A letter from Don the AA GSO Delegate for Louisiana Panel 55, Area 27

A letter from Don, the current AA GSO Delegate for Louisiana, Panel 55, Area 27.

Hi, Don M. Panel 55, Area 27 (Louisiana) here. I am just getting some very limited and sporadic email access after Hurricane Katrina, and we are overwhelmed and touched by the outpouring of AA love and support that we are receiving from around the AA world. Along with many others, my family and I evacuated from the New Orleans area before Hurricane Katrina devastated our city and homes. AAs across the Gulf South are spread out throughout the country. Communication is tough. No one with whom I have spoken seriously expected the evacuation to last the length of time now suggested - months, much less the damages experienced. We are crushed that we will not be hosting ICYPAA this coming weekend, but we promise that we will make up for it when we get up and going. Things are still very much in a confused state throughout the Gulf South. For now, we are trying to find each other, and verify that our fellows are safe, and determine if we can be of service to them and their loved ones. There have been hundreds of emails from AAs from everywhere AA is. In all appropriate cases, I will post these on our website, consistent of course with our Traditions. I haven't yet had a chance to read all of them, much less to respond. Each one that I read brings tears to my eyes, and I am not one to cry. The love and fellowship in AA is powerful beyond words, at least words I can express. Please pray for our fellows.Now the good news. I have been able to speak with numerous AAs with stories of great individual loss and personal tragedy. The tremendous hope and serenity that our steps and traditions bring are evident in all of them with whom I have spoken. The dominant theme in each conversation is "to whom can I be of service?" In the face of these challenges, a drink hasn't been an answer or solution to the scores of us with whom I have spoken. Challenged, confused, angry, lost and scared - sure. Drunk or drinking - no.We love each of you, and we will make it through these challenging times, following the excellent example of many, many of our fellows who have faced adversity and tragedy and actually shown gratitude for their lives. Consistent with our primary purpose, and of course our three legacies of recovery, unity and service, we assure you that we will find suffering alcoholics to whom we hope to carry our experience, strength and hope.We hope to meet with you soon on the [dry] road to happy destiny.Don M.panel 55/ area 27.