Akron Ohio. 10th June 1935. Just over 80 years ago today. Two men meet. Bill W who had gone to Akron for a big business deal that had gone south. He was only a few months sober and had been following the advice of his friend Ebby. He’d been attending the Oxford Group meetings and keeping himself sober. But he was away from home, annoyed at the failed deal and the bar was calling him. He phoned around and it was suggested he talk to Doctor Bob. He met him and talked for hours. Dr Bob found someone who “talked my language” that day. That was his sobriety date and is taken as the date of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. 10 June 1935 was the last day Dr Bob drank and the official birth of AA
So many people throughout the world are so indebted to what happened that day and what those two men helped to create. I count myself as privileged to be among that number.
Me too.
Me three!
xo
Wendy
I’m not trying to be a smartarse or a pedant, but the events were a little different to your post. Bill did meet Bob after ringing to find another drunk from the hotel. They talked for many hours and then worked together for a number of weeks to support each other and try and help others. Dr. Bob then went away to a medical conference and got completely drunk. When they found him, they sobered him up, but he had some surgery to perform. Bill gave him “a couple of drinks” to steady his hands to do the surgery on 10th June, which was his last drink and credited as the start date of AA. There has been alot of debate about the exact date – some say that it was maybe a week later than this (checking the records of medical conferences and when they were held etc.), but 10th of June has always been celebrated as AA’s birthday.
Anyway, however it happened, I agree it was a momentous occasion and has certainly saved my life. I just love reading about the history of it….
I tried to give an abridged version – as with many things like this the truth will always be lost/muddled by time and memories. But the crux is 10th June is the date Dr Bob states in his story in the big book as his last drink – yes after meeting Bill who talked his language and after getting tight again at the conference.
God does NOT work in mysterious ways…all this happened, thankfully, for a reason.
Thanks for the reminder my friend…
Sherry
And so many people have reason to be grateful.
June not July? Sorry to be pedantic!
A first edition of the Big Book in collectible condition will set you back +/-$10,000. But its real value is incalculable.