About Me
I believe that God used AA and prayer to save me from self-destructing with alcohol. I am grateful to have a life that allows me time to write and reflect. I finished the AA book during the first week of attending meetings. My copy was a gift from Steve, who generously bought it for me and promptly said, “I’ll probably never see you again, but it’s what I do. I give books to beginners and hope it makes a difference to someone.”
Difference? Like a compass needle slamming from South to North! My life was eventually turned from disaster and depression to hope and gratitude! I only look back in order to remember how difficult it is to find serenity and direction when first sober.
Looking toward a sober future
I love the AA book and feel that, though “meeting makers make it” is a popular slogan, it’s the literature and the spiritual aspect of the program that changed my life for the better. I was fortunate to have become sober in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where AA is solid and support is amazing. Since then, I’ve lived in California, Oregon and Texas. “There’s no place like home” has meaning for me when I reflect on my 7:30 and 9:00 home groups upstairs at the Fellowship Club on 1st Avenue beside the Dairy Queen.
Therefore, though I once had amazing fellowship and teaching, I currently have my books, email, the net and an occasional meeting. I work as an oil rig gate guard and have a schedule that means unpredictable times of solitude and ample time for reflection. I am blessed to be living full-time in my RV– a dream that could not have happened while I was drowning my hopes and assets with booze.
PS: You can contact me at h.h.fogle@gmail.com
What an inspirational blog. I’ve done the 12 steps, but through al-anon. I have alcoholics in my life, and it’s always tough to face being a control-freak as the one who is not the alcoholic.
But, you find it, face it, feel it, forgive, forget. 
Thanks for being so open about your addiction.
Lori–Your comment is a breath of fresh air! I love hearing from al-anon. And you did the Steps! Hang around, please. We need you here. You’ll find a really supportive, versatile group of thinkers here! Welcome.
Hey, Heidi!
Okay? If that was too confusing, you can view the general idea at:
I know you don’t accept awards and do not want badges, but please consider bringing 7 of your best or most important posts from the past up to the top, via linking to them on a current post, so we can sip from the cream.
http://katharinetrauger.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/indulging-the-awards-circuit-3/
Thanks. Love ya. K
KT- I’ll try to get some ideas from someone else on that. I’m probably not a good judge of my ‘best’. What is cathartic for me, might not be of any use to someone else. I like your suggestion. Thank you.
Or go with ones that got the most comments, seeming to help the most people, if you want. Or not.
Just stopped by to say “hi”, that I’m thankful you’re doing well, that you’re close with the Lord. Though my story doesn’t include AA, I’ve struggled big-time–and can finally say at age 59, “Life is Good! Because God is awesome–He never gives up on us, so it’s never too late!” May He continue to bless you abundantly, always.
Hello, Heidi. If you’re ever back in Iowa, and Des Moines in particular, drop us a line at realtimerecovery.wordpress.com. My home group is the 2 Rivers Recovery Group which meets on Sunday evening at 7 pm at the church on the SouthEast corner of 63rd and University in Des Moines. Great fellowship and frequent drop-in for out-of-towners on a weekend visit since we’re on Sunday evening when there’s little better to do than hit a meeting. Best, Kayko
Kayko–Thanks for the invite! I love to know Iowa is represented in GoodLife!
Just had another peak into my CR woman. Damn, i was right down there in Iowa City .. at least from 1966 – 1983-ish. Me and Jen for a few years — we may have crossed paths. You trying to save too binge drinkers … us running like hell!!!
Wonderful to meet you in blog world!
Nina–Thank you for the follow and for joining us at GoodLife. I hope something here touches you.