Sad news

I got a message today I was expecting but not wanting.   A friend in AA passed away today.  She was only in her late 40s unfortunately.

All I can say is she was a lady who was an inspiration to me.  When I joined AA she was relatively new around as well.  I watched her come out of her shell and she was a riot of laughter and a real pleasure to know.  She had known tragedy when she had to deal with the death of a very young grandchild a couple of years back.  Then recently she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and there was little chance of a reprieve or that she would get long.  Sadly she didn't.

However an inspiration - to many out there being told your small grandchild has died or that you have terminal cancer would be an excusable reason to take a drink or two or three.  Everyone would appreciate that was not unreasonable.  In both cases my friend, a recovering alcoholic like myself, didn't.  She went through both events sober to the end.

So today is sad news but also an inspiration to me.  I take strength from someone facing this and not picking up a drink.  It knocks away any excuse I might consider keeping up my sleeve as an arrested alcoholic.  There is nothing that happens that is a reasonable excuse for me to drink, because when I drink I damage myself and those around me so badly that will always outweigh whatever it is that provides that excuse.

RIP my friend Lynn.  I will miss you but even today you are nothing but a great example and true inspiration to me.

Comments

  1. Judith16 January 2013 at 15:16

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's death. But I am sure she would be pleased to hear your kind words and that she inspired you.

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  2. Nic 16 January 2013 at 15:44

    Sorry to hear this, F. She was clearly a wonderful lady.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Choleesa16 January 2013 at 16:45

    Im sorry for your loss.

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  4. C16 January 2013 at 21:17

    So sorry to hear this. It's just great that you can take such inspiration from Lynn, what better legacy could she have left you?! - and such a positive way for you to be able to remember her.
    I feel for you too - it's our friend's funeral tomorrow, these things are never easy.

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  5. Anonymous16 January 2013 at 23:28

    Well done you. I turn to drink when I face tragedies such as forgetting to buy the potatoes or "because it's Tuesday".

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  6. Kolley Kibber17 January 2013 at 07:31

    I'm so sorry to hear this. She did a grand job of turning her life around and I'm sure you were part of what helped her to do that. You keep going as a kind of memorial to these people.

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  7. daisyfae17 January 2013 at 22:47

    So very to hear of the loss of your friend - and i agree that her ability to stay true to her desire to stay sober through horrible personal challenges is inspirational!

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  8. bugerlugs6318 January 2013 at 10:10

    :-( Sad news, to die so young. But, as you say, an inspirational lady.

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  9. Anonymous18 January 2013 at 14:12

    I'm sorry to hear of your loss. She does sound like an incredible inspiration. Thank you for passing that on to us.

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  10. Anonymous18 January 2013 at 17:40

    I am so sorry for your loss. Lynn sounds utterly amazing and yes, truly an inspiration. Thank you for sharing her story with us.

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  11. Chelly18 January 2013 at 20:08

    So sorry for your loss. What a lovely tribute for such a strong and inspiring woman. RIP. Thanks for sharing this with us. Hugs my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Liz Hinds18 January 2013 at 20:54

    That is sad. A very brave lady.

    ReplyDelete

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