As a new member of the BRiDGES board of directors, I have a responsibility to share information with the public about my recovery. I was blessed approximately 33 years ago when a long time friend whom I had grown up with suggested that I accompany him to a 12-step meeting.

The friend had recognized that my life was in shambles due to my drinking. Although I had never had a DWI or lost my job, I was losing my family and I had financial problems.

I attended my first meeting in Cleveland, on the north shore of Oneida Lake. My wife, after 13 years of marriage, decided that she wanted a divorce and was not willing to stick around during my early recovery to see if I could change. I was given custody of my three young sons.

Drinking took me to places I wanted to be. Then, as my disease progressed, it took me to places where I didn’t want to be. I never seemed to fit in and felt like I was on a merry-go-round. I blamed everyone and everything for my problems, but never my drinking.

Somehow, I managed to attend meeting daily with the help of friends willing to watch the children. I practiced the 12 steps and did not pick up that first drink as suggested at meetings, and gradually my life began to turn around.

I stayed single for about two years. Then I met a widow with seven children whose husband dies as a result of his alcoholism. We married and bought a house in Munnsville, where we have lived for 31 years.

I retired in 1987 after working 31 years for a wonderful company. My wife and I are very fortunate. We have 10 wonderful children, some of them in recovery, all grown and away from home. We have grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many friends.

My recovery has been ongoing since that first meeting 33 years ago.

There have been ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and with the help of the 12 steps and the fellowship, I have been able to grow emotionally and spiritually.

I try to give back to others what I have learned in recovery and make myself available. Today I am responsible for my actions, and myself and I am responsible to others.