Went to visit my 84 year old best friend in recovery at a rehab facility (physical therapy) on Friday. He has been hospitalized 5 times in the last two months with congestive heart failure and other maladies. The wife and I have been friends with both he and his wife who is also in recovery for over 25 years. When I walked into the room, his wife, son, and daughter in law were there and we had a good visit. Then he told me he had some bad news-the doctors said they have done all they can do for him and recommended he return home for hospice care. I left there and sat in the parking lot for ten minutes weeping and letting the feelings and emotions flow. When I finally could see clearly, I drove to my home group where the step speaker was finishing up 10-12. Before the meeting, I spoke to her and as I returned to my seat, made eye contact with a former employee I hadn't seen in three years since retirement. He said how glad he was to see me and to know I was a member of the group. I asked how many days he had and he replied three. I then asked when he figured out he needed help, he said three days ago! After the meeting ended, we embraced, I gave him my phone number, and told him I was available 24-7 for anything he needed help with in the program.
When I told my friend on Saturday about this, he smiled and said that is how we keep our miracle by carrying the message to those who still suffer. I have watched him do this and gone with him on several 12 step calls throughout my sobriety. He then said keep doing what we do and you and I will have much to discuss when we meet in heaven. There are no words to describe how much I love my friend and how grateful I am that God saw fit to put us together in a program that works as long as we work it. I agreed to officiate his funeral at his request and told him what an honor it would be. In the meantime, I plan on spending as much time as possible going to meetings, visiting with him at his bedside, and living sober one day at a time.