Hope / Disappointment

I went to a step meeting a few days ago that I have only attended once before. It was quite by chance that I ended up there and was happy to be there. They were on the 12th Step. Although I am not officially there yet, I do learn a lot from hearing others share about what lies ahead for me.

As I sat down, I looked across the table and was sure I recognized a face there from about 15 years ago. There was still a few minutes so I went around and put my hand on his shoulder and said his name. He looked up, confused. I told him my first name and seeing that didn't help told him my last. He smiled and said, "Holy $hit! It's been forever!" We talked for a moment and then the meeting began.

He shared briefly in the beginning that he just had 30 days. Then later he shared about step 12. It seems he had a good number of years in the rooms a while back but has been struggling lately. He expressed gratitude for the program for people who were still there from when he was there a few years ago and for seeing someone he hadn't seen in 20 years, me. I felt sure I was meant to be there for myself and for him that day.

Afterwards I drove him back to his parents house and we spent some time sharing our stories since it had been so long. He told me all about what was going on with him and how much he didn't want to lose everything. He asked if I knew of anyone looking to rent a room out since he was looking to get out of mom and dad's. I told him we might have an extra room in the house or I might know someone.

He called me the next day asking if I had talked to my roomie which I hadn't yet. He said he was due a disability check that day and was considering joining me for a concert. The day after the concert I ran into an older lady I know, a very good friend who recently retired. Her significant other was recently admitted to a home, stage four cancer. She is worried about losing her home. Her son is due to come home from prison in March or April but she will likely lose the house before then.

I mentioned my friend to her and relayed his general situation. She knows of my recovery and is familiar with alcoholism and addiction as that is why her son is incarcerated. She said, "We can talk about it but you make sure you tell him, no drugs or any of that stuff." I said, "Sure thing, I'll be in touch." She though that maybe it was all a timing thing and that she was meant to run into me, a God thing, ya know?

Well, let's see.... I ran into him on Monday and he needs a room. I ran into her on Wednesday and she needs a tenant. Sounds like a plan, I can help two of my friends! So I call his cell number which he gave me on Monday.... "The number you have reached is not in service...." Hmmm He had also given me the number for his parents house, after a little while I opted to try it. A woman, presumably his mother, answered and I asked for him.

In the interest of keeping this already long story shorter she told me he was not there. He got his disability check and disappeared overnight. They told him he had to leave, that he had done this too many times. I was heartbroken. This guy, my age, similar interests, friends in common, old friends.... could easily have been me. I am glad that I did not connect him with my retired friend or bring him into our house. I am sorry he chose to go back out and other than praying there is not much I can do for him.

I just felt I needed to share this as it was very disappointing after having spent that afternoon with him, hearing his story and feeling his pain. I will pray for him and his family as I told his mother. Peace and Prayers to you my brother.