We have been on 8 cruises and have noted in the daily newsletter times for meetings of "Friends of Bill W.." This has been on two different cruise lines, Princess and Celebrity. What is this all about? Bill W. must have a lot of friends!
It has taken me a month to admit this, but while on our ship, we kept seeing this advertized. We went looking for Bill one night. Saw a guy playing the keyboard, and figured that was Bill. We also looked for Dorothy too. Never did find her. Is this a secret or something? How do people on the ship know what it is for, and why? Just wondering.
People who belong to AA know what this means. In an environment, like a cruise, where alcohol is prevalent, being able to attend a meeting is very important.
And shucks, I thought it was a special welcome aboard party just me ME!
dorothy
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I wasn't gonna let this "Bill W." guy have all the private parties,
so I ask the pursers office to let me have a "friends of Joe" get together.
They said I could, but it would have to be in a public room during the day,
but they could not put it in the Carnival Currents because
those had already been printed for the week.
They had me hook, line, and sinker. I really thought I was special.
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You are special JoeMO I would have come to your party. lol For those of you that might read this. I am not making light of the Friends group. I am glad that something like this is avalible. I don't normally drink, but the cruise made it easy, I have to think that cruising for those that can't drink, must be tough.
The friends of BILL is a super group !! I have attended some of their meetings because of my son and I cannot say enough of what a great supportive group that it is. Thank you all "Bill" members for all you do . Sincerely, Knarf Wasn't Dorothy -Bill's wife. ???I can't remember her name ,b ut I believe she was instrumental in helping form ALANON. Stand to be corrected.
Bill W's wife was Lois. She formed the Al-Anon group for friends and families of alcoholics. The group can be a life saver.
I had been separated from my 1st DH (an alcoholic) for only 7 months when I went on my second cruise. Being able to talk to other members on the cruise really helped.
These meetings are a life saver. Statistically about 200 people on the cruise should be at the meeting on a large cruiseship. Usually it's just 8 and at most 15. Please join us. We're saving the seat, but you can't have mine. It takes courage to face a problem and do something about it and walking into that room was the most important step I've taken. At minimum we'll probably ruin your drinking if you have a problem. These are open meetings.
I am a friend of Bill's. I have been on 5 cruises and have attempted at least on meeting each cruise- no one else shows up. Am I doing something wrong?
same thing happens to me. Have attempted to go to meetings on 3 our of my 4 cruises and have yet to find anyone there. Maybe it will work out on my cruise in september.
When you go to regular meetings, is "Friends of Bill" used in those terms? I did not know what the FOB was. We saw it on the capers, and wondered. Could it be that people see it, and don't have a clue?
Alcoholism is not funny and it is a horrible problem for millions. Those that are able to come to grips with the fact that they have a problem have my respect. Being an alcoholic is nothing to be ashamed of as there are some of the finest and strongest people in the world who are. It is just very brave for those that are to face this problem head on. I am fortunately not an alcoholic and neither is my wife or our parents but we both have other relatives that are. Most have died of illnesses related to alcoholism. It takes a terrable toll on this nation and world and it affects us all in one way or another so stand beside anyone that has this problem and let them know you admire them for taking control of their life back.
Jim
I agree with you. Alcoholism is NOT funny. My DH's step-father was an alcoholic. It caused many problems in his, the children's, and my wonderful MIL's lives. She put up with so much! He was in treatment several times, but it never worked for long. When he was sober he was nice, when he wasn't I wouldn't go near him.
He said he wasn't an alcoholic because he only drank beer. Not like you, Dave. He'd go through at least a case every night. He was abusive, lost his job, and died from complications of alcoholism.
I also have a great respect for those who realize they have a problem and join AA or some other organization for help. If only my FIL had...
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