My name is Rita and I’m an alcoholic. I am grateful to my Higher Power and to you all for the opportunity of this fantastic experience as an observer at the CER Meeting in Milan. A pleasure for me to have met you all and have seen a well organized session of this Committee, thank-you all.  I am the actual International Trustee for A.A. Italy, an honour for me to serve Alcoholics Anonymous using my ability to help others in need.
My first contact with an A.A. group took place 22 years ago. I was a mother of two small children in need of their mom. My presence in the family was only physical…the rest of my person was a concentration of alcohol (did I have enough for the day, where should I hide it, how and where can I get more?).
I arrived in my home group feeling ashamed of myself, terrorized of whatever could happen and not being able to face it. I understood quite soon how important the Program was for myself and if I started listening to others who had suffered just as I was suffering, maybe I would have had a chance.
The Program for my recovery seemed to be the best medicine I could receive. When I arrived at Step Four,and read it, my enthusiasm changed though. It got less interesting because it touched that part of me which was untouchable. I was convinced that my alcoholism was due to external factors, nothing of what I did was my fault! It took quite a bit of time and group therapy to understand the usefulness of all the Steps. From Step One right through to Step Twelve. The patience and tolerance that all my friends had with me were, and are even now, fantastic.
I needed to learn how to ask in order to be helped. I had to start listening so that I could let others teach me the best way to feel in peace with myself. I needed to forgive and, in silence, start forgiving first of all, myself, and then whoever did me harm. I discovered I had done more harm than what I had received.
Living my life 24 hours a day without expecting too much from myself and from others was the best remedy to begin a new life. I am no longer struggling to live. I’m living my life as a sober alcoholic. I’m grateful to my Higher Power as I often think that without His help, Rita would no longer be here, even less, living a decent life. Most of all, I wouldn’t be here trying to do my best serving Alcoholics Anonymous and enjoying myself.
I can honestly say that I did not know that the Continental European Region existed until this Meeting. I do find it necessary, seeing that in Europe there are many English speaking Groups. This Committee helps unite our efforts in order to find the best solutions to accomplish certain projects.
It will be my effort to try and get other English speaking groups in Italy involved and be a part of this Committee, just like Diana T. has been doing. The projects you have fulfilled and shared with us have demonstrated your unity and willingness to grow as an Association which is ready to help and reach the still suffering alcoholic.
My best wishes to you all for a prosperous 2015. May you always be encouraged and enthusiastic as the Message and joy you all transmit is unique. It is an example of Humbleness and Unity!
Thank-you for sharing these precious moments with me.
In fellowship, Rita M.
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