Will You Sponsor Me?

No, I'm not doing a walk-a-thon. I'm talking about A.A. sponsorship.

When you come into the rooms of A.A. they tell you over and over to get a sponsor and work the steps. I knew from my mom's own involvement in the program that sponsorship is crucial. Within the first 2 weeks of my sobriety I got myself a sponsor. She was a nice enough lady but there just wasn't a connection with her. We tried to work together for awhile but we just couldn't really mesh. I prayed about finding the right sponsor for me and heard in my heart, "listen." So, I did. I listened to other women share their stories in my home meeting and others. I watched how they interacted with others. And one day, I just knew I'd found her, my sponsor.

There were so many parallels between us, so many commonalities. She was also nurturing, supportive and had a great sense of humor. She had what I wanted in her sobriety and so, I asked those 5 words that open us up to all the vulnerability many of us so desperately fear will bring on rejection, "Will you be my sponsor?" I didn't have to wait for a reply, "Yes, of course I'll be your sponsor!" What a relief! What a blessing!

In just a couple of weeks, we've been able to work up to Step 4. This one's a bit slow going but we've accomplished more together in less time than I was in the whole time I was with my first sponsor. I respect her, enjoy her company and coming to love her. Just one more great gift I've been given in my path of sobriety.