Imagine you’re going to Stepping Stones, the home of Lois and Bill W. in Bedford Hills, New York in 1976. Picture yourself being greeted and sitting down to have a conversation with Lois W. for a job as Forum Editor at the WSO.
In her sharing, Hildegard V., past Forum Editor, describes her first encounter with Lois W. Although she was initially seeking employment, the job interview launched a friendship with Lois W. that would last for the remainder of our Cofounder’s life—even after Hildegard left the WSO in 1983. “A Most Meaningful Friendship” details this friendship with Lois. In it, members can learn more about Lois’s personality, and her ability to summarize discussions and to accept people without judgement.
The sharing was originally published in the Lois W. Memorial Issue of the March 1989 Forum. It is now available on the WSO website for the first time since 1989.
I really enjoyed the article because it gave me more insight into Lois as a person. Having been to Stepping Stones on more than one occasion, I can just visualize Hildegard’s feeling as she knocked on the front blue door of Lois’s home. It is so great that the WSO has these stories about Lois. Although I wish there were more stories about Anne B., I understand that she left the New York area and lived in several other locations after her husband died. I really encourage members to read the pamphlet, Al-Anon’s Cofounders (p-87) so that they learn more… Read more »
What an inspiring story about our founder. I think Hildegard’s Higher Power must have led her to this job. It is so wonderful for us to have this history.
A link to the sharing is included in the post.
https://al-anon.org/blog/now-available-online-a-most-meaningful-friendship/
A link to the sharing is included in the post.
https://al-anon.org/blog/now-available-online-a-most-meaningful-friendship/
A link to the sharing is included in the post.
https://al-anon.org/blog/now-available-online-a-most-meaningful-friendship/
How do I read the friendship story of Lois and Hildegard?
Sounds interesting. How do I get a copy
My husband, also an Al-Anon member, attended a meeting in Palm Springs, Ca. on June 10, 1983. Both our co-founders we sharing at that meeting. My husband was seated at the podium between Lois and Anne. He turned to Lois to express his gratitude to both of them. With a twinkle in her eye, Lois said “Yes, we are a couple of cuties, aren’t we?” I believe that was the last time that Lois and Anne were together. What a favorite memory it is for me.
Where is the rest of the article? Just see the introduction.
you ave no idea how much I appreciate Al-Anon and their books and even to read this. been a long time going to meetings maybe 8 yrs. now. excuse my spelling am hope and recovering from heart surgery. am in charge of books and enjoy all I can do for others.
Thanks for publishing Hildegard’s sharing again. I remember reading it the first time and thinking how grateful I was–and still am–for this wonderful program of Al-Anon and for the dear friend we all have had in Lois. What a great gift she has given us. Thanks to those who keep it going.