Accountability

2The Courage to Make the Change

17

Kip continued relating his story because he felt he had to. “My brother, who was an alcoholic, hit rock bottom in the late seventies,” he said in a matter-of-fact voice. “I remember the call from my older sister that one cold fall night. She said he’d wrapped his car around a tree. That was his wake-up call. He joined AA shortly after.

“Alcoholics Anonymous was the best thing that ever happened to him and his family. The lessons my brother learned and that I learned after my heart attack were similar. First, admit you have a problem, then accept the fact that it’s within your power to make the changes you need ...