Thirty-One

31 Years today.

Well, here are some of the things I've heard over the years . . . 

"Now, that's continuous sobriety, right?  You don't get to just add up all the days you've been clean and string them together."

-- Farmer Bill

"Man, you're old."

 -- (Mt Washington Chuck upon hearing how loud I'd been sober.  Fair disclosure - he has since disputed this incident.  Tough shit.  It's my blog.  I get to say whatever I want, and I never let the truth get in the way of a good story).

"Year (fill in the blank) is the hardest."

-- Ken H.  (He mentioned this at each of my anniversaries, ever mindful that The Program really is One Day At A Time.)

"Man, if you can do it anybody can do it."

-- Legions of smart-ass friends.

I'm still waiting to be invited to the Special Room where the long-timers hang out and where you don't have to Work the Steps or Practice the Principles.  This has not yet happened.

The newcomer plops down in a meeting, turns to his left: "How long you been sober?"

"30 years."

Turns to his right: "How about you?"

"30 days."

Ponders.  Turns to the new guy: "So how did you do it?"

If you're working away at this you've got something to pass along.