I remember lots of people and lots of activity going on at the hotel located near the Milwaukee airport. I went to different sessions that were being offered. There was one session I wandered into and it was talking about food. I was in disbelief and started to talk to the person next to me who was also new in OA. Then, someone asked me to be quiet. I was embarrassed and overwhelmed, as I was a people pleaser and didn’t understand the traditions or how the meetings were run exactly. After the meeting I went up to this person and apologized and she explained that she normally does’t say things, but that she is learning through OA to speak up. All of a sudden the tears just started to flow out of me and the person asked if I was okay. I admitted I was just feeling very overwhelmed and was new to OA.

I went to compose myself in the bathroom and wondered what was wrong with me. I realized that I was feeling my feelings now that God had removed the obsession to overeat and I was with fellows that understood. I continued to go to sessions and at the evening meal a group allowed me to sit at their large round table. I found out later these OA members were members of the Intergroup service body in Milwaukee and had many many years in the program. I’ll never forget how welcoming they were.

The last main speaker that I heard that night was amazing and he talked about feeling all his feelings better since he was out of the food. I’ll never forget him. At another convention many years later I had the privilege of introducing him as a speaker and got to briefly share how much I appreciated him that first year I heard him speak as he shared his experience, strength and hope.

Since my Racine group was not really involved in the intergroup and did not donate a raffle basket, I decided to get some tickets. I was shocked when I ended up winning three of the baskets! Many of the items I donated back to our small OA group in Racine. I remember leaving that first OA convention in awe. I was still very overwhelmed with excitement and amazement. I called my sponsor on my way back to Racine and told her about my experience and winning the baskets. She just humbly said, “Yup, that’s God working in your life!”

Written by, and published with permission from, OAMAI member Kim B.