Big Book to New Orleans
Thanks Barbara for the part you have played in Charley’s life: don’t imagine it was easy, but figure it was always exciting. I had been in AA a year, and knew Charley only thru the original 4 tape Big Book Study, when I heard you speak in Baton Rouge, July 1982 – the first Al-Anon talk I had ever heard. After that, I have always attended the Al-Anon talk at conventions & have also heard you & others many times on tape. Charley & Joe came to New Orleans 1984 and returned several times. Before then, the Big Book was rarely seen and even more rarely discussed at AA meetings. Three Big Book Study meetings sprang up immediately following Charley’s visit, more followed, and it became rare to not see The Book at meetings. Charley impacted my life: despite two Degrees, I did not understand the Big Book until he explained it to me. Likewise, Charley has profoundly altered the lives of countless others. I have been taping for 27 years and the Big Book Study remains far and away the best seller. Barbara, I know you and his family will miss Charley, as will I, but his spirit will live with us so long as God continues to use AA to carry His message of love and service.
Posted by James M
Saturday April 23, 2011 at 10:39 am