I turned 70 last month—a milestone I never imagined reaching, especially considering the life I once lived in active addiction. A few months before getting clean, I began working at an Episcopal church while in the middle of a relapse. I was at a long-term treatment center, while out at work one day, I had “just one,” and swore I’d never use again. But I couldn’t stop. When the center discovered I was using, they gave me a choice: start back at day one or leave. I told myself, yet again, I’ll never use again.

It was during that relapse that I first started at the church. Day after day, I promised God I wouldn’t use again. Finally, I went back to treatment a few months later and have been clean ever since—January 21, 1987.

I’m deeply grateful I was able to return to the church after treatment. I believe the faithful people there, along with my 12-step program, truly saved my life. Over the years, so many moments stand out. Early in recovery, I was typing the Daughters of the King prayer list when I saw my own name on it. Their prayers carried me through, and knowing I was loved and supported gave me strength. After a few months clean, I helped start a meeting at the church that still continues to this day.

Another turning point came when the church received mail from the local Episcopal Alcohol and Drug Commission. I was thrilled to discover that the Episcopal Church had a ministry for people in recovery. I immediately reached out to get involved and eventually became part of the commission. Though it went dormant for a time, one of our priests encouraged me to talk to the Bishop about restarting the work. That conversation sparked new energy, reminding churches of the importance of guidelines for serving alcohol and supporting recovery in faith communities.

Not long after beginning my work at the church, I learned of NECA—the National Episcopal Coalition on Alcohol. I was overjoyed to find a national Episcopal recovery network. I became involved as the organization grew and evolved—from NECA, to NECAD (National Episcopal Coalition on Alcohol and Drugs), and finally to RMEC (Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church).

One highlight has always been celebrating Recovery Sunday. For many of the past 39 years, my parish has observed it, with recovery-themed sermons, 12-step intercessions, special classes, and literature displays. I’ll never forget when one parishioner told me that reading the RMEC pamphlet The Functional Alcoholic during Recovery Sunday was the moment she realized she had a drinking problem. That affirmed for me the power of setting aside time in the church calendar to acknowledge recovery, spread awareness, and offer hope.

And now, 39 years later, it’s time to retire—at least from full-time church work. Who would have thought I’d hold a job this long, and stay clean throughout it all? I’m grateful that I still have a seat in the pew, that I can remain active in RMEC and the diocesan recovery commission, and that I still go to my home group every Sunday night at my church.

God has been very, very good to me.