125. Decades Blessed

I’m an 80-year-old food addict, grateful to have been part of the Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) fellowship for decades. I have lost more than 55 pounds, but far more importantly, I have gained a way of living that continues to sustain me. My childhood was shaped by alcoholism, abuse, and silence, followed by years of binge eating, denial, relapse, and shame. After getting sober in AA, I believed I was finally free – until I hit yet another bottom, alone in my car, surrounded by food wrappers. I tried mindful eating, only to discover I could mindfully binge. When I first walked into an FA meeting that I swore I did not need, I was startled to find something I had never known before: freedom from eating addictively. With the help of a sponsor, the Twelve Steps, and a loving fellowship, I began to heal long-buried trauma and reclaim a creative life that I thought was lost. My husband of 56 years joined FA, and we shared many wonderful years of recovery before his passing. In FA, I became a better listener, and our marriage got better. Imagine that! When he became ill, I was supported by my fellowship every step of the way. Today, my grandchildren – now adults – have never seen me abuse food or alcohol. I do my best to be present with everyone in my life. I write, paint, enjoy laughter, and live fully, grateful for this program. My Higher Power has been very good to me.