of life were developed.
Dr. Bob always said that A.A.'s fundamental ideas came from the study of the Bible and that he personally did not write or have anything to do with the later writing of the 12 Steps. In Dr. Bob's mind, the Steps in their deepest essence simply mean "love and service."
Dr. Bob died on November 16, 1950 in Akron, Ohio after 15 years of uninterrupted sobriety. Ever a self-effacing and humble man, he might be astonished, and we feel very pleased, to realize that Alcoholics Anonymous has become a world-wide organization that continues to help so many helpless alcoholics begin and continue along the Road of Happy Destiny.
Biography compliments of our friends "Dr. Bob's Home" at: www.drbobs.com |
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6- Our Stories - Friends of Recovery Stories |
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An Al-Anon member finds faith in herself, God and friends through Santa Claus.
There is a Santa
When I first came into Al-anon I had no self-esteem. My whole life was centered around the alcoholic even though I had once been outgoing and involved in all kinds of school and church activities. Living with the alcoholic for 13 years I had lost my identity and lived in his shadow. Four years ago I went to my first Al-anon meeting totally beaten.
 That year my first sponsor reintroduced me to my talent for painting ceramics. I was my own worst critic and wouldn’t let anybody see them. One thing I discovered was a love for painting Santa Claus. Clowns and other things were enjoyable but there was a sense of pride when I finished a Santa Clause. That first year I just painted Santa’s for myself. They next year someone in the program
asked to see them. I agreed but kept pointing out all the mistakes and flaws in them. Encouraged by my sponsor, I was able to take them into my office the following year. Everyone loved them and ordered some. That boosted my self-esteem a little, but I continued to give myself a hard time about them. My sponsor kept telling me to get out of my own way and it would be all right.
One of my dreams had always been to have a business of my own but I never had the courage to go for it. Last year I was able to approach a shop owner and ask to have my Santa’s displayed. It was the hardest most terrifying thing I had ever done. My sponsor’s prompting caused me to have business cards printed and it was the thrill of my life.
Later, after reading some Al-Anon literature, I came to a page which brought me to my knees. Realization came that my talents had been given to me by God with no strings attached. They had been there through the disease that had taken over my life, a disease I had allowed to strip me of all my worth. God had been there encouraging me all the time through the program. Knowing this I put the outcome of my business into His hands and asked that His will be done. Now I see all my fears were
unwarranted. When I’m fearful, I’m not letting God handle things. I don’t know where this business is going but I do know that through it I have learned to give credit where credit is due. Things will turn out the way God wants.
Al-Anon has freely given me the courage to accept myself just as I am; the ability to trust people to see in me what I cannot see in myself; the vision to know they can love me even when I can’t love myself; self-esteem I never had before; courage to believe in myself and faith in my Higher Power. For all these gifts and numerous others I thank Al-Anon.
There is a Santa Claus. Through him I learned the true meaning of Christmas and found faith and trust in something greater than myself – the God of my understanding.
Elaine S. South Carolina
Reprinted from The Forum December 1992. Al-Anon Family Groups Hdqs., Inc., Virginia Beach. |
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Recovery Christmas and Holiday Cards are also available at our CafePress.com store. Perfect for your friends in recovery.
