First Meeting...

Yesterday I looked up A.A. meetings online and discovered that the tuesday meeting's were alternated between my small town and the larger town 20 odd kilometers away, but, didn't indicate which meeting was which week. A call to the Sydney main office of A.A. Australia secured two names and two phone numbers one of which clarified that this weeks meeting was to be held in my small town.

The weather was dismal last night, very cold and sleeting with rain when I left for my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in several years. I drove past the catholic church on a street with no lighting and found myself doubling back to drive past roadworks that prevented access to the school sections hall. Finally I entered the church driveway (also unlit) and drove past the church and towards the rear of the school. In the distance I could see light emanating from two small windows and as I drew nearer could see two cars parked outside the building from which the lights shined.

As I approached the shining windows a head poked out the door and I wasn't sure if I had found the right place. I think I expected more people or at least more cars. I expected to find people milling around the doorway smoking cigarettes and chatting about sobriety. This was not to be so. The head out the door extended his hand welcoming me to the meeting but was surprised as he was expecting some of the regulars and not this newcomer.

I walked in and discovered this to be a meeting of three including myself. Apparently there were usually a few more but the inclement weather may have kept the others away. People sometimes travelled from neighbouring towns near and far. Meetings at one time I was told numbered at least 3 a week between the towns some years ago but had dwindled to one. They were however happy to have me there and probably appreciated the "new blood" to this obviously dwindling membership.

The chairwoman opened the meeting and spoke for about 20 minutes, the second member followed for about the same time and then it was me. I found the time I was allowed liberating as I had a lot to get off my chest. I had in the past been used to sharing time being limited to a few to 5 minutes in duration in larger meetings and definitely not the opportunity to share in every meeting. I was surprised how effective such a small meeting could be and was told that it only takes two alcoholics to constitute a meeting.

The time passed quickly and I was soon home feeling very satisfied with the experience. Next week's meeting is in the larger neighboring town and I was assured there would be a few more members attending. I will research where other meetings are held when I get my new vehicle as I don't mind travelling some distance to attend other meetings. All in all I am glad to be back in the rooms of A.A. and maintaining some sobriety. I know for a fact it will be good for my mental health...