---
title: "Rule #62"
description: Recently my sponsor and I went on a trip to a third world country to carry the message of recovery. When we went through customs, they asked us to state our business in the country.
image: https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Canva%20-%20Airport.jpg
---

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# [Rule #62](https://blog.theretreat.org/rule-62)

 \[fa icon="calendar"\] Apr 8, 2020 4:13:47 PM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan)

![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/none-circle-1.png?width=35&name=none-circle-1.png)

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![Canva - Airport](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20-%20Airport.jpg?width=600&name=Canva%20-%20Airport.jpg)

While we are all hunkered down and sheltering in place, we thought some good old fashion humor might lift your spirits. Here are some humorous thoughts from one of our blog contributors – Maj. Donovan, U.S. Army, Ret.

Recently my sponsor and I went on a trip to a third world country to carry the message of recovery. When we went through customs, they asked us to state our business in the country. We told them we were there to carry the message of recovery from addiction and alcoholism. Unfortunately, the message got mistranslated and the authorities thought we were carrying drugs and alcohol which was a crime punishable by death.

As my sponsor and I were waiting in jail for the State Department to straighten things out, the authorities asked us if we had any last wishes. I told them that I had come to carry the message of recovery and I would like to speak to any prisoners who might want to learn about recovery.

Then they asked my sponsor if he had any last wishes. He said, “I’ve already heard him speak. I’d like to be shot immediately.”

\*\*\*

A skeleton walked into a meeting room and sat at the table. When it came time for him to share, he said, “I’m really having a hard time holding my liquor”.

\*\*\*

A holiday decoration walked into an All Recovery Meeting. She sat at the table and listened intently to the conversation. When the meeting facilitator asked her to share, she said, “I’ve pretty much been hooked on Christmas Trees my whole life”.

\*\*\*

How do you make an alcoholic into a millionaire? Give him a billion dollars.

\*\*\*

A newcomer was serving coffee at a meeting. He walked over to an old-timer who indicated he wanted some coffee by holding up his cup. Then the old-timer started talking about how the steps were numbered 1-12 because they were meant to be worked 1-12. He said, “You can’t skip around and work them anyway you want; you have to work them in order.”

The newcomer was so mesmerized by the old-timer’s oratory, that he forgot that he was filling the old-timer’s coffee cup. Scalding hot coffee poured all over the old-timer’s pants.  
Jumping to his feet the old-timer shouted at the newcomer, “Aren’t you even going to say you’re sorry?”

The newcomer stammered, “I-I-I would, but I’m not on Step Ten yet!”

\*\*\*

There were five veterans in recovery and they frequently went out fishing together. One day when they were out on the lake, they got to arguing about which branch of the service was the best.

The Soldier said, “The Army’s the best – HOOAH!”

The Marine said, “The Marines are the best – HOORAH!”

The Sailor said, “The Navy’s the best – Anchors Away!”

The Airmen said, “The Air Force is the best – Aim High!”

The Coast Guardsman said, “The Coast Guard is the best – Semper Paratus”

While they were arguing they didn’t notice the waves had come up and suddenly they capsized. The next thing they knew, they were all standing in front of the Pearly Gates, but they wouldn’t quit arguing.

Father Abraham came down to the gates and said, “Gentlemen what’s all this commotion about?”

They told him they were all veterans in recovery and that they were trying to decide which branch of the service is the best.

Father Abraham said, “Veterans – this happens all the time. I tell you what I’m going to do. I’m going up to post Headquarters and I am going to settle this once and for all.”

Bam – he’s gone. Bam – he’s back!

He says “Gentlemen, I have a note from post Headquarters and it reads as follows…”

Dear Veterans,

It matters not which branch of the military you served in – it matters only that you served. Like your program of recovery, - there is no service job that is more important than another. So too in the military, - there is no branch of service that is more important than the other. It matters only that you served. Signed, GOD, U.S. Army – Retired.

 

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![Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/none-circle-1.png?width=100&height=100&name=none-circle-1.png)

#### Written by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan)

Maj Donovan is a person in long-term recovery with over four decades of sobriety. He is an author, blogger, lecturer and teaches a monthly workshop at “The Retreat” on the 12 Steps and Sponsorship.

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