---Happy Birthday

Hi! I am Sharon V. and I am a compulsive gambler. I wonder sometimes how many times I have said those words. I just celebrated my 1-year anniversary, and it was the greatest feeling I have ever had. When I started on this long road, I was 16 years old and had just gotten married. I always gambled, and since I looked older I could get into the casinos at Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas. I always went to those places for vacations; I really didn't think you could take a non-gambling vacation.

To make a long story short, I have gambled for 37 years and gone through 5 marriages and 4 divorces, bankruptcy and 3 suicide attempts because I couldn't deal with life on life's terms. I never thought I had a problem. I always blamed someone else or said, "I am going to do what I want with my life."

I did have some good things in my life. I have a husband who truly cares and through thick and thin has stayed by me. I know it has been difficult for him, but with Gamblers Anonymous my marriage is on the mend and, hopefully, we can get through this transition from fantasy world to reality.

My son is also a gift to me as he gave me four lovely grandchildren and has been there for me all of his life. And I truly have put him through a lot because of this disease. When I told him I was going to Gamblers Anonymous, he looked at me and tears came down his cheeks. He was so happy for me and relieved that I finally recognized that I had a big problem and needed help.

I can't tell you the feeling when I came to the conclusion that I was so empty and beside myself because of gambling. I needed help desperately.

I walked into the Tuesday night meeting and couldn't believe that two of the members were people I had gambled with for years; they haven't gambled in almost 6 years for one and 10 years for the other. I was speechless. I thought these guys knew it all about gambling. I found out later what they went through and felt I had a chance to beat this terrible disease by just hearing their stories and how they are working their programs to overcome their addiction.

I can't believe I have a new life because of this program. Life is good to me. I know every day is not perfect by any means, but I can say that I don't worry like when I was out gambling. I will beat this disease if I live one day at a time.

The days went into weeks in the beginning, and now one year. With working the program, getting a sponsor—I was blessed with a great one—and believing in a higher power, I am making it through this change in my life. I am working on character changes and don't worry about things that I can't change. The Gamblers Anonymous program is a lifeline to me.................................................Sharon V., Phoenix, AZ