THE LINK
DISTRICT 52 & YOU
Volume 10, Issue 11
November, 2010
Being Blessed by Catastrophe
The saying goes, “nobody said life was fair.” I found out the true meaning of this phrase in 1995. At that time, as the mother of
four beautiful children, living in Aroma Park, IL with lots of friends and family, I was feeling as if all was well with the world. I
felt blessed. I was nearly 7 years sober, and knew that drinking was not an option.
The afternoon of August 7, 1995, my 10-year-old son, Christopher asked me if he could ride his bicycle two blocks down to
the river with the other neighborhood children. I told him that he could go, but to be back by 5:00 p.m. Christopher said he
would be home on time and rode off. When he hadn't returned home by 5:00, I went to the park by the river and searched for
him. Finding no sign of him, I contacted the county sheriff to report him missing.
Night turned into morning, turned into night and into another morning. As each day passed, the searchers found different
items of his clothing in remote areas.
On day six of the search I was driving down Schuyler Avenue, my mind consumed by thoughts of what Christopher might be
enduring. My stomach was in knots and my body ached from exhaustion. I saw Key City Liquors ahead and could feel the
comfort come over me. I could smell the familiar smell that I loved as a child going in with my father. As I drove the
overwhelming force of the car was tremendous as it seemed to want to pull into the parking lot. My head told me “I deserve a
drink for what I am going through.” And then in my heart, I heard a recognizable little voice. I could hear Christopher’s saying
the familiar words “I’m so glad you don’t drink anymore, Mom.” The car continued on its original path – without taking the
detour. I continued my journey, staying in each moment, keeping my focus on finding Christopher and caring for my other
children.
On August 15, 1995, eight days into Christopher’s disappearance, I realized that I had not yet prayed. I had been trying to
control the entire situation – not turning it over to my Higher Power. So after the last of the people left my house that night, I
got on my knees at 1:00 a.m. and I prayed for an outcome. I told my Higher Power that I was letting go. I said I needed help
and that I would accept the outcome – whatever His will would be. I prayed deeper and with more conviction that I had ever
experienced before. Two hours later my doorbell rang. It was 3:00 a.m. I opened the door and there stood the lead
investigator on the case. She informed me that a child’s body had been found. I knew that no other children were missing. It
was not the answer I had hoped for, but my God knew I was ready for it.
It was later confirmed to be Christopher. His badly decomposed body was found, buried in a shallow grave. He had been
stabbed over 50 times and his body mutilated.
Once the terror and all consuming grief had begun to subside, I knew that I couldn’t just sit and wallow in self pity. I knew that
I couldn’t even think about anybody else having to suffer the tremendous grief and pain that I had suffered. I wanted to make
a difference and find a way to turn these tragic events into a constructive outcome. I needed to find blessings within the
catastrophe. I now know that I am truly blessed. The friends that I had were incredibly supportive. I am blessed by meeting
many new friends. And most importantly I am blessed with the knowledge that I was trusted to have 10 years of sparkling
blue eyes, pale blond hair and deep set dimples. There is a verse in the bible that goes something like this “…he who is given
much, much is expected…” (Continued page two.)
The Link needs YOU!!
Share your experience, strength and hope with the newcomer and/or still suffering alcoholic. Give it to one
of the newsletter committee members listed on the back, or mail it to:
District 52, PO Box 265, Bradley IL 60915
Answering Service: 1-815-939-4996
District 52 AA Website: www.aa-kankakee.org
NIA AA Website: www.aa-nia.org
E-mail the Editor Dawn M: d52-thelink@aa-kankakee.org
Alcoholics Anonymous
District 52 Newsletter 1
Being Blessed by Catastrophe (Con’t.)
I was given a precious gift – a son to enrich my life, to bring joy to my heart and a smile to my face. I was also given the gift of
sobriety. For without this gift, I am sure that I would not have been able to move forward. If I would have stopped at the liquor
store I would have allowed Christopher’s killer to make me another of his victims. However, by the grace of God - I chose to
be a survivor. Since the death of my beautiful son, I began a quest and demand for educational life skills to be taught to
children. I also continue to give back to other families that have endured the pain of a missing child.
I founded an organization called Christopher’s Clubhouse to teach children self-empowerment and awareness skills to stay
safe. I am a member of Team HOPE, a division of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. I am a board
member with the Surviving Parents Coalition and a speaker and presenter on the plague of missing and exploited children. I
am blessed that I have the strength to move forward and work to better our nation for our children. I am blessed by the
catastrophe that touched my life to anger me into action without a drink.
I am over 21 years sober now. I got to this point one day at a time. I never take for granted each day, each moment or each
blessing in my life. I pray you will never be blessed by catastrophe, but I pray that you too will become aware and reach out
into action.
~Mika Moulton
DISTRICT COMMITTEE ELECTIONS COMING SOON!
Nominations for the District Committee positions took place recently and the following people were either nominated or
stepped forward to run for the two-year positions.
Answering Service Chair: Paula J; Alt. Chair: ________
Archives Chair: Dan P.; Alt. Chair: Joe R.
Communication with the Professional Community (CPC) Chair: Lisa M.; Alt. Chair:________
Corrections Chair: Andrea M.; Alt. Chair: _____________
District Committee Member (DCM) Chair: Brian L., Suzi H.; Alt. Chair: Suzi H., Michelle L.
Grapevine Chair: Chuck R.; Alt. Chair: Kelly W.
Literature Chair: __________
Public Information (PI) Chair: Kelly W.; Alt. Chair: Carl G.
Secretary: Debbie G., Alt. Secretary: Paula J.
Special Needs Chair: Renee P.; Alt. Chair: ________
Treasurer: Heather S.; Alt. Treasurer: Suzi H.
A few positions remain without a candidate but there is still time to nominate someone or step forward
yourself. Competition is always a good thing and we need “new blood” and “new ideas”. One year of
sobriety is required for a Chairperson position and 6 months to serve as an Alternate. If you would like more
information on the duties of each position, you can look in last month’s newsletter or go to www.aa.org
(click on “For Groups and Members”) or contact Carl G. at 815-693-9680 for more information.
November Sobriety Anniversaries
Spike—41 years
Linda-Lou—33 years
Marilyn B.—32 years
Jim S.—26 years
Alcoholics Anonymous
Steve K.—24 years
Sean—21 years
Mike O.—19 years
Debbie S.—17 years
Dawn M.—10 years
John V.—7 years
Dan P.—5 years
District 52 Newsletter 2
Not a Glum Lot
A lady was rummaging through her garbage, trying to put together the dregs of her
last few days’ bottles. To her surprise, a genie popped out of one of the empties, and
offered the astonished woman three wishes. After mulling it over a bit, she decided
on her first wish: that the bottle she was holding be kept perpetually full of her
favorite wine, no matter how much of it she drank. Instantly, her wish was granted; the bottle came full. She
took a few healthy swigs and presto! it filled right to the brim again.
After testing this glorious phenomenon a few times, the impatient genie asked what the alcoholic wanted for
her second and third wishes. The woman replied without hesitation, “That’s easy–two more of these!”
~www.recoveryconnection.org
Heard in and Around
the Rooms….
In order to find out what lies ahead,
ask someone who is coming back.
Sanity cannot return if I don’t think
my drinking is insane.
If we attend meetings for what we receive from the talk,
there may come a time when those talks are not attractive
enough to “keep coming”. But, if we continue to attend
meetings for the purpose of giving in order to get and keep
what we have, we shall never be open to the deception of
excuses for staying away.
District 52 7th Tradition
Thank you for your support!
District Finances as of October 2010:
Account Balance
Prudent Reserve
BELOW Prudent Reserve
Average Monthly 7th Tradition
From Groups
Average 2010 Monthly Expenses
Average 2010 Cash flow/month
$2346
$2000
-$ 346
$397
$442
-$ 45
District 52 carries the message to the suffering
alcoholic and to our local AA groups.
~ New Meeting ~
“Back on Track” meeting is held on
Tuesday’s at 3:30 p.m.
Mt. Olive MB Church
650 Fairview, Bradley
(located behind Bill’s Diner).
This meeting is a 12 Steps and 12 Traditions study & discussion, open speaker
meeting. Please support this meeting!
Alcoholics Anonymous
WE NEED MORE GROUPS
PARTICIPATING IN DISTRICT
SUPPORT….IS YOURS?
I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere,
reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA
always to be there. And for that, I am
responsible.
District 52 Newsletter 3
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW MEETINGS: Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. “Back on Track”, Mount Olive MB Church, 650 Fairview,
Bradley (behind Bill’s Diner). Open Speaker, discussion/study on the 12 Steps & 12 Traditions.
Friday, 7:30 p.m. Sober Living Group, Watseka United Methodist Church, South Entrance, 301 S. 4th.
Call Bill 815-432-0147 for more info.
Saturday, 9:00 p.m., Manteno United Methodist Church, 245 W. 2nd Street.
EVENTS
Saturday Euchre Club at the Alano Club, be there before 3:30 p.m., $6.00 per person.
Nov 6th Kankakee Area Mini-Conference”A Spiritual Journey Home.” 9am-4pm (registration begins at
8 am), Civic Auditorium, Kankakee, IL; Tickets $10.00 which includes lunch and more. For more info
contact: Heather L. at 815-409-3279 or Brenda G. at 815-560-2893.
Nov 8th Lost Sheep 27th Anniversary, Dinner at 6:30 with main dish, beverage and dessert provided,
please bring a side dish to share. Open speaker meeting (Robert G. is speaking) at 8 p.m. Church of
Good Shepherd, 123 E. 2nd Street, Momence.
Nov 13th 2010 Big Book Conference “A Design for Living.” Lord of Life Church, LaFox, IL. Doors
open 8a.m. Pre-registration online: www.bbc.aadistrict61.org.
Nov 18th District 52 GSR and Trustee Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Riverside Board Room A. Call Carl G. for
more info: 815-693-9680.
Nov 19-21st McHenry 21st Annual Soberfest at Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, WI. More
information is available at www.soberfest.org.
Nov 24-25th Alano Club open 24 hours for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Nov 25th Thanksgiving Pot-Luck Dinner at the Alano Club. Time TBA. Watch for flyers.
Dec. 11th Winter Assembly District 42 host at Hinsdale South High School.
For more information go to www.aa-nia.org/events.html
The Kankakee AA Website has events, meetings and other information listed at:
http://aa-kankakee.org/calendar.html
Meetings that need you:
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Monday Hopkins Park Senior Center Community Room, 5-6p.m.
Monday Freedom to Live at the Salvation Army at 6:30p.m.
Tuesday Noon meeting at Resolve Center, Manteno.
Tuesday Lost Sheep Group 12 noon at Church of Good Shepherd, 2nd and Locust, Momence.
Wednesday Newly Sober Speaker Meeting, 8p.m. 561 E. Court St., Kankakee
Wednesday Resolve Center 8 p.m. Manteno.
Thursday Lost Sheep Group 12 noon at Church of Good Shepherd, 2nd and Locust, Momence.
Friday Sober Living Group 7:30 p.m., 1st United Methodist Church, 301 S. 4th, Watseka.
Disclaimer: The newsletter committee apologizes for any past and present mistakes in the newsletter.
The articles in the newsletter are the opinions of the authors and not the newsletter committee, District
52, Area 20, or Alcoholics Anonymous General Service Office.
The newsletter committee: Dawn M. -- Kelly W., Heather S.
Alcoholics Anonymous
District 52 Newsletter 4