This is a topic that has crossed my mind for quite a while. Now it is time for me to talk about it.

I am thinking of a city near here... and how AA and Alanon was run by a couple for many years.

Looking forward- I sometimes wonder- what it is like to complete the 12 Steps. I have done this quite a few times. By now I know what is enough.

What effort is required, without busting the boiler.

We have a real old-timer in the next town. I took her cherries at Christmas- and I had a good catch-up. I think we were more that old friends. There was a depth to the conversation, seldom matched- out there in the bad old world.

There is no certificate, or ceremony, on completing the 12 Steps. No graduation.

It is impossible to hide in the rooms. And, by extension, this group qualifies, as far as I am concerned.

And our groups are places where there is no need to hide! 

So maybe that is the litmus test. We hold ourselves accountable to each other.

So, under Tradition 5, we are also accountable to the newcomer. That this is a proper and suitable place for them to come.  Place of healing.

We are not perfect-  The welcome we give you may not show the warmth we have in our hearts for you. After a while, youll discover that though you may not like all of us, youll love us in a very special waythe same way we already love you.

I suppose that is where I got my higher power from- the heart of the programme.

I heard this spoken hundreds, if not, thousands of times- and it must have sunk in.  ...

Getting back to my point- I believe that a 12 Stepper can emerge, at any age.  ...

DavidG.