An AA tradition

My cousin is a recovering alcoholic who frequents AA meetings, which have given him a strong support system over the years.  I give him a huge amount of credit for continuing to battle and slay the demons that have plagued him since young adulthood… it takes an enormous amount of effort and I think we can’t really understand that unless we are among the afflicted.   He was given this plant by an AA member years ago, and my aunt has continued to care for it.  She’s moving, so she has brought me the plant to continue it’s care.  There’s quite a history in the AA “creeping Charlie”  or Swedish Ivy plant.

According to Wikipedia – William Griffith Wilson (November 26, 1895 – January 24, 1971), also known as Bill Wilson or Bill W., was the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), an international mutual aid  fellowship with over two million members belonging to 100,800 groups of alcoholics helping other alcoholics achieve and maintain sobriety.

The Swedish Ivy plants, whose cuttings are given to AA members,  are descendants of the plant that was in Bill Wilson’s room when he passed away in 1971 in Miami, Florida.  His wife, Lois, took the plant home to Stepping Stones in New York where she cared for it until the mid 80’s.

She gave the plant to her housekeeper who in turn gave it to Michael Manning of Atlanta, George. Lois asked that she pass it on to members of the A. A. fellowship in memory of Bill. Michael has taken pieces of this plant all over the world, she brought it to Washington in July 1998.

This is a true A. A. plant because every time you pass it on, 2 new shoots replace the one that was given away and your plant grows stronger.

This plant is also sometimes called a “Creeping Charlie” plant, and it’s rumored that Ebby Thatcher brought it originally to Bill W. when he was in the townes hospital where he had his original spiritual conversion. Bill supposedly gave it this name after a friend of his named Charlie that kept creeping up on Bill’s back porch to sleep.

The writer of this explanation states:   ” I have a large plant of this type that was given to Dr. G. in San Diego in 1973 by Lois W., and then passed on to my first Sponsor Shedrick M. sometime around 1980. I was given the plant, as well as a short letter that’s supposed to accompany cuttings of the plant on July 4th, 1995 on my 20th AA birthday. It’s rumored to be the original plant, though it’s probably impossible too know the truth about it after all this time. The idea of the plant, and the sharing of some of the common threads of our history is what’s really important about it.”

I’ve told you about the 100 year old plants I have on my front porch, Cast Iron plants. They were an engagement present to my great-grandparents and have been passed down, eventually to me, for care.  My readers helped me identify what they were.   I love having this new addition at This Old House… a homage to all the hard work that people who suffer from and conquer alcoholism  put in every day.  My hat’s off to those of you who can relate.  If you care to share your story, as this disease touches many in different ways… please do so below.

19 thoughts on “An AA tradition”

  2. I didn't know that history of the plant. I used to have them when I lived in Southern California a LONG time ago. I think they are safely in your care at your little farm.

    I have a friend who has been in recovery for over 20 years and I admire his strength in staying sober each and every day.

  3. That's a very interesting story…Glad the plant is in your care.

    Your cousin has great strength to overcome alcoholism. I am the daughter of an alcoholic and I spent my whole childhood and much of my adulthood praying that my father would quit drinking. It's a poison not only to the drinker but to the families who bear the burden of it's effects in many ways. It takes amazing courage NOT to drink. God bless your cousin.

  4. That's awesome! We owe my brother's life to AA. He started going in 1988. My mom and I went to Al-Anon during the early months and it was so very helpful.

  7. I was married to one. But he would never admit that that's what he is. And I understand that's more than half the battle. The plant should thrive under your care. I use to have one of those years ago.
    Brenda

  9. I had never heard the story, so inspiring! Alcoholism ruled my Dad's life almost to the end. Mom just dealt with it and he never went to AA. It's hurtful all these years later.

  10. Alcoholism runs in my family and I know and love many recovering alcoholics. I had never heard about that plant, though. I'll have to ask Don if he's aware of its history.

    xo
    Claudia

  13. I am proud to say that I worked for Hazelden for eight years in a number of roles, one being production artist, in publishing. We did tons of good work and I am still friends with a couple of the people I worked with there.

    I love this story and I've always loved Swedish Ivy. Now I have an even better reason to love it.

  16. There is someone in my family now who I pray will get treatment soon–it is terrifying to wonder what catastrophe will be next or the phone call in the middle of the night. I have had those before and they are never good.
    V

  19. I am humbled by those that overcome rampant addiction…my father being one of them. this post reminded me of the incredible odds he has overcome…and how grateful I am that we've had the opportunity to have a real (and wonderful) relationship. Thanks for this…

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