I'm really feeling bad tonight. A sponsee of 7 years that I truly got to know, befriend and cherish died about 2 weeks ago, after a really short bout with cancer. He died clean and sober.
He was a true friend in recovery. We worked steps together, did 12 Step calls together, went to AA and NA social events together, laughed and cried together over the years.
He is such a special person to me that I wanted to share a bit of him with you.
Watch the two videos I produced of him and showed at his memorial service. I also gave copies of these videos to his family members.
We had rented 100 seats for the service on on the beach, and to let you know his impact on the recovery community here,... over 150 people had to stand at the memorial service.
He was a state licensed locksmith, father to 3 great kids, home owner, guitar player and vocalist, motorcyclist, bi-polar.... but to me... he was a brother, a friend... someone I will miss dearly.
I'm so sorry for your loss, John......... I lost a grand sponsor back in October. This was a woman that I LOATHED when I first came to AA, but as time went on, I grew to LOVE her dearly....I feel truly blessed to have been able to be a small part of her 35 yrs of sobriety.
(((hugs)))
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
When another musician passed away due to cancer a few years ago, I felt the impact of one line he wrote long ago--"life goes on within you, and without you" - (George Harrison).
It is a line that we are always sadly reminded of at times like these, and one that I always try to remember when conducting my own affairs.
I feel for you in this time of grief. I am grieving also. My sponsor died Oct. 10, 2007 with 33 years of sobriety. I knew and loved this woman for over 15 years. Losing her has left a big void in me, but I am trying to fill it with a lot of meetings and prayer. That woman taught me a lot! And she is forever with me in my heart. I still talk to her and get some comfort. I miss her wet kisses!!! Anyway she died sober happy and in her own home comfortable and I was with her while she was passing. It was a bitter sweet time for us both. I wish you well on your greiving process. Hold very close to God! Bless you and all those who have lost love ones. Allison
Oh my God John, What a beautiful share! Im sure the family appreciated the videos soo much! My heart goes out to you and his family. His music is a great legacy he has left for all of us to enjoy!!! Thank you! Lani
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Thankyou for sharing him with us, John. I recognised him from your wedding video. I'm so sorry at his passing yet feel a sense of joy that he left us sober. Had he been ill for some time? What a battle he & his family must have had. I'm so glad he died with dignity & left something to be remembered beautifully by. He seemed to have a great character & I'm glad you were close friends too. Thanks for being such a great part of his recovery & adding such quality to the years he had left. I hope in your grief you can take some comfort from that. Blesses & prayers with you & those he leaves behind, Danielle x
-- Edited by Sobrietyspell at 21:10, 2008-01-11
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
I thought he looked familiar! It was the red bandana!!!!! Thanks for pointing that out danielle!
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
