My Alanon anniversary is upon me as well as the New Year...two years ago I crawled through the doors of my first f2f meeting with my SIL holding my hand.  I was beaten, frightened, alone, hurt and sure that my life would never be the same and I'd never know happiness again...see I had loved and lost my A, and my heart or so I thought.
 I found my way here to MIP and found a virtual world of uncondtional love, support and understanding.  I found my first sponsor, online and unconventional some would say, but she helped me, held me and told me to "focus on myself"-God I hated her for that-lol, but I find myself telling my sponsee that now. She taught me soooo much an started me on a spiritual journey that I cherish daily now.
This past year was hard...I spent nine months suffering from severe anxiety and stress disorder, as well as PTSD.  I was diagnosed with RLS, CFS and fibro, and endured another surgery.  I buried my best friend and an uncle who was the only father I have ever known, and got my heart broke again,
But as I look back tonight I can look and be grateful...I know without the program and my virtual MIP family, my f2f family and my sponsor I could not be here now...not sane.  This program, each of you and my HP held me up when I couldn't help myself.
I'll continue to work my program and focus on my recovery and yes Tricia-focus on me-lol.
This program is a Godsend...a blessing and a gift, as well as each of you.   I keep coming back because it works:) and I pray each newcomer here is guided to do the same and can come to enjoy the love, fellowship and support that this board and Alanon offers.
God bless you all and the best of New Years to each of you.
Shelly