Something happened today, which brought a lot of things to my mind. Made me back off and think. Also to take a moment to share some of this.
What happened was I received a note that one of my AA idols entered the hospital in not too good a condition from what I gathered. I’ve known this man for many many years in here. He came in before I did. However I had to guess he and I are almost the same age. I can assume that because he was in the Korean War before coming here. That’s about my time.
A great example of this program he often came to lead our meetings down where I got sober. He rotated with others on leading meetings on the Steps and the BB about twelve times a year. He also spoke all over the country, bringing the AA message to probably millions of people. His talks are all over on tapes and discs. I know a lot of people, who never met him or even know what he looks like, but have these and have listened to them and ended up impressed with his messages.
When he moved to Florida I really lost contact with him. But I have never forgotten what he had given me over the years. But then I have a lot of people like him up there in that memory of mine. Old timers, who have either moved away or passed on. Lots of images I treasure. Never want to forget them. They were so helpful in my sobriety. I have a lot of gratitude for them.
The message I received was a good reminder to me, because it was a request on the part of the sender to pray for him. And that caused me to have him and the Twelfth Step on my mind. To do what I need to do each and everyday. To stop and think about offering myself up to my Higher Power, as it states in the BB and the 12&12 and other program literature.
To turn not just myself over to him, but those I am in contact with or have a relationship with. A reminder to me that it’s not just about me. It’s all those I have contact with in one way or another. Those I especially have been offered the possibility of helping.
It is also a reminder of the Serenity Prayer. Because no matter what my relationship is with anyone I am helpless to change them in anyway whatsoever. But just the thoughts I have put me in a place where I can silently offer them the only thing I can ever bring to help. And that’s the love I have learned in here to pass along. I can turn my thoughts and my prayers over to them through my Higher Power.
I have certainly through the years attended to others, who were near the end of their lives. And that’s all I was able to do. To be there for them. But I also know that, as a result of this program, it doesn’t matter about time and distance. In my heart and mind I can be there for them. As I know others are at this time.
All I can do is to express my gratitude to this man, as I have so many others. And I can do this by carrying on what I learned from him and so many others. Every time someone reaches out their hand for help from me I can definitely try to be there for them. It’s part of the goal of this program for those seeking sobriety, just like I did.
Anyway, just needed time to stop and think about all of this, which is basically about the sober life I have found in here. And all of those I owe so much of my sobriety to. And to also take the time to pray and meditate on all of this. I need to thank my Higher Power for all these people and my time in living a sober life. I am grateful.