(Dr. Silkworth is talking about Bill asking him if he and the others could speak with the alcoholic patients in Townes Hospital)
Many years ago one of the leading contributors to this book came under our care in this hospital and while here he acquired some ideas which he put into practical application at once. Later, he requested the privilege of being allowed to tell his story to other patients here and with some misgiving, we consented.
The cases we have followed through have been most interesting; in fact, many of them are amazing.
The unselfishness of these men as we have come to know them, the entire absence of profit motive, and their community spirit, is indeed inspiring to one who has labored long and wearily in this alcoholic field. They believe in themselves, and still more in the Power which pulls chronic alcoholics back from the gates of death.
The unselfishness of these men as we have come to know them, the entire absence of profit motive, and their community spirit, is indeed inspiring to one who has labored long and wearily in this alcoholic field. They believe in themselves, and still more in the Power which pulls chronic alcoholics back from the gates of death.
-Doctors Opinion pg xxvii
The power that pulled me back from the gates of death coupled by a unselfish women who agreed to help me walk a walk I never walked before, is the ONLY reason I am alive today. I had nothing to do with it. God gave me the will to live and she showed me the way. I then was able to apply the ideas/tools of AA into "practical application" that I could have never done before unless taught.
Where else in the world will you find an entire absence of profit or motive to selflessly help someone find hope?
Dr. Silkworth recognized this was beyond him, beyond science, and he was humble enough to admit that. Although he was armed with extensive knowledge about the dis-ease of alcoholism and with all his schooling, he simple could not do for these alcoholics what a recovered alcoholic could. I am so grateful for Silky and for the selfless sponsors out there fighting the good fight!