One of our very special home group members had a heart attack before our meeting while fellowshiping in meeting place. I had just arrived before ambulances got there. I was very close to him. I talked to him daily about working the program. He was a wonderful and inspirational member of our group. Everyone is dealing with the shock and grief in different ways. I can hardly comprehend losing him as part of my daily life. He had a great relationship with God and he is home with him now. I am unsure of how our group will deal with this loss. Personally I just want to isolate but know he wouldnt want that. I want to be there for my other group members but feel in a state of shock and disbelief. Any comments or stories of similar things happening to others would be appreciated. Allie
My condolences, allie, on the passing of a very inspirational group member. We are here to support you and offer up words of encouragement if need be.
The death of an alcoholic is never in vain. The prospect of losing a member of our extended family is always painful but in no way coincidental. The reasons behind our struggles in life and in death still remain a mystery but the message of hope and freedom will continue on -despite our losses.
What is important though, other than remembering them as they would like us too, is allowing the message of hope and the prospect of continuous sobriety bring a smile to the sick and suffering alcoholics who need hear this message -All done, of course, in their memory- one day at a time.
~God Bless~
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies"
((((Allie))))...Yes someday we all leave program and for me this is probably the most acceptable way. My sponsor died in program...not at a meeting but while in full participation helping other stay sober. It's kind of a recovery test for me...do I handle it with fear or with love. Sounds like your fellow handled it with love and I am grateful for the lesson. Thanks for bringing it home.
So sorry Allie. Must be so much shock and sorrow in your home group at the moment. One my groups lost a person a while back, a person who died not in sobriety like your group member, but as a result of this disease. It impacted a lot of people in the various groups in my area, everyone feeling sorrow but also being grateful for being sober today and how that person's death was not in vain, but showed what happens if we do not work this programme as best as we can. Your groups members' sad and untimely death to me seems different -- it shows the hope that this program brings, the hope that we can die sober. If hope that I too, by the Grace of God, will have that gift.
Condolences to all of your AA family suffering this loss, and to his family as well. I joined AA & my home group a few months back, and at the time all the folks were very sad over the loss of Papa F. I was in a fog, and didn't really understand much, but I work in health care, and I know grief and loss, and there was much of it on display. As I hung aroung, I learned that this gentleman was in his 90's, still working a program, and had been carrying the message for 54 + years. They had a huge celebration of life for him and still refer to his insight and wisdom in shares on a regular basis. Although he can no longer do so in person, he is still carrying the message. One can only hope for such a legacy. Many hugs and much peace as you all go through this together.
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I asked God for all things that I may enjoy life. He gave me life so that I may enjoy all things.
