"Big Joe" Our Founder |
I was a habitual drunk, the town terror. I lived in an un-heated trailer in the woods, I was on a first-name basis with all the local police and not because I supported the local PAL. I was attracted to becoming a Farrier as a teen-ager because my mentor drank all day, and I thought that was a great way to go about making a living. By the time I was 26 I had multiple DUIs, scores of other arrests, been committed to an insane asylum and pronounced a “hopeless alcoholic. I was facing, at 26, a short future of institutions and early death. I couldn't stand drinking and drugging anymore but I could not stop either. It had me by the throat and though I was choking to death I just couldn't do anything about it.
It was the last arresting officer who gave me his card and told me he was in 12 step program that could change my life completely. I experienced what is known as a “Spiritual Awakening”, a complete psychic change that for me, is nothing less than a miracle. What I could not do myself for years happened. The compulsion to drink was lifted from me. That was 29 years ago.
I have been blessed with a rich life since undergoing this “psychic change”. I am married, have a wonderful son, a life full of positive people and activities. I have found the joy of giving rather than receiving and find that I keep getting back more than I can ever give. I had a very successful career as a farrier until 2006 when a freak accident crushed my nerves in my spinal chord ending my farrier days and my ability to even walk. After living such a fruitful life in sobriety it was tempting to question “why” this would happen to me. “Why is my living taken from me and Why can't I even walk?” I had an advantage, though. I had 28 years of living life on life's terms, of scores of sober friends and advisors who helped me find my way. Through an unshakable conviction that God would not abandon me I have come to walk when the doctor's said I couldn't and wouldn't. I could not have done it without faith in my higher power, my program and the many many true sober friends in my life.
While I have done what I could over the years to “carry the message”, I feel a need at this time to more actively help those in who still experience the terrible feelings of hopelessness and compulsion. I wasn't sure how to do that, but as I became computer literate while rehabilitating from my injury, it occurred to me that I just need to “put it out to the universe”. Hello Universe! My message is simple.1) You never have to drink or drug again.2) If you are willing to be teachable I guarantee your success.3)I will personally consult with you through email and phone to help you on your journey.
I do not charge you money for this. I know something you don't yet, which is that I will get as much out of helping you as you get from gaining sobriety. The payoff for both of us is huge. If life is still “good” for you drinking, if you don't feel tired of police, lawyers, family disputes, lost jobs, bill collectors health problems and feeling lousy, then you probably are not ready to find a new way of life. If, on the other hand, you're tired of being sick and tired, please take my hand, it's there for you.