"Who keeps us Sober?" This is a phrase that continuously pops up in the 12-step meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous. I've sat in my chair, patiently thinking, "who is it that keeps me sober?" The leaders, the so-called trusted sponsers, like to give credit to a Higher Power, or a Being that is not on Earth. They say that I should place my trust in something that I cannot see. They say that "[my] Higher Power" will keep me sober, and, at the same time, "restore me to sanity." After my three months of sobriety, all I can say is that from where I stand, the only person who has kept me sober is myself.

The sponser approaches me, "Seth, you need to find something that is your Higher Power, something that you know is your own version of a Higher Power."

"Well, I believe in the Universe," I say. "So by the methods I should adhere to by your 12-step strictures, I should give credit to planet Jupiter. I guess it's not me doing it, but some far off asteroid, or a comet that's ready to throttle itself into the sun. Gee... this makes me feel so much better. Thanks for the credit, and the shiney, cheap token that you give me for sweating out the last three months."

The sponser looks at me with downcast eyes.

"Seth, maybe you can see it in spirits. Maybe there's something out there who you can pray to that will keep you sober."

I think for a moment. The image of my passed away grandfather pops into my head.