A few years after the Flemish IG began, Luc brought up the idea of organizing a larger workshop or convention. We also looked to SA in the Netherlands for collaboration. This happened several times during workshops with old-timers. A few years ago, a tradition emerged: an annual Dutch-language convention, alternately organized by the Dutch and the Flemish IG.

Between the conventions, Recovery Days are held also together; they fulfill the shared desire of fellows in Belgium and the Netherlands to regularly meet in person with larger groups. SA is growing in our regions, as these gatherings offer unique opportunities to share our message with participants who are relatively new to SA.

Here is an example of an initiative that goes beyond the typical SA meetings. A few years ago, Luc came up with the idea of a “Tour of Flanders”: providing different local SA groups across the country with the opportunity to organize a special meeting with dinner and optional fellowship activity. This extra opportunity for connection continues to thrive- by God’s grace and thanks to a few active members—just as many other initiatives have.

Many years before that, there was an annual barbecue. Even when this wasn’t held in Luc’s garden, he was equally energetic and supportive in the preparations. We also went on countless walks (still every January 1st), played pétanque, billiards, cycled, and even kayaked. Luc was always present and our biggest supporter. The Joy of Living in his Belgian way—he took it as seriously as working the Steps and nurturing his bond with his Higher Power. At one point, Luc proposed a motion to bid for the organization of an International Convention! He participated in the IC in Madrid in 2019. This motion did not succeed in our then still very small intergroup. However, when a new motion was voted on a few months later to nominate us for the EMER convention in 2025, a majority was achieved. This instantly infused fresh enthusiasm into the Flemish fellowship.

The road to a convention is like a pilgrimage–our recovery becomes even more intertwined with that of others—this is a “we-program;” “the greatest adventure of our lives.” Luc has undertaken several long pilgrimages in his life, both alone and with fellow pilgrims. He walked in the scorching heat, through and over wild rivers, across dangerous ice on a mountain pass, and in a region where wolves roamed. He once slept in an abandoned stable after a long, steep climb. The next day, one saving angel after another appeared to him. Through these experiences, his trust in God grew strong.

“We couldn’t see the path ahead, except that others had gone that way before.” The road became difficult when Luc suddenly disappeared from our sight. In the journey from the previous to the next convention, we lost in him a trusted servant—an engaging friend who understood us like no one else. His passing was a shocking event, which requires time to process. This is the miracle of the 12 Step Program: with the help of sponsors and others, we can gradually understand that both the beautiful vista and the dense fog have meaning and purpose in our lives. Moreover, we do not have to face this journey alone. Luc’s legacy–his focus on fellowship–is alive and well in the loving hands of God.