....What I Could Not Do For Myself: October 2007

I got a phone call back several months ago from a guy in Bullhead City, Arizona. The Gentleman on the other end of the line wanted to inquire about being admitted to our facility. I began to ask him a series of routine questions that went like this:
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Me: Why do you want to be admitted to this facility?

Prospective Client: Because I want to stay sober.

Me: That sounds reasonable enough, so how long have you been sober? When did you last take a drink?

Prospective Client: Oh, a little over 22 years ago.

Me: I'm sorry, what did you say?

Prospective Client: A little over 22 years ago.

Me: A little over 22 years ago? Really?

Prospective Client: Yep.

Me: You need to understand that we are a "Front Line" facility, that we deal with folks that are trying to escape the ravages of active Alcoholism & Addiction, that we are rigidly structured, and that everyone is a newcomer, and is treated as such, as it relates to the 12 step program of their choice. There are expectations and levels of accountability that you may not be entirely comfortable with.

Prospective Client: Well, I've been around long enough to know that when things get really squirrelly, and my life starts to feel like it is spinning out of control, that structure and accountability are two of the things that can save my ass. I need to get back to the roots of the program, and since I don't do things halfway, I aim to jump in with both feet.
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Rodney arrived a few weeks later, after several more conversations over the phone about how we do things here, what we would expect of him, and what he in turn could expect from us.

He explained that though he is a retired Drug & Alcohol counselor, he is here to "gather his life back in" so to speak, to get his life back on track, and to start fresh in the recovery program. He also mentioned that he was grateful to us for admitting him here, and that he would be more than pleased to help out around the facility wherever needed, not so much as a counselor, but if we needed someone to help in the kitchen, or the property in general, then he was our man.

Rodney was true to his word, most days he could be seen in the kitchen, making up all sorts of salad concoctions, from the run of the mill dinner salads to special "Rodney Salads" that had any number of delectable treats in them. He really enjoyed doing that - He took his time, and when he was done, they looked liked a masterpiece that you just didn't want to disturb - everything was arranged just so.

Rodney also took interest in a part of the property that had been somewhat neglected. It is an area that is kind of set aside, and was used mostly to put stuff that really had nowhere else to go, kind of like a drawer that you could find in most people's kitchen at home, full of, well, stuff.

He began cleaning it up, and soon it started to become usable space, complete with some furniture, a couple small tables, chairs & such. Later on, he added (at his own expense, mind you) a really nice shelter to block the hot sun, wired some lights up, and also an old wooden table that at one time was used in another area of the facility, but had been replaced due to it being so worn & ugly. He would spend many hours stripping and refinishing it, turning it into a beautiful piece of furniture.

Rodney put so much effort into creating this area so that Folks would have a nice outdoor place in which to gather for 12 step meetings, and fellowship.

Rodney passed away in his sleep in the wee hours of October 15, 2007.

Just hours before, he had taken the last few swipes with a rag to complete the polyurethane finish on that now beautiful table, & in turn finishing off the warm, embracing environment that he worked so hard to create.

We only had the privilege of knowing Rodney for 82 days, but he will be a lifetime in our hearts & minds.

Just over 22-1/2 years ago, 8262 days to be exact, Rodney set out to accomplish something. He set about the task of getting sober, and to doing whatever was necessary to remain a sober & productive member of society for the rest of his life.

He did it, he made it.

So long, Rodney - Rest Easy, Friend.