Lest we Forget
The below was written in the First London group pamphlet by ‘Padge’.
‘Padge’ was a longstanding member of A.A. in Great Britain and worked tirelessly as general secretary to help the fellowship grow. ‘Padge’ died Sept 2nd 1971 at the age of 77. Sober for 21 years. His recovery began in the special treatment unit in Warlingham Park Hospital and maintained his sobriety by being devoted to the giving of the alcoholic.
This is what he wrote in 1953 – Lest We Forget,
Most people are in the habit of ‘taking things for granted’. This characteristic is not peculiar to the ‘ALCOHOLIC’.
As members of Alcoholics Anonymous, in our recovery programme it is suggested that ‘we continue to take personal inventory’ and when, therefore, ‘we take stock’, we may, with profit, remind ourselves to endeavour not to take things for granted.
Time is a great healer, and, when after the lapse of several months or years, we obtain a more tranquil and serene life, let us cast our minds back to that day when by good fortune we made contact with A.A.
Many of us were in a pitiful state, in mind, body and soul, and in our dire distress, yearned for help. By what appears to be a miracle, the seemingly impossible has now come to pass and the transformation which has taken place is very apparent when we gaze in the mirror.
We are apt to take this wonderful new state of mind as a matter for granted, forgetting how the change has been affected, and our debt of gratitude to A.A. and to all those good friends who helped us.
Let us therefore try and remember each night to say ‘Thank you’ for this wonderful gift and the power which has helped us through, and for continuance of this great reprieve.
In our thoughts let us not be unmindful of those members who are having difficulty in obtaining what has been granted to us., and our obligation to all those who are seeking our help.
Padge.
East London Archives of Alcoholics Anonymous. 