A 12 Step Experience

[mcdo1268]

I had an experience today that I want to share. I think it is important to do it because we all are going warp speed in 90 different directions.

I had the opportunity to assist a 50 year old man seeking recovery today with Jim K. The gentleman seeking recovery was named John, he was jobless, homeless and hopeless. He was not seeking medical attention because he does have medical assistance and was not saturated to cause withdrawl side effects. He was however in need of recovery assistance, although he had been in a few halfway houses, he needed re-direction.

We contacted several Recovery House owners to seek a bed and get John re-routed in recovery. A good majority of Recovery House owners are filled now because of the cold weather coming. By the Grace of God we were able to find a bed. Jim went on his way back to home for work and I facilitated securing the bed.

I took John to the house at lunchtime. When we pulled up we found a newly remolded ranch home that was very inviting. John looked at me an said this can't be it, it is to nice. Well, it was the house we were looking for, we went in. Larry, the day monitor, greeted us and welcomed John. Another resident who was home took John's bag and brought it to the room. Larry guided us to the kitchen, recently updated, to show us what was for dinner.

The smell of the house made your mouth water. Larry proudly showed us that he was cooking a pork roast in a dutch oven with many veggies and potatoes. " Low and slow with a lot of love" Larry said. John and I marveled at the kitchen gadgets and how well the counter top was organized. Larry said "I need it that way". Obviously, being home during the day, Larry did and enjoyed cooking. I never thought about why he needed it that way.

I said goodbye to John and welcomed him back to the journey. I thanked the guys at the house and told John he was in good hands. Larry approached me and put his hand on my shoulder and felt my upper arm a bit. He said " Steve (My Friend who manages Recovery Homes) said you were big". " Yep, your big" Larry said. I wasn't sure what to think until Larry followed my arm down and grasped my hand to shake it. He said, " Mike, I have nine months recovery and have never felt better in my life, my life has been a struggle. I am permanently disabled and I am blind but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I like what I help out with here"

I was so choked up I couldn't speak. I went to my car and stayed seated to allow my emotions to run the course. The message was so clear and what I needed to see today. As we all get caught up in doing this and doing that because we have to , I was reminded of the person needing help, John, and a grateful person in recovery, Larry, who has had more struggles than I could imagine sharing his love in recovery.

I will remeber this for a long time.