<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Welcome Al-Anon, Alateen, and A.A. Family and Friends!</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 46th Annual San Fernando Valley A.A. Convention with Al-Anon and Alateen participation. On behalf of the Al-Anon Convention Planning Committee, guest speakers and volunteers, I extend our wishes that you have a marvelous return to the traditional convention experience.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although each year is presented with its unique challenges, this year has seen a much anticipated return to our usual convention, but with restrictions unlike any previous year. Undaunted, the Al-Anon Planning Committee has persevered to ensure that the excitement and the camaraderie and, especially the recovery, continue.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My journey in recovery began in 2000 and I attended my first SFVAA Convention with a mere twenty days in these rooms. I joined the Planning Committee in 2003 and have maintained a presence at this convention since. You have shown me that if I keep coming back, I will witness the change to become the person I want to be. You told me that your story is just like mine: "Someone hurt me ... and I got lucky." And you demonstrated how you would love me until I could love myself. I am grateful to be a part of this fellowship and that we could continue to bring this magnificent event to you, the family that I got to choose.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many thanks to Todd G. and Sande B. and Alcoholics Anonymous for allowing and encouraging Al-Anon and Alateen participation in this very special event. And thanks to the Executive Committee: Laura B., Sydney K., and Heather G. for putting up with me while so proficiently supporting this fantastic endeavor. And to Frankie Anne for being the wizened advisor and muse. And to the Planning Committee for creatively producing a revived convention under such challenging circumstances.  This, indeed, promises to be the SFVAAC that we have waited for.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Loving being of service,</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keith K.<br />
2022 SFVAA Convention Al-Anon Chair</span></p>
