June 8

June 8 – AM

Page 171-172, Doctor Bob’s Nightmare

My father was a professional man of recognized ability and both my father and mother were most active in church affairs.  Both father and mother were considerably above the average in intelligence.
Unfortunately for me, I was the only child, which perhaps engendered the selfishness which played such an important part in bringing on my alcoholism.
From childhood through high school I was more or less forced to go to church, Sunday School and evening service, Monday night Christian Endeavor and sometimes to Wednesday evening prayer meeting.  This had the effect of making me resolve that when I was free from parental domination, I would never again darken the doors of a church.  This resolution I kept steadfastly for the next forty years, except when circumstances made it seem unwise to absent myself.

June 8 – PM

Page 151-152, A Vision For You, Chapter 11

Now and then a serious drinker, being dry at the moment says, “I don’t miss it at all.  Feel better.  Work better.  Having a better time.”  As ex-problem drinkers, we smile at such a sally.  We know our friend is like a boy whistling in the dark to keep up his  spirits.  He fools himself.  Inwardly he would give anything to take half a dozen drinks and get away with them.  He will presently try the old game again, for he isn’t happy about his sobriety.  He cannot picture life without alcohol.  Some day he will be unable to imagine life either with alcohol or without it.  Then he will know loneliness such as few do.  He will be at the jumping-off place.  He will wish for the end.