I'm breaking
anonymity this morning to express my gratitude for twelve-step programs and
to tell you about my brother, Joey. Joey was a lovable crazy guy who lived life
on the edge. This gifted, funny, incredibly warm-hearted man had the disease of
alcoholism.
One of my most
cherished memories of Joey is when my sister and I were visiting him at a
treatment center in West Palm Beach. The three of us sat together
in this beautiful serene chapel on the premises, talking about God. A monumental moment...
Five months later my brother was gone. He drowned...doing what he loved...scuba diving.
It was a huge loss,
but I'm so deeply grateful for the precious months I had with him...he was sober...happy...had found God...died with some peace and dignity.
*******
Joey and his wife,
Brenda. This picture captures his charm.
Joey preaching to my daughter Jody. Her journey with this disease was just beginning.
********
Don’t tell me how
wonderful things will be some day.
Show me you can risk
being completely at peace,
truly okay with the way
things are right now in this moment...
Take me to the places on
the earth that teach you how to dance,
the
places where you can risk letting the world break your heart.
And
I will take you to the places where the earth beneath my feet
and
the stars overhead make my heart whole again and
again.
"The Dance" by Oriah Mountain Dreamer
"Because life is fragile, I'll remember to savor every
moment"
