Reminded today about one of the things I learned in here, and that was caring for others. Not fixing them or curing them, but just giving them the affection they need.
I can remember back a long time ago, about the people in this program, who were very ill and often dying. I was sent to sit with them, and, if possible, talking to them. One of the things I have never forgotten was how many of them developed a smile. Amazing to this alcoholic.
A couple of them also developed laughing, even near the end. One of these was a medium aged woman, who was nearing the end, but still hung on. I was brought over to talk to her and she was really very happy in what we talked about. She kept losing weight and shrinking in size. Yet she never sank down. She stayed right up there and talked and laughed, and put up with an angry alcoholic husband, who was drinking again, and my old sponsor got on him and shut him up. Made me grateful.
Up here, where I’m living now, I really don’t know a lot of the families, so I’m not involved in walking in and being able to care for them. And I am not really disappointed. It’s what life is really all about. Others are probably doing what I was doing, where I lived several states away. I know that I can care within myself.
Anyway I was reminded of all of this today, from my being able to read some things, and a reminder from a friend of mine back where I lived for a long time, staying sober and caring for others. Makes me grateful. Need to express my gratitude to my Higher Power, and all those, who helped me to continue to stay sober and to be able to care and do things I needed to.