When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story: The Biography of the Cofounder of Al-Anon

Lois Wilson, the wife of Alcoholics Anonymous cofounder Bill W., knew better than anyone that families, friends, and loved ones of alcoholics are also affected and need informed support and advice. The Lois Wilson Story: When Love Is Not Enough is both a testament to Wilson's spirit and a guiding light for those whose lives parallel hers. "Bill Borchert came into my life during our astounding screen collaboration in My Name is Bill W. What a joy to revisit this friendship in his new achievement, The Lois Wilson Story. Bill Borchert will always be a seminal part of my life and now millions of others will get to appreciate his selfless devotion to the woman who founded Al-Anon and her mesmerizing story. Bravo, my friend." Emmy A ward-winning actor (My Name is Bill W.) James Woods "Bill Borchert shares the intimate recollections of Lois Wilson in an authentic and powerful tale of helplessness, hope, and fulfillment. This view of Lois' life with Bill Wilson and the birth and nurturing of the Twelve Step movement is awesome and rewarding. It is a page-turning read and a tribute to Lois, cofounder of Al-Anon, and her passion to bring healing to everyone affected by the family disease of alcoholism."--Johnny Allen, President/CEO, The Johnson Institute "The story that would complement that of Bill W's had yet to be written. And now, William Borchert has done the job. Borchert begins his book with an easy-flowing, active tense, almost fictional style that keeps you riveted on Lois and her love story. It's well done. I'll be reading and utilizing for research the Borchert story for many years." Dick B. (a pseudonym) Writer, Historian, retired Attorney, Author of 25 published titles on the history and spiritual roots of A.A Now a Hallmark Hall of Fame special, "When Love is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story, " this is the biography of Al-Anon creator and wife of AA cofounder Bill W. Lois Wilson, the wife of Alcoholics Anonymous cofounder Bill W., knew better than anyone that families, friends, and loved ones of alcoholics are also affected and need informed support and advice. The Lois Wilson Story: When Love Is Not Enough is both a testament to Wilson's spirit and a guiding light for those whose lives parallel hers."Bill Borchert came into my life during our astounding screen collaboration in My Name is Bill W. What a joy to revisit this friendship in his new achievement, The Lois Wilson Story. Bill Borchert will always be a seminal part of my life and now millions of others will get to appreciate his selfless devotion to the woman who founded Al-Anon and her mesmerizing story. Bravo, my friend." Emmy A ward-winning actor (My Name is Bill W.) James Woods"Bill Borchert shares the intimate recollections of Lois Wilson in an authentic and powerful tale of helplessness, hope, and fulfillment. This view of Lois' life with Bill Wilson and the birth and nurturing of the Twelve Step movement is awesome and rewarding. It is a page-turning read and a tribute to Lois, cofounder of Al-Anon, and her passion to bring healing to everyone affected by the family disease of alcoholism." -Johnny Allen, President/CEO, The Johnson Institute"The story that would complement that of Bill W's had yet to be written. And now, William Borchert has done the job. Borchert begins his book with an easy-flowing, active tense, almost fictional style that keeps you riveted on Lois and her love story. It's well done. I'll be reading and utilizing for research the Borchert story for many years." Dick B. (a pseudonym) Writer, Historian, retired Attorney, Author of 25 published titles on the history and spiritual roots of A.A. A long-awaited look at the unsung story of Lois Wilson, wife of the famously anonymous Bill W. Acclaimed author and screenwriter William G. Borchert does a masterful job in revealing the life and times of this spirited and determined woman, exploring the tender emotional territory beyond Loiss role in the formation of AA and the subsequent creation of Al-Anon. From her privileged childhood in turn-of-the-century New York City, to her unexpected but exhilarating courtship with the dashing Bill Wilson, to her socialite status as a "Wall Street Wife" in the Roaring Twenties, to the couples audacious cross-country motorcycle excursions in the 1930s, Lois was every bit the adventure-seeker her legendary husband was. But nothing could have prepared her for the chaos, pain, and loss caused by her beloved Bills seventeen-year descent into the depths of alcoholism. In the end, however, her husbands addiction proved not to be the tragic undoing of this brilliant, promising couple, but rather the beginning of one of the twentieth centurys most important social movements. Features a 16-page section of black-and-white archival photographs. Acclaimed author and screenwriter William G. Borchert explores the life and times of Lois Burnham Wilson, the spirited creator of Al-Anon and wife of Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson. From her privileged childhood in turn-of-the-century New York City to her socialite status as the Wall Street Wife of the charismatic Bill in the roaring 20s to the couples audacious cross-country motorcycle excursion in the 1930s, Lois was every bit the adventure seeker. But nothing could have prepared her for the chaos, anguish, and loss caused by Bills seventeen-year decent into the depth of alcoholism.In this moving story, Borchert reveals how the couple rose from the life of despair to institute one of the 20th centurys most important social movement, and how Lois created a legacy of hope for millions of family devastated by addiction through her uncommon love and unshakable faith. Cover; Half title; Attributes; Title; Copyright; Dedication; Contents; Author Note; Foreward; Preface; Acknowledgements; Half title; Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7; Chapter 8; Chapter 9; Chapter 10; Chapter 11; Chapter 12; Chapter 13; Chapter 14; Chapter 15; Chapter 16; Chapter 17; Notes; About the Author; Publisher Information Reveals how Lois and Bill Wilson rose from life of despair to institute one of the twentieth century's most important social movements, and how Lois created hope for other families dealing with addiction. The story of Lois Burnham Wilson, cofounder of Al-Anon and wife of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) cofounder Bill W William G. Borchert. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.