She was a New York City socialite.
He was a country boy from small-town Vermont.
She was twenty-two years old.
He was almost nineteen.
He knocked at the door to her cottage, selling kerosene lamps.
She shoved the door open so forcefully she almost sent him - and his lamps - flying off the porch.
The year was 1914 and first impressions could not have foretold that theirs would be one of the greatest love stories of the 20th century - a story that would transform the lives of millions of people around the world.
His name was William G. Wilson, now known to his friends simply as "Bill W." She was Lois Burnham Wilson, his greatest love and supporter. Together, they experienced a living hell wrought by the devastating disease of alcoholism... and from that pain came the fellowships of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Family Groups.
For a most inspiring read, check out The Lois Wilson Story: When Love Is Not Enough by William G. Borchert. A lot has been written about Bill W., the co-founder of AA. However the contributions of his wife, Lois, are not as well known. What an inspiring woman! She died in 1988, having lived and loved until the ripe age of 97 years.
Lois has a lot to teach us... about love... anger... faith... despair... humility... generosity... loneliness... humanity.
I am blessed to have found such a teacher.
PAX,
Lois & Bill Wilson
1 comment:
It does indeed sound like an inspirational love story. I'll have to check that out.
Sis
xo
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