Dec 2015
“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” Hal Borland
Welcome to the December edition of the Alanoclubs.com newsletter. And here we are, approaching the end of the old year, and starting a new one. ‘Tis the season for pumpkin spice, crowded malls, and warm clothes. For many, this is a time of resolution, a time to try new things and to recharge, to learn from the past year and start fresh. Taking time to reflect is always time well spent, but it’s somehow more profound this time of year. And for those of us armed with lists of New Year’s Resolutions, I think it wise, fellow readers, to remember that change is best sought in small doses, slowly shifting day by day towards whatever goals you may have in mind, be they large or be they small. We say it a lot here at the Alanoclubs.com office but it bears repeating, especially as we set forth on our path for 2014: One Day at a Time. It’s a new year, a time to send off the old era and welcome new beginnings. Celebrate in style and we’ll see you next month.
The Laughter and Learning Corner
A sponsor and his newcomer are at a meeting when the newcomer suddenly collapses, goes into cardiac arrest and falls to the floor. The paramedics arrive, perform CPR and bring the newcomer back to life.
“My GOD!” says the sponsor. “I thought we had lost you”.
The newcomer looks up and tells his sponsor, “I believe I was actually dead for a short time. I saw a bright light and felt myself basking in the light of my Higher Power. I’m sure it was Heaven. It was an amazing experience!”
“What was Heaven like?” asks the sponsor.
The newcomer smiles and replies, “Well, I got good news, and I got bad news. The good news is that in Heaven they have a huge speaker meeting every Thursday night. All the greatest AA speakers that have passed away speak there”.
“And the bad news?” asks the sponsor.
The newcomer looks his sponsor in the eyes and replies, “The bad news is that you’re scheduled to be the speaker next week”.
Did You Know: The Lasker Award In The Big Book AA
For those who wonder what the Lasker Award is that is mentioned at the back of the Big Book, an on-line search produced this Lasker Awards Overview:
“The Lasker Awards are among the most respected science prizes in the world. Since 1945, the Awards Program has recognized the contributions of scientists, physicians, and public servants who have made major advances in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of human disease. Lasker Awards often presage future recognition by the Nobel committee, so they have become popularly known as “America’s Nobels.” Seventy-six Lasker laureates have received the Nobel Prize, including 28 in the last two decades.” (www.laskerfoundation.org/awards/index.htm 3/30/9)
In 1951, Lasker awarded a Group Award Citation to Alcoholics Anonymous “In recognition of its unique and highly successful approach to that age-old public health and social problem: alcoholism.”
