Welcome Brad and some gratitude. Clean time 9mths, 8 days
I ’m Rick and I’m an addict.
First, I would like to welcome Brad to our family of writers. I met Brad at a meeting and have gotten to know this remarkable young man firsthand. He is an addict but more importantly he is one great guy. The thing I like about Brad is that he has a way to melt your heart when you talk about him. He is open and honest. He is aggressive and sincere. He is loved by so many people in NA but he still hasn’t realized how much yet. Early in his recovery he even started doing service work. When I was down recently, he called and used the very same words to me that I gave him when he was down. Even with that being said, he said it in a way that was “new” to me. If it wasn’t for him, I think I might have used on more than one occassion. You ever meet someone and you just know they are going to be a household name one day? We’ll to me, that’s what I see in Brad. It’s not a matter of “if”; it’s a matter of “when”.
I also wanna give a shout out to a few people to thank them for saving my ass recently. Immi… your one. You always comment on my blog and you always know what to say. I have never met you but I know the people who do know you are real fortunate. You have supported other bloggers on this site too. You are self-less in the the face of an addiction that is full of selfishness. You are one of my hero’s.
Tim, buddy, my little voice of reason. You called me after reading my blog and I tried reeeeal hard to give you excuses why I should use and you laughed at me. Your laughing at me was really laughing at my disease but the person inside knew you we’re offering your love and support. What a great dad you must be. When I was at the edge, you knew to call and save me. I didn’t feel like I was worth it. You felt otherwise. You rock brother and I am so lucky to have someone like you in my life.
Todd…. dude another one. Yah, you are strange. Yah, you are bent. Yah, you have also found a place in my heart because again, you listened and you gave me a reason not to use. I didn’t reach out to you, but you did to me. Although we only see each other now rarely, there is never a time at a meeting that I don’t wish you we’re there so we can laugh and bond. Wow I am lucky to have you as a friend.
To my blogging buddies Logan and Frank. Don’t leave. Post again. Frank, were are you dude? Miss your honest posts. Logan… I had someone read your prayer blog and they told me it touched their heart just when they needed it the most. You guys have a big impact on others lives. I appreciate you.
Patrick. Patrick. Patrick. Our friendship grows daily. We are now in BUSINESS together and we have shared some very private things that no-one will ever know but us. You have given me hope and strenght when I doubted everything. In time you will have more impact on people’s lives than I could ever dream of and your courage and laughter in the face of confusion places you solidly into my life. I see so much of me in you.
Finally, although I doubt he will ever read this or even know I said this… to Mike my sponsor. When I first started with you I thought you were not the right sponsor for me (see prior posts) but now I knew my disease just wanted to fight me and ruin the good people in my life. You are the reason why I have made it with your honesty. You save so many lives but will you ever know and be recognized for this? I love you and I am a better person because of you.
In the golden chain of recovery, each of these people, and a few people not mentioned here but you know who you are, are reconstructing Rick. This chain, forged by pain and love, is stronger than anything that can pull me down. I will grasp this chain and hold tight. I want to go up in life and you guys, each playing a link in that chain, gives me balance and hope.
Side note, I am going to Van Nuys California on Sunday for business for a few days. I hope to hit up a meeting there. Wish me luck. If I get this account, then life gets better fast.
