Getting sober was the hardest thing I ever did, but each day, the rewards of it continue to manifest in my life, as I know that every day past the age of 30 has been a gift. I would not have made it to 30 had I continued the way I was going, when I got sober at 22. Things in my life got much worse, instead of better, for my first 6 1/2 years sober, but the alternative was unacceptable to me. Then, things around me started improving, as I began to reap the benefits of a sober life. At weddings and parties, I can’t wait until everyone else gets lubricated enough to start having fun — I show up ready, without the need for the kick of a few drinks. Karaoke? Forget about it. I kill it. I’m 64 now, and shooting for triple digits, with a plan to get there in good health and all my faculties in order. It feels like a good goal. Great, great article, absolutely loved it.