I found out this morning that my childhood best friend's father has only a few days left to live. Growing up they lived next door to me. They moved in when I was about 5 years old and I immediately became friends with the whole family! Their father was an alcoholic and there were many times when he would come home drunk and threaten suicide or just go crazy on the family. The children grew to accept this as the norm but there was also a lot of fear. I had always been afraid of him and he (when sober) would tease me with a jump or a "boo" when I was walking through a room. The years went by and they moved away when I was 17 although I remained good friends with the family. He did get sober shortly after they moved but then I learned that he had changed from liquor to pills. Then one day I stopped by to visit and he was the only one home. We had a long talk and I got a glimpse of the man instead of the addiction. He was filled with grief and guilt. That was in 1981. I have seen him a few times over the years but he has remained isolated and removed from his family although he is still with his wife. All of his children have made peace with him except one, the youngest daughter. She can not find it in her to forgive him. It so saddens me that he never made his way into AA. When I heard the news this morning it reminded me of what a great gift I have been given. I have been blessed with the rooms of AA, a wonderful sponsor and AA family, the 12 steps which are setting me free and a loving and caring Higher Power. Oh God how I thank you for your gifts. Please Bless my friend in his last days and take him into your loving arms!
(((Sue))) Here's a hug for you....... To be able to take the good out of something so tragic is a wonderful gift. AA has given me that too. I too feel so blessed. With love Louisa xx
It is indeed sad that this man couldn't find recovery while he was healthy. Perhaps his story here will help one of us to keep on tuckin' for one more 24 hours, and be able to do it different than he was able to. I pray that his last days will be blessed with peace, and that you too will be blessed, jazzy.
((((hugs)))) joni
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
Could actually feel your pain in what you wrote, our gifts of Sobriety are truly God Given.
While it is true that there is a saying of "Through Adversity if you look and stay open to that concept, you will find good or even gold in that personal pain"
Prayers going up for your friends Dad, and for you too dear.
Tonicakes
-- Edited by Just Toni on Wednesday 8th of September 2010 06:45:36 PM
Thanks everyone. I have been keeping in close contact with his family via facebook and email and phone. So grateful for this site so I can post my thoughts and prayers!! I love MIP! (((((HUGS))))) to all!!!
Yet another great reason to be in recovery. We all need to get busy living before our time is up! While this is not a cheery post, it can be used as motivation for us all to make the most of each day so we don't have the regrets and guilt you talk about your friend's father having as he approaches the end of his life.
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
