A Glimmer of Hope

Despite his own success at staying sober, Bill W. had not been able to get anyone else in New York sober. He carried the message, but no one would join him on this new journey. Both Bill and Lois were happy about this new life in sobriety, but Bill was discouraged not being able to "cure" another drunk.

In the early spring of 1935, Bill was going to Akron, Ohio on a business venture. With almost 5 months of newfound sobriety he was ready to tackle the world. Upon his arrival in Akron he checked into the Mayflower Hotel.

Bill's business venture failed. The proxy fight did not go as he had expected he was alone in a strange city and he was feeling down. As he paced the lobby of the Mayflower, the bar and the familiar noises associated with bars was drawing him towards that direction.

He had a choice to make; use what little money he had left to get drunk - or - make a phone call and once again, attempt to help another drunk to get sober. He chose the phone call.

This article is written by nationally recognized historian and oft-quoted Alcoholics Anonymous archivist Mitchell K.