Boston Sunrisers has served as a beacon of hope to the drunk and addicted since 1939. The Sunrisers, as they have come to be known, is one of the oldest AA meetings in Boston. It was founded by a friend of Bill Wilson, Albert Allerton and one of Bill's reclamation projects, Danny Green.
Albert or "Bertie" as his friends called him since his collegial days at Choate, was the last in a dying line of Boston Brahmins. Bertie was a first class high society lush. In cocktail party conversations Bertie would routinely trace his lineage back to some important passenger that arrived on the Mayflower. Bertie's Pilgrims progression has grounded his ship onto the rocks of acute alcoholism. He was bent on drinking up the remains of his family's depression depleted trust fund; and Old Bertie might have been successful had he not had the good fortune to receive a call from Bill. Bill telephoned one evening as Bertie was enjoying a rare moment of sobriety. It seems that Bill, ever the AA evangelist, was cruising the city's sanitariums looking for conversion recruits. He found one in a very sick Dorchester fellow named Danny Green. Danny, was an out of work unemployable iron worker. When work at the Boston Navy Yard dried up he tried to drink the depression away. Bill found him in a sanitarium and got the idea of hooking him up with his old drinking buddy Bertie.
This odd couple would not have normally mixed in class conscious Boston. As the old doggerel "Boston Toast" opines...
And this is good old Boston
The home of bean of cod
Where the Lowells talk only to Cabots
And the Cabots talk only to God
The home of bean of cod
Where the Lowells talk only to Cabots
And the Cabots talk only to God
Like nationalism, a shared disease is a great leveler and their conditions as drunkards brought them together in a common desire to get sober. They started the Sunrisers as an early morning meeting so Bertie's banker buddies and blue collar commandos like Danny could get into a good sober routine to start the working day. The meeting thrived. Danny would too. The blessings of sobriety were many and he became a prominent union leader who would be credited with maintaining labor peace at the Boston Navy Yards during WW II. Danny would often say that only by the grace of God, the blessed Virgin Mother and Bill's divine intervention that he would realize the promise of an abundant life.
Tragically the story of the other Sunrisers co founder does not have a happy ending. Bertie got clean for about six good years before he went back to the drink after squandering the family fortune in a bad business deal. Ironically, Bertie would die only two years later in the same sanatorium where Bill rescued Danny from the imminent death of his acute alcoholism.
The works of men however do live past their lives and this mornings Sunrisers meeting was packed. For over 20 years, Sunrisers have been meeting in the common room at Our Blessed Lady of the Harbor Church on High Street. The old wooden floors squeaked and creaked as people arrived. Burly construction guys, effeminate office workers, tie wearing middle managers and casually dressed small business people chattered away as they filed into the rows of folding chairs facing the podium. One would be hard pressed to pick out any Brahmins from this morning gathering. The closest you'd get might be a junior portfolio manager from one of the city's prestigious asset management firms.
The room was boisterous and alive with laughter. Some loitered on the outskirts of the room. Some people were beaming with great expectations and excitedly shared them with others. Some were soaring high on a bevy of pink clouds. Some looked a little worn and tired by the tussles of the drinking life. Some beaten badly and white knuckling a hold on to a precarious sobriety that may escape at any minute. Some just desperate to exit the hell of alcoholism and drug addiction. And some just came for the donuts.
Two huge 50 cup coffee kettles were brewing away. Thecoffee maker , a woman coming up on a year was battling with a not yet sober drunk eager to get his coffee to go with the three Dunkin Donuts he grabbed off the serving tray.
"You'll have to wait. its still brewing" she scolded. "You got to give it time. You got to learn to live on life's terms not your own!"
The drunk retreated to one of the seats, sat down and sucked the jelly out of one of the donuts. He got powdered sugar all over his face and shirt. One of his buddies living rough plopped down next him. "I told ya they got the good donuts here" the dunk said to his buddy as he was moving his next donut, a Boston Cream, toward his mouth.
The gavel fell and the noise from the crowd abated.
"Hi my name is Melissa and I am an alcoholic." A middle aged woman with over 20 years sobriety, Melissa was looking real good this morning. The bangs of her frosted hair were touching the rims of her snazzy eyeglasses. Nice skirt and stockings said she was all business and a real knockout.
"Hi Melissa." the meeting answered.
Melissa read the first few paragraphs of Chapter 5 from the Big Book, "How It Works" and another member of the meeting read the "12 Steps." Melissa asked the secretary to review the meetings business, announce group celebrants and any AA news.
The meetings treasurer then reported that the rent had been paid, they had 230 bucks in the kitty and passed a giant white bucket that was once filled with potato salad. He held it high over his head as he announced, "AA got no dues or fees and is self supporting. If you got a buck, give a buck. If you don't, keep coming because your sobriety is more important then your money."
He threw two bucks into the bucket. He passed it to Melissa who flipped a fin over the buckets rim. She passed the bucket to the secretary who passed it along to began its journey through the room. Most threw dollar bills into it as it wined its way along the rows of chairs.
"Sunrisers is a speaker discussion meeting. Our speaker today is Russ G." Melissa announced as Russ walked to the podium. The meeting broke out in robust applause.
Tragically the story of the other Sunrisers co founder does not have a happy ending. Bertie got clean for about six good years before he went back to the drink after squandering the family fortune in a bad business deal. Ironically, Bertie would die only two years later in the same sanatorium where Bill rescued Danny from the imminent death of his acute alcoholism.
The works of men however do live past their lives and this mornings Sunrisers meeting was packed. For over 20 years, Sunrisers have been meeting in the common room at Our Blessed Lady of the Harbor Church on High Street. The old wooden floors squeaked and creaked as people arrived. Burly construction guys, effeminate office workers, tie wearing middle managers and casually dressed small business people chattered away as they filed into the rows of folding chairs facing the podium. One would be hard pressed to pick out any Brahmins from this morning gathering. The closest you'd get might be a junior portfolio manager from one of the city's prestigious asset management firms.
The room was boisterous and alive with laughter. Some loitered on the outskirts of the room. Some people were beaming with great expectations and excitedly shared them with others. Some were soaring high on a bevy of pink clouds. Some looked a little worn and tired by the tussles of the drinking life. Some beaten badly and white knuckling a hold on to a precarious sobriety that may escape at any minute. Some just desperate to exit the hell of alcoholism and drug addiction. And some just came for the donuts.
Two huge 50 cup coffee kettles were brewing away. The
"You'll have to wait. its still brewing" she scolded. "You got to give it time. You got to learn to live on life's terms not your own!"
The drunk retreated to one of the seats, sat down and sucked the jelly out of one of the donuts. He got powdered sugar all over his face and shirt. One of his buddies living rough plopped down next him. "I told ya they got the good donuts here" the dunk said to his buddy as he was moving his next donut, a Boston Cream, toward his mouth.
The gavel fell and the noise from the crowd abated.
"Hi my name is Melissa and I am an alcoholic." A middle aged woman with over 20 years sobriety, Melissa was looking real good this morning. The bangs of her frosted hair were touching the rims of her snazzy eyeglasses. Nice skirt and stockings said she was all business and a real knockout.
"Hi Melissa." the meeting answered.
Melissa read the first few paragraphs of Chapter 5 from the Big Book, "How It Works" and another member of the meeting read the "12 Steps." Melissa asked the secretary to review the meetings business, announce group celebrants and any AA news.
The meetings treasurer then reported that the rent had been paid, they had 230 bucks in the kitty and passed a giant white bucket that was once filled with potato salad. He held it high over his head as he announced, "AA got no dues or fees and is self supporting. If you got a buck, give a buck. If you don't, keep coming because your sobriety is more important then your money."
He threw two bucks into the bucket. He passed it to Melissa who flipped a fin over the buckets rim. She passed the bucket to the secretary who passed it along to began its journey through the room. Most threw dollar bills into it as it wined its way along the rows of chairs.
"Sunrisers is a speaker discussion meeting. Our speaker today is Russ G." Melissa announced as Russ walked to the podium. The meeting broke out in robust applause.
Russ speaks:
I'm a recovering alcoholic
Old Russ announced with a wink
thank you for coming today
and keeping me away from a drink
I've been haunting these rooms
for a few 24s
by Gods grace and the program
I got a shot at one more
My journey to sobriety
My experience, strength and hope
I pray it will help you
Conquer demons, booze and dope
When I first got sober
oh what a bloody task
I never really wanted it
I craved that damned flask
I took my first drink
at the age of eleven
the first sip I took
I thought I found heaven
I considered myself
a most different sort
never fitting in
till I took a good snort
a genuine odd fellow
many would say
but get a few in him
and he's kinda OK
but the drink became legion
a non stop affair
I breathed in the booze
like it was precious air
as a man with a condition
we got a peculiar trait
immediate gratification required
nothing ever can sate
just more, one more
I say it on cue
one more, ten more
a hundred won't due
I cared not for family
couldn't hold a job
wouldn't take a bath
I became an awful slob
I smashed up more cars
then one can count
I was a killer on the road
damned whiskey, I couldn't surmount
The drink took everything
I lost family, friends and home
I was an unemployable drunk
I was miserable and alone
Oh how I loved it
but it didn't love me back
at the spy age of 40
I suffered a massive heart attack
My liver was damaged
my pancreas shot
the nurse asked "will he make it"
the doctored answered "probably not"
my recovery was painful
DT's and anguished sweats
my mind was in meltdown
my heart filled with regret
as I laid in the hospital
one miraculous glorious dawn
I grasped the blessing of sobriety
no longer boozes pawn
I came to AA meetings
got a sponsor too
cleaned ashtrays, made coffee
in recovery I bloomed
I became employable
I healed wounds with friends
my family now trusts me
I learned to make amends
Only by the grace of God
these rooms and time
the promises of the program
are wonderfully mine
so if your struggling with
demons of drink and dark fate
be patient keep coming
your new life awaits
Old Russ announced with a wink
thank you for coming today
and keeping me away from a drink
I've been haunting these rooms
for a few 24s
by Gods grace and the program
I got a shot at one more
My journey to sobriety
My experience, strength and hope
I pray it will help you
Conquer demons, booze and dope
When I first got sober
oh what a bloody task
I never really wanted it
I craved that damned flask
I took my first drink
at the age of eleven
the first sip I took
I thought I found heaven
I considered myself
a most different sort
never fitting in
till I took a good snort
a genuine odd fellow
many would say
but get a few in him
and he's kinda OK
but the drink became legion
a non stop affair
I breathed in the booze
like it was precious air
as a man with a condition
we got a peculiar trait
immediate gratification required
nothing ever can sate
just more, one more
I say it on cue
one more, ten more
a hundred won't due
I cared not for family
couldn't hold a job
wouldn't take a bath
I became an awful slob
I smashed up more cars
then one can count
I was a killer on the road
damned whiskey, I couldn't surmount
The drink took everything
I lost family, friends and home
I was an unemployable drunk
I was miserable and alone
Oh how I loved it
but it didn't love me back
at the spy age of 40
I suffered a massive heart attack
My liver was damaged
my pancreas shot
the nurse asked "will he make it"
the doctored answered "probably not"
my recovery was painful
DT's and anguished sweats
my mind was in meltdown
my heart filled with regret
as I laid in the hospital
one miraculous glorious dawn
I grasped the blessing of sobriety
no longer boozes pawn
I came to AA meetings
got a sponsor too
cleaned ashtrays, made coffee
in recovery I bloomed
I became employable
I healed wounds with friends
my family now trusts me
I learned to make amends
Only by the grace of God
these rooms and time
the promises of the program
are wonderfully mine
so if your struggling with
demons of drink and dark fate
be patient keep coming
your new life awaits
The meeting erupted in a rousing applause. Many Sunrisers have known Russ for years and he is venerated as one of the weightier voices within the rooms of Boston.
"Show of hands, who would like to share this morning. We'll start in the back." said Russ pointing to an older woman.
"Its always good to hear your story Russ. You are a great inspiration to many." she began. She went on to speak about her husband's ill health and how difficult it is to be his primary care person. She said she felt like Bill Murry in Groundhog Day. She went on for a number of minutes. She concluded with an unconditional endorsement of the AA program. She said its critical in maintaining her sobriety so she can endure the drudgery of her painful days. Others spoke about problems they are having in relationships, family and job issues. One man spoke about how his wife discovered that he was still using painkillers. She was threatening to throw him out of the house. A few of the attendees were counting days and said that they planned to keep coming. It was all pretty garden variety stuff until a newcomer raised his hand.
"The gentleman in the back." Russ said pointing to a middle aged guy slumped in his seat. He was sitting with his arms crossed across his chest. Buy the look of him, you can tell this guy was shut down, buttoned up, unsure, afraid and resentful.
"Show of hands, who would like to share this morning. We'll start in the back." said Russ pointing to an older woman.
"Its always good to hear your story Russ. You are a great inspiration to many." she began. She went on to speak about her husband's ill health and how difficult it is to be his primary care person. She said she felt like Bill Murry in Groundhog Day. She went on for a number of minutes. She concluded with an unconditional endorsement of the AA program. She said its critical in maintaining her sobriety so she can endure the drudgery of her painful days. Others spoke about problems they are having in relationships, family and job issues. One man spoke about how his wife discovered that he was still using painkillers. She was threatening to throw him out of the house. A few of the attendees were counting days and said that they planned to keep coming. It was all pretty garden variety stuff until a newcomer raised his hand.
"The gentleman in the back." Russ said pointing to a middle aged guy slumped in his seat. He was sitting with his arms crossed across his chest. Buy the look of him, you can tell this guy was shut down, buttoned up, unsure, afraid and resentful.
Shamus began:
my name is Shamus
this is my first meeting ever
I need to stop drinking
right now and forever
My wife has left me
she took all the kids
alone and abandoned
my life hit the skids
I've been listening all morning
and hear some sorrowful tales
I got plenty of my own stories
of many hurts and fails
I hadn't a drink
for the past two days
but my limbs are clanking
my brains a gooey haze
I drink to feel good
I drink to chase blues
I drink to feel mighty
I drink and pay dues
I drink for the memories
I drink for the pain
I drink to forget
Not to relive it again
I can't stop drinking
I can't, I can't
I know its no good
It makes me piss my pants
I'm obsessed and addicted
I can't get enough
Chug a gallon of wine
I'll need more of the stuff
I want to stop drinking
but I love my beer
with a Red Hot at Fenway
and a good Sox cheer
I drink for the Celtics
I toast the great Pats
The Bruins, the Eagles
I wear all their caps
The wife and kids gone
the rent is past due
Got a DUI last Monday
don't know what to do
I'm afraid that my job
will discover my arrest
when they do I'll lose it
I'll have nothing left
I have to stop drinking
but I fear its too late
a man without work
is a terrible state
I'm afraid very fearful
all may be lost
but if I stop drinking
there may be some hope
my name is Shamus
this is my first meeting ever
I need to stop drinking
right now and forever
My wife has left me
she took all the kids
alone and abandoned
my life hit the skids
I've been listening all morning
and hear some sorrowful tales
I got plenty of my own stories
of many hurts and fails
I hadn't a drink
for the past two days
but my limbs are clanking
my brains a gooey haze
I drink to feel good
I drink to chase blues
I drink to feel mighty
I drink and pay dues
I drink for the memories
I drink for the pain
I drink to forget
Not to relive it again
I can't stop drinking
I can't, I can't
I know its no good
It makes me piss my pants
I'm obsessed and addicted
I can't get enough
Chug a gallon of wine
I'll need more of the stuff
I want to stop drinking
but I love my beer
with a Red Hot at Fenway
and a good Sox cheer
I drink for the Celtics
I toast the great Pats
The Bruins, the Eagles
I wear all their caps
The wife and kids gone
the rent is past due
Got a DUI last Monday
don't know what to do
I'm afraid that my job
will discover my arrest
when they do I'll lose it
I'll have nothing left
I have to stop drinking
but I fear its too late
a man without work
is a terrible state
I'm afraid very fearful
all may be lost
but if I stop drinking
there may be some hope
Shamus stopped speaking.
Russ answered, "Thanks for bringing your stuff today Shamus. You have taken an important step. All of us at one time or another sat in the seat your sitting in today. Thinking our lives are over because of the mess our alcoholism has brought into our lives. The first step is realizing that our lives have become unmanageable and that we are powerless over alcohol. You took a very important step this morning Shamus. Congratulations. See me after the meeting so I can give you some information. We have a nice way to close."
Everyone rose from their seats and formed a circle around the room. They held hands. An older man and a young woman clasped Shamus's cold clammy hands.
Melissa spoke. "The Sun has come up on another day of potential sobriety and all the amazing grace and potential it brings with it. Don't waste it. Keep in the day. Stay sober. One day at a time.! Lets close with the Serenity Prayer."
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Amen
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Amen
The group recited the prayer with bravado and conviction. Shamus returned to his seat and grabbed his canvass gym bag. Russ stopped him as he walked toward the door.
"Shamus, this is not the end, this is a beginning of a new life. If you want it you can have it. Here. You gonna need these." Russ handed Shamus a Big Book, a Twelve and Twelve and a meeting finder.
"Shamus, get to as many meetings as you can. This book lists em all and there are phone numbers of Sunriser men you can call. If you feel like drinking call somebody. Any guy on the list will be happy you called. They'll help you. Thats how it works. What are you doing today? There is a meeting on Huntington Street that starts in an hour."
Shamus recoiled. "I got to get to work now. But I'll try to get back here soon." Shamus slipped the books into his gym bag, slung it over his shoulder and limped out of the room. He was out on the street by 7:05 and headed toward work.
meth addicts
12 steps debunked
12 step joker
aa cult
Posts
