And it works. Millions have received aid and support over the years, which has not only made a difference in their lives, but often the lives of the afflicted as well. Children of substance dependent parents have their own organization called Alateen, which serves the same purpose, only among youthful peers with whom they can relate. These are sponsored and supervised by Al-Anon membership. There will be hundreds reading this story that will find it horribly familiar.
Help is out there.
Do it for yourselves. Do it for the kids. Who knows, it might even make a difference for Wobegon. His book, Beyond the Call, is available in area bookstores. The Waynesville chapters of both Al-Anon and Alateen groups hold their meetings every Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. at the Grace Episcopal Church on Haywood Street.