Well, I sort of knew this was coming, but he rallied for a good month before dying last night at about 5 pm. He was truly a pillar of AA in this area and in the fellowship I belong to. He died with 34 years sober. A gay man who was in a committed relationship with his partner for 42 years. They raised children together. He was a loud and opinionated short little Italian man but when he gave me suggestions, I took them seriously because he never needed to waste time talking to me. Plenty of other people were always clamouring around him.
He was sixty nine. In the last meeting I sat in with him (which was also right before his birthday less than a month ago). I pulled out the 32 year medallion he gave me 2 years ago and stated that I prayed to keep that medallion and give it away to a newcomer or sponsee when I had 32 year sober (God willing) and that by that point - I would be a 68 year old man (God willing again). In honor of Tony D. I really pray that I can honor that.
More than anything, I need to be a support to my sponsor now. He told me that now might be a time where I get to sponsor my sponsor for a bit cuz Tony was not just his sponsor, but his best friend.
RIP Tony D. You will be missed.
Mark
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
I lost a great friend in the program too, recently ... Amid the pain, was a certain joy that sprang from just knowing this person ... My life was enriched by him and I am comforted in knowing that God is caring for him at this very moment ...
God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Sorry for your loss Mark,but glad you had an opportunity to be touched by Tony!Absolutely ,one helping another in a loving and caring manner.Give your sponsor a hug for me!!!!
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
My condolences Mark. 32 years of continuous sobriety is certainly worth noting. So thank you for sharing it with us. I'm so thankful for those old timers -like your friend Tony and all others who've come before us. If it wasn't for their continued support I don't know where I'd be. Prayers coming your way.
My condolences to you, your sponsor and all who loved him.....Sounds like he touched a lot of lives...You should be grateful that he Graced yours....And honored you will be able to give that medallion to a newcomer one day. My prayers are with you and your group Mark...Share what you learned from him.
