Posting this because it really breaks my heart and I feel compelled to share.

I needed cash from an ATM today. I meant to go after I worked out but forgot my wallet. Came home and decided to walk to HEB and use the ATM there.

Took a route that I don't normally take, and it took me on a sidewalk behind and next to the HEB building that has a tall border of shrubs separating the sidewalk from the road.

As I made my way along the path, I nearly had to step over a backpack, cell phone, and opened can of some type of beverage that I didn't recognize. My first thought was that someone had just set it down and was coming right back for it. But as I made my way down the sidewalk and didn't see anyone else, I decided I couldn't leave it there and let someone steal the phone. So I went back.

When I bent down to investigate, I saw that the phone was dead and the backpack was damp. Inside the backpack was a wallet. No DL, but there were several debit/credit cards and a couple dollars.

I decided to take the bag into HEB, thinking maybe someone was robbed and the items were discarded as the thief ran away. But as I walked I realized that didn't make sense because nothing of value seemed to be missing.

So, I went in HEB, got my cash, and decided to go home and look up the name on the credit cards to see if I could contact someone.

On the walk home, I pulled out the wallet again and noticed the logo on the front of the backpack. It was for Last Chance Recovery. And then it hit me.

I went home and found the Facebook page of the person with the same name as on the cards. Lots of posts about addiction and recovery. When I googled his name, there were multiple arrests.

In the process, I found the name of what looked like his dad. I found the dad on LinkedIn and called the office where it said he worked. I explained the situation to guy who answered the phone who then transferred me to someone else who confirmed what I already knew. He also said he would contact the dad and let him know what I found.

A short time later, the dad called me. He lived nearby, so I drove the backpack and other items to him. When we met, he was clearly distressed, but in the quiet, calm way people who have been dealing with this for years usually are.

He said the son went out for a run a little after 10 am. I found the backpack maybe around 1030 am. He also said he'd been sober for about 6 months.

As I was typing this, I got a call from the coworker I had spoken with earlier who let me know the dad found his son. I don't know anymore details than that.

I'm posting because, if you are to the point where you think you might have a problem, take that next step and ask for help. There are people who care about you and want you to get help - even strangers.

1/24/2013. 10 years today, thanks to God, AA and people like the ones on this thread. Never could have done it on my own.

I posted a snippet of my journey last year back on page 26.

Everyone have a good day.

Day 120

Doesn't sound like much but huge for me.

Through the Grace of God, the followship of Alcoholics Anonymous, and good sponsorship, today marks 32 years sober in the program.

Congrats Jim! I haven't been able to join you guys in awhile but I am still sober and unfortunately still fighting the same problems in life that I was last time I was on. It was such a gift getting sober when I did or I would have completely crumbled by now.

I'm here to say I want to quit. I am an alcoholic. Thought about using a sock but I may as well just own it. I've tried dozens of ways to "manage" it and it never works. I can't believe I'm going to go to AA but that's what I need to do.

Those are the hardest and most hopeful words you will ever write. And walking into that room will be the hardest and most hopeful thing you will ever do.

Six years ago today, I was just about to that moment, but I still had a couple of hard, lonely drunks in me before I finally surrendered on 3/19/2017. That was the hardest and very best day of my life. Having some separation from it, I can not even imagine the life that I used to live anymore. And I thank God for that.

I don't know you, but I'm damn proud of you for taking the step that you are. The next few days and weeks will likely be rather rough, but they will be worth it. Keep your chin up, and feel free to PM me if you want to talk directly.

There is nothing pathetic about what you've said or are going through. I think it takes a great deal of courage to admit you've got a problem and continue fighting the good fight. I don't know you, but I'm proud of you!

Day 70 here. I've had my struggles with alcohol in the past and did a lot of work to get to the root cause of my drinking/coping, quit drinking for awhile, then re-introduced alcohol to my life in, what I thought was, a responsible manner. What started as a "clean" start to 2023 has transformed in to the desire to never drink again. It's been said many times that sobriety gives you all the things alcohol promises and I'm finding exactly what I want and need out of sobriety. I can't say what the future really holds, but I know I won't drink today!

Thank you Jim. I'll look for the link. I remember seeing it. I followed this thread since day one often on. Sometimes I read it and get inspired. Sometimes I see it and I avoid it. I always had a feeling one day. I might be taking part. Just leaving my first meeting.

90 days!

Just spent 8 days on a boat in the Maldives with a bunch of friends. This was probably the hardest stretch so far but it wasn't really too difficult to abstain. Clean blooded and clear-eyed sunrise yoga was perfect.

This is officially my longest sober stretch (that I can recall) since before I was 21. 101 days no alcohol and feeling amazing!

Started feeling bad in Dec and in Jan after drinking almost two bottles of red wine on Jan 15th just felt like I had been hit by a freight train the next day. Abdomen was swollen and had trouble breathing.

Week later went to ER complaining of chest pain where they did some scans, and said heart is fine and sent me home.

Saw PCP on Thursday and he got me into a gastroenterologist that afternoon. Did blood tests and liver is way out of whack. Had scheduled some follow ups for ultrasound but told me if I had fever to go to ER.

And Friday went into ER where they admitted me, diagnosed my with cirrhosis, and pulled a couple of liters of fluid off my abdomen.

Since that event, I have been in and out of hospitals for three months and almost didn't make it as my kidneys started to shutdown. By God's Grace, I'm still here but will need a liver transplant.

So, I have been sober since Jan 15th. Not sure why I didn't recognize any issues until things blue blew up but here we are.

Haven't had any desire to drink at all, but I need to work the program as a factor for transplant. I wouldn't be doing this just to stay on the list. Rather I feel this is something I must do for my soul.

I'm looking for a sponsor and meeting locations and in BCS. 56 yo if that matters.

Thanks!