The answer is, "I don't know....."

[Stuart G]

A few months ago..I was recovering in a rehab facility from pneumonia..
, and it turns out that there was a women there who had survived Auschwitz. She was in her mid 80s, and was recovering from a fall..She was quite sharp, totally together mentally, but of course, trouble walking..............
So after a few days, I got to know her and finally asked her, "How did you survive that?" And she said simply..."I don't know" She was 15 or 16 when they took her away, she never saw her parents again..they killed them.. I really didn't ask for any details about Auschwitz.
..So I wonder, why? I am still sober after a year from hell, with 2 surgeries, pnumonia, and my girl friend dieing from lung cancer. So I go to meetings and, at this time of year and wonder, .. How did I make it???...and you know.."I don't know."
... Great friends, luck, not giving up, some prayer, and some sperituality..but I still don't know..It ain't the best time of the year for me, and many others...I guess I have to take it one second at a time, and not drink or drug. or call someone, I guess. or, .go to a meeting..sure..but..you know what..I really don't know..........................so, I miss my friend, but many of us have lost loved ones..that is all I got...........Stuart G.

[NMDemDist2]

1. by the Grace of God

or the universe or whatever.

but Grace is the only thing that explains my survival, her survival and yours.

I'm so glad to hear you are finally feeling better and I'm so sorry for the losses you've sustained. But today is all we are ever promised.

so for today

[oldhippydude]

2. the fellowhip is bigger than any of us imagine

you are a big part of that.... service to others is the key, thank you

[JayhawkSD]

3. It's a simple answer,

When I admitted to a thirty year anniversary I was asked how I managed to do it. Simple answer, "I didn't drink and I didn't die."

The first part was a close call a few times in the early days, and the second one even closer call more recently. One partially successful heart surgery, nine strokes, severe emphysema, diagnosed with Parkinson's five years ago, and in intensive care with an intestinal infection two years ago. Don't count me out yet, though, I'll drink coffee at some of your funerals.

[cally]

4. I spoke a meeting this week and I used those

same words. I don't know how I stayed sober that first year. I had cravings much of the time but somehow through working the program I didn't drink. Now, I have a much stronger program and connection to my higher power but that first year---I just don't know.