Helen Wynn pics

The issues with the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill Wilson and his obvious indiscretions with the Grapevine editor Helen Wynn are being reported worldwide. We need a new remake of the movie "Bill W." with big name actors telling the truth of what actually happened. I think it is time for a reenactment from the "spook room" with Bill W. (played by Charlie Sheen), Lois Wilson (played by Martha Stewart) and Helen Wynn (played by Winona Rider) and an explanation of the real reason the table raised off the floor......

Where would we be without Bill W.?

By GREG SCHARF, Special to the U-T midnight Jan. 24, 2013

In 1999, Time Magazine included William G. “Bill” Wilson as "Bill W.: The Healer" in the Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century. Wilson, along with Dr. Robert Smith, founded Alcoholics Anonymous and gave the world the 12 Step Program of Recovery used by alcoholics. The program also has been adapted to help drug addicts, over-eaters, gamblers, and many other types of people with compulsive behaviors.

A hopeless drunk, Wilson had tried to get sober for years, when he had a profound spiritual experience in a hospital in New York. Soon after, AA had its birth in Akron, Ohio, when a business trip went south for Wilson, and he found himself in a hotel lobby wanting a drink. He called a local clergyman to find another helpless alcoholic, who turned out to be an all but washed up surgeon, Dr. Bob Smith.

Wilson found that “carrying the message” helped him stay sober. And his carrying that message kept him sober and has ultimately helped millions.

Wilson got to carry the message in Temecula last Friday, in “Bill W.” a documentary on his life, and on the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous, which was screened at a private showing at the Temeku Theater.

“Bill W” told the story of Bill Wilson and AA, and I think in a much grittier, more human way than did the film “My Name is Bill W.,” starring James Woods and James Garner, although that made for TV movie was still very good. Actual audiotapes with Wilson’s calm, warm and sometimes salty speech were a wonderful part of the show.

The documentary came to Temecula due to the efforts of Melissa -- her last name is being withheld to protect her anonymity. She lives in Escondido, but got clean seven years ago in a recovery program in Temecula, and still attends Narcotics Anonymous meetings locally.

She and her fiance had seen the show in San Diego last year and wanted to share it with her friends here.

She told me that her motivation was simple “Where would we be without Bill W.?”

It was a late show -- 11:30 p.m. -- and the film was almost two hours long. Simply put, it was just a really nice experience.

There were some 40 people there. Melissa estimates that half were from Narcotics Anonymous, and half from Alcoholics Anonymous. But the laughter and even the cracks during the movie made it feel like one was sitting with family. And I really doubt that anybody felt the need to stop off at a liquor store or a connection’s house on the way home.

When I think of the millions of people helped, and how the message continues to be carried by people such as Melissa, one has to thank God and agree:

Where would we be without Bill W.?

Greg Scharf writes from Temecula. Email him at gscharf7@aol.com.

Source: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jan/24/AA-Bill-W-documentary/