What to say today? A good friend of mine, whom I’ve known for well over 30 yrs., passed away last night, after a long illness. Her name is Doris. A lovely woman, dignified, with a great sense of humor. She was a great example of what living a sober life is all about. To not only myself, but to so many, who knew her. She will be missed.
Her son, also a member of this program, called me today to give me the news of her passing. What was interesting was his attitude about this. He told me he was happy, because now she was at peace. He also told me his feelings were reinforced by all that he had learned from his mother. I could guess at what he meant, based on my knowing her.
He made me think, as we shared our memories. She was indeed a wonderful woman. I had thought about her last night, knowing she was near the end of her life, and said a prayer for God’s will for her, as I fell asleep. She accomplished what most sober alcoholics want. She died sober.
As I was thinking about this today, I thought how blessed I have been to know so many great examples of sobriety in this program. Men and women, who have gone before me and left an image within me of how I should lead my life in this program. Doris certainly did this. Her love of others, her friendship, her loyalty, her strength of character, her willingness to practice these principles in all of her affairs, and the help she gave to so many. Plus, she showed me, as she did others, how to live and not take myself too seriously.
As I thought about her, I thought how fortunate I am that I have had friends like Doris. Her friendship, like so many others I’ve known, has been my good fortune. Friends like her are to be treasured. I was thinking about this, as I talked to my old sponsor’s widow. A woman I’ve known almost half my life. She feels the same. A woman of 56 years sobriety, we talked about Doris and so many others.
Anyway, this has been on my mind today. Living this sober life and counting my blessings. I am grateful.